
Slainte to Aberdeen Whisky Week organisers, Charlie Bain and Gregor Sey. Image - Courtesy of Aberdeen Whisky Week.
Aberdeen Inspired says slainte to the return of Whisky Week in the Granite City, starting this Thursday (August 21).
Running for 10 days, until August 31, the city-wide festival will see 24 venues pouring exclusive drams, running special menus and offering whisky lovers - and the whisky-curious - the chance to explore Aberdeen through its best whiskies.
With whiskies starting from just £3 and every venue offering at least one nip priced at £5 or less, dram-fans can build their own whisky trail across Aberdeen during Whisky Week.
This is the second year of Aberdeen Whisky Week, organised by Gregor Sey and Charlie Bain of Cocktail Events UK, and its return was warmly welcomed by Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired.
“Aberdeen is the natural home of Scotland’s national drink, sitting as it does at the gateway to some of our nation’s finest distilleries, including those in the world-famous Speyside whisky region,” he said.
“So, it is only fitting to have this special 10-day celebration of whisky in the heart of the Granite City, attracting people into the city centre to discover not only delightful drams and outstanding bars, but also the many other attractions Aberdeen has to offer.
“And with Aberdeen Whisky Week ending just as Aberdeen Inspired’s own Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks begins on September 1, this dram fine festival is the perfect aperitif for our Foodie Fortnight.”

The Globe Inn is part of Aberdeen Whisky Week. Image - Courtesy of Aberdeen Whisky Week
Aberdeen Whisky Week founder Charlie Bain said: “Whisky Week is about showing that whisky isn’t something to be intimidated by. It’s a chance to discover new whiskies, explore Aberdeen’s best whisky bars, and enjoy the city in a completely different way. From rare whiskies to everyday pours, there’s something here for everyone.”
The bars taking part in Whisky Week are: The Adam Lounge, The Albyn, Bartenders Lounge, Butchers Arms, The Craftsman, Dusk Cocktail Bar, The Ferryhill, The Firepit by Smoke & Soul, Fierce Bar, Freedom An’ Whisky, The Globe, The Grill, Malmaison, Monty’s Wine Shop and Bar, No.10 Bar & Restaurant, O’Mally’s Irish Bar & Kitchen, The Spiritualist, The Stag, Soul Bar, St Machar Bar, The Tipping House, The Wig and Whisky Situation.
A selection of ticketed sub-events includes the chance to explore Aberdeen’s distilling past on Saturday, August 23, with a three-hour guided walking tour uncovering the city’s (mostly illicit) whisky history. Along the way, participants will enjoy four drams, led by whisky expert Fraser Campbell.

Edradour is one of the drams pouring for Aberdeen Whisky Week at The Globe. Image - Courtesy of Aberdeen Whisky Week
And on Friday August 29, Fierce Bar will host a Whisky & Beer Pairing. Guests will enjoy five whiskies - The Glenlivet 12 & 15, Aberlour 12 & 16, and Chivas Regal 18 - matched with five Fierce beers, guided by Sam Alexander of Chivas Brothers.
Meanwhile, at the Aberdeen Whisky Shop, one of the three official wristband collection points, a special three-dram Mystery Flight will be available throughout the 10 days (£9 per flight). The challenge is to identify all three drams correctly from 15 possible options, with successful entries going into a prize draw to win a £100 shop voucher.
Tickets are on sale now from just £6. Each wristband is valid for the full 10 days and comes with a festival guidebook - packed with the full line-up, space for tasting notes, and background information on every distillery being showcased.
For more information and to grab your wristband, visit whiskyweek.co.uk/aberdeen.
For more information on Aberdeen Inspired’s Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks visit aberdeenrestaurantweek.com