Sorry to be that person, but it won’t be long before we’re raising a dram of whisky, singing Auld Lang Syne, and toasting in the new year. Yep, 2025 is right around the corner, and as whisky lovers, it’s time to get organised! 

I love a good festival. Whether it’s a trudge around a gloomy Christmas market, or, eating my way through endless samples at a food festival, there’s plenty to be getting on with here in the UK. Without question, though, my favourite kind of festival is a whisky festival. Seriously, how could it not be? 

2025 is looking to be a big year for the whisky industry, and with plenty of whisky festivals to look forward to, it’s easy to see why that is. But what are some of the upcoming events in the whisky community that have us here at Great Drams especially excited? 

Here’s a look at several whisky festivals to look forward to in 2025. 

Harrow Whisky Festival 2025 – 10^th Jan – 11^th Jan 2025

This festival is one I’m particularly excited about because it’s one of the first festivals of the year. 

Harrow is one of the most gorgeous parts of the UK, at any time of the year. In winter, it’s especially wonderful as you can beat the summer tourist crowds, and still enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, let alone the UK. 

Taking place at Grim’s Dyke Hotel, Old Redding, on the 10^th and 11^th of Jan, it’s the perfect festival for those looking to learn more about whisky, as well as seasoned whisky aficionados looking for another dram for their collection.

Complete with more than 100 distilleries being represented, from all over the globe, there’s whisky, gin, rum, and other spirits available here. Once you arrive, you’ll be loaned a tasting glass. Next, simply make your way over to any of the exhibitors, and they’ll be happy to tell you about the whisky they’re offering, and offer you a wee dram to taste. Most of the whiskies and other spirits you sample will also be available to purchase. 

Scottish National Whisky Festival: Glasgow Edition – 25^th Jan 2025

For those who truly appreciate a fine Scotch, this is one of the most important whisky festivals in the calendar. 

With live music, delicious food and snacks, and hundreds of amazing whiskies, this isn’t just a whisky festival, it’s a cultural celebration of the gorgeousness that is Scotland. 

With dozens of exhibitors showcasing a variety of whiskies, there’s a whisky out there everybody. Whether you’re after a smoky Islay heavy on the peat, or a smooth and fruity Speyside, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.

From, award-winning independent bottlers, to hugely established distilleries and industry giants, there’s tastings, seminars, masterclasses, and plenty more besides. This one is not to be missed. 

Spirit of Speyside 2025 – 30^th April – 5^th May 2025

Up next, we have a treat for anybody partial to a dram or two from Speyside, in the form of the Spirit of Speyside Festival. 

This is one of the largest whisky festivals in the world. Taking place at the end of April into the start of May, it is made up of literally hundreds of different events held by their members and partners and is also comprised of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky School and Whisky Awards. 

Lucky visitors are invited to meet distillers from across the globe, where they get to sample their wares and learn all about how they’re produced. There’s live music, tastings, masterclasses, seminars, tours, food and drink, and so much more besides. 

Obviously if you prefer a Speyside, this festival is a no-brainer, but even if you prefer whisky from different regions, or even different countries, you’ll still be blown away by what’s on offer here. 

The Whisky Event 2025 – 18^th May 2025

Finally, taking you nicely into the early stages of summer, and taking place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, this prestigious event will highlight a diverse array of whiskies from across the globe, from some of the biggest names in the biz. 

Just a few of the names you can expect from the lineup this year include The Dalmore, Speyburn, The Glendronach, Johnnie Walker, Talisker, Ardbeg, Jameson, and so many more besides. 

With more than 600 whiskies to taste, it’s a literal dream come true for any whisky lovers out there. There’s a lavish buffet, food pairings, whisky cocktails, master classes, expert tips and advice, and so much more. 

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, keep tabs on more upcoming whisky festivals later in the year, or simply treat yourself to a wee dram or two at the same time, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at what we have to offer. 

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for all you whisky lovers out there.