Line-up for first Whisky Week revealed as Scottish distilleries descend on Aberdeen

Almost 40 bars and venues across Aberdeen are set to raise a glass to the water of life this September as the inaugural Whisky Week line-up is announced.

Established to celebrate Scotland’s national drink in an area renowned for its distilling history and heritage, the north-east of Scotland will host the first annual event with a stellar line-up of bars and distilleries confirmed.

Whisky Week, which takes place from September 5-15 will see venues and whisky brands from across Scotland partner up to create a whisky distillery walking tour around the city centre at an affordable price point.

Every venue will offer a signature dram for £3 and some will serve additional drinks including specially curated whisky flights, cocktails and more. Participants looking to get in on the action must purchase a wristband from whiskyweek.co.uk to take advantage of the discounts available over the 11-day event.

Designed to encourage more people to try the spirit, the event will see participants design their own walking tours at their leisure, visiting numerous venues along the way. Whether you’re a whisky novice or a connoisseur, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Collaboration highlights include Bartenders Lounge and Glen Garioch which is based locally in Oldmeldrum, CASC and Glenallachie from Aberlour, The Grill and Kingsbarns Distillery from the East Neuk of Fife, and St Machar and Glendronach, which is also another local brand based near Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

A total of 38 establishments have signed up with distilleries from Islay, Perthshire, Speyside, the Highlands, Fife and more all taking part.

Other Aberdeen venues involved include The Tippling House, Grape and Grain, Ninety-Nine Bar and Kitchen, Orchid, The Globe Inn, The Howff, The Old King's Highway and Under the Hammer.

Organised by Gregor Sey and Charlie Bain of Cocktail Events UK, Whisky Week will also be celebrated at the Scottish National Whisky Festival which arrives at Aberdeen’s Music Hall on September 14.

Other events taking place throughout feature a Doughnuts and Drams event by Aberdeen’s Dough & Co. and Rassay Distillery on September 11 where three doughnuts will be paired with three drams, and on September 12 a secret supper event will be held at an undisclosed venue.

Gregor said: “Whisky Week is not exclusively for whisky enthusiasts, it’s also for people like me who enjoy it whether neat, mixed or in a cocktail and are looking for an excuse to explore the city. Charlie and I are out to create an event that is accessible to the next generation of whisky fans as well as providing an experience even the most seasoned enthusiasts will enjoy.”

Whisky Week has also partnered with independent stores across the north-east to act as a collection point for orders. They include Aberdeen Whisky Shop, CASC Bottle Shop, Inveruire Whisky Shop, Whisky Bothy in Stonehaven and Barrels and Botanicals in Turriff.

Wristbands will be priced from £9.50 per person and can be used throughout the 11-day event.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit whiskyweek.co.uk