Upcoming events
Dawn Drams in Dufftown
Explore three carefully selected drams showcasing distinctive flavours found in great 'breakfast whiskies' - honey, vanilla, porridge oats, and gentle warming spices. Each whisky is paired with artisanal breakfast bites designed to complement these morning notes, finishing with a signature breakfast cocktail featuring a fourth whisky specially designed for this event.
This tasting takes a unique approach to whisky appreciation and encourages personal discovery rather than hunting for "correct" tasting notes.
Set in Beinn Coffee & Books' intimate, book-lined space filled with whisky and Speyside history volumes, this relaxed tasting creates the perfect environment for discovery and conversation. With just 8 guests, enjoy genuine discussion about each dram without the usual rush of larger tastings.
Whether you're an experienced whisky enthusiast or curious newcomer, this approach offers something genuinely different from traditional festival events.
Terms & Conditions (Full details at www.spiritofspeyside.com)
Refund Policy: Request must be received 7 days before event.
Getting here: By Car: Beinn Coffee & Books is on Balvenie Street, Dufftown, directly opposite Glenfiddich Distillery visitor centre. Street parking available nearby, or public car park behind Tourist Information Centre (2-minute walk).
By Bus: Stagecoach bus 10 serves Dufftown from Elgin and Keith. Alight at Dufftown town centre, 3-minute walk to venue.
By Taxi: Essential if travelling from outside Dufftown without own transport. Pre-book through accommodation or local firms: ACE Taxis Fochabers or A2B Cabs Elgin.
Address: 6 Balvenie Street, Dufftown, Moray AB55 4BB
What3Words: ///camps.dressing.tribal
Steep & Sip: A Whisky Tea Pairing
Five whiskies. Five premium teas. Five canapés that connect them.
This afternoon session at The Dowans Hotel pairs whisky with tea in ways you probably haven't considered. Each pairing explores shared flavour territory, moving from delicate and elegant through floral and complex to bold and smoky. Each pairing something new and unexpected.
The approach is sensory-focused rather than technical. Instead of hunting for predetermined notes, you'll explore what your own palate tells you. Led by Samantha Staniforth (IBD Certificate in Distilling, Edinburgh Whisky Academy Diploma), who experiences synaesthesia when tasting, this isn't your standard whisky education session. Expect questions like "what memories does this bring to mind?" instead of "can you detect the vanilla?"
Two hours, 18 guests maximum, at a Victorian hotel overlooking the Spey Valley. Everything included: whisky, tea, food, knowledge, and probably some opinions about which pairing works best.
Terms & Conditions (Full details available at www.spiritofspeyside.com)
Refund Policy:
Request must be received 7 days before event.
Getting here:
By Car:
The Dowans Hotel sits on Dowans Road, a 15-minute walk uphill from Aberlour village centre. If you're driving, follow signs for Aberlour from the A95. Once in the village, look for Dowans Road heading uphill towards the hotel. Free parking available on site.
The hotel is set high above the Spey Valley with views overlooking the river, so you'll know you're in the right place when you start gaining elevation from the village.
From Aberlour Village:
Walking from the village centre takes about 15 minutes and involves a pleasant uphill walk. The route is straightforward: head to Dowans Road and follow it up to the hotel entrance.
Nearby Landmarks:
The hotel is approximately:
8-minute walk from Aberlour Distillery
15-minute walk from Aberlour village centre and local shops
10-minute drive from Craigellachie
30-minute drive from around 50 different distilleries (if you're planning your festival itinerary)
Address for Sat Nav:
The Dowans Hotel, Dowans Road, Aberlour, AB38 9LS
Or use What3Words: cargo.hack.fleet
Public Transport:
Aberlour is accessible by bus from Elgin and surrounding areas. The nearest train station is Keith (17 miles away) or Elgin (14 miles away). Taxis are available from both stations, though booking in advance during festival dates is recommended.
Important Note:
The Dowans is a family-run hotel, so if you're arriving before or after the event and need accommodation, book directly with them. During Spirit of Speyside Festival, everything in the area gets busy, so early booking is essential.
Galentine’s gin tasting experience at Beinn Coffee & Books - Cullen
ABOUT GALENTINE’S GIN TASTING AT Beinn Coffee & Books - Cullen
Galentine's Gin Experience: A Sensory Journey Friday 13th February 2026, 6:00 PM - Beinn Coffee & Books, Cullen
Celebrate friendship with fellow brilliant women over gin and genuine conversation. Join Samantha Staniforth for an intimate 90-minute experience exploring how different gins create entirely different sensory worlds.
What Makes This Different: Using the unique perspective of synaesthesia (where taste and smell trigger vivid colours and scenes), you'll discover three distinctive gin styles before creating your own signature cocktail. This isn't about memorising botanical lists – it's about discovering what you actually like, not what you think you should.
Your Evening Includes:
Three premium gins chosen for their distinct character profiles
Creative cocktail workshop with quality mixers and fresh garnishes
Professional tasting materials and notes
Light nibbles perfectly matched to gin
Small group setting (max 12 guests) for proper conversation
The cosy, intimate atmosphere of Beinn's beautiful Cullen location
Perfect For: Women who want to celebrate friendship properly. Gin lovers, gin curious, or anyone who fancies discovering quality spirits in brilliant company. No previous experience required - just an open mind and willingness to try something new.
Location: Beinn Coffee & Books, 10 Seafield St, Cullen AB56 4SG
Duration: 90 minutes
Price: £35 per person
Age Restriction: 18+ only (ID required)
Limited to 12 guests for an intimate, personalised experience
Terms & conditions for Sensory Whisky Tasting at Beinn Cullen
Booking & Payment:
Full payment required at time of booking
Tickets are non-transferable
Valid ID required (18+ event)
Cancellation Policy:
Customer cancellations: Full refund if cancelled 48+ hours before event. No refund for cancellations within 48 hours of event start time.
Event cancellation: If we need to cancel due to circumstances beyond our control, we'll offer a full refund or reschedule to a mutually convenient date.
At the Event:
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated upon arrival
Please inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements at time of booking
No outside alcohol permitted
Photography may be taken for social media purposes - please advise if you prefer not to be included
Health & Safety:
Venue has limited accessibility due to space constraints
Please drink responsibly and arrange safe transport home
If you feel unwell on the day, please stay home and contact us to discuss rescheduling
Contact: samantha@vantagecreativescot.co.uk
Festive Whisky Tasting at Beinn
About Sensory Whisky Tasting at Beinn
Festive Flavours: A Sensory Whisky Experience Thursday 19th December 2025, 6:30 PM - Beinn Coffee, Dufftown
Discover whisky through a completely different lens this Christmas. Join synaesthetic whisky expert Samantha Staniforth for an intimate 90-minute journey exploring how taste, smell, and colour intertwine in whiskies.
What Makes This Different: Using the unique perspective of synaesthesia (where taste and smell trigger vivid colours), you'll explore four carefully selected whiskies alongside festive treats. This isn't about memorising tasting notes – it's about discovering what your own senses are telling you.
Your Evening Includes:
Four premium whiskies guided by sensory science
Festive food pairings designed to enhance, not overwhelm
Take-home Glencairn glass
Professional tasting materials and notes
Small group setting (max 12 guests) for personalised attention
Perfect For: Whisky curious beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. No previous experience required - just an open mind and curious palate.
Location: Beinn Coffee, 6 Balvenie St, Dufftown, Keith AB55 4AB Duration: 90 minutes Price: £45 per person Age Restriction: 18+ only (ID required)
Limited to 12 guests for an intimate, personalised experience
Terms & conditions for Sensory Whisky Tasting at Beinn
Booking & Payment:
Full payment required at time of booking
Tickets are non-transferable
Valid ID required (18+ event)
Cancellation Policy:
Customer cancellations: Full refund if cancelled 48+ hours before event. No refund for cancellations within 48 hours of event start time.
Event cancellation: If we need to cancel due to circumstances beyond our control, we'll offer a full refund or reschedule to a mutually convenient date.
At the Event:
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated upon arrival
Please inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements at time of booking
No outside alcohol permitted
Photography may be taken for social media purposes - please advise if you prefer not to be included
Health & Safety:
Venue has limited accessibility due to space constraints
Please drink responsibly and arrange safe transport home
If you feel unwell on the day, please stay home and contact us to discuss rescheduling
Contact: samantha@vantagecreativescot.co.uk