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Welcome to the TB Watson Whisky Festival!
Join us on Saturday 29th November 2025 at Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, for an unforgettable celebration of whisky. With around 40 stands and more than 200 products to explore, the festival offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your whisky journey, you’ll find a welcoming community of enthusiasts and knowledgeable brand ambassadors, all ready to guide you through new flavours and discoveries.
This year’s festival marks the much-anticipated return of our Masterclass Tastings, there will be two masterclasses at the 2025 festival, one hosted by Ian Macleod Distillers and one hosted by Glen Scotia Distillery. The masterclasses are separately ticketed events within the festival and are not included in your regular festival ticket. More information & booking is available further down the page.
General Information
Location: Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries (Click for Google Maps)
Date: Saturday 29th November
Time: 12pm – 4.30pm
On arrival, you will receive a wristband which allows you to sample any of the 200+ products available at the 40~ exhibitor stands. Please drink in moderation and utilise the provided bottles of water available throughout the venue.
On entry, grab your Festival Bag which includes your festival brochure, glass and pen.
A cafeteria is available at the venue, providing snacks and refreshments should you need a break from the sampling.
Our on-site shop will be open throughout the event, stocked with every product that you see on the exhibitor stands. If you plan on purchasing anything, please take advantage of the drop-off point, allowing you to store your purchases and enjoy the rest of the festival hands free.
As the festival draws to a close, there will be a complimentary shuttle bus service starting from 3pm, providing transport back to Dumfries Town Centre.
See below for a full list of this year’s exhibitors.
Masterclass #1
‘A History of Ian Macleod Distillers’
12.45pm – 2.00pm
£35 per person
Presented by: Gordon Dallas
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We’re privileged to welcome Gordon Dallas, Whisky Experiential Ambassador at Ian Macleod Distillers, renowned for his captivating storytelling and infectious passion for whisky.
In this 75-minute masterclass, Gordon will take you on a journey through the history of Ian Macleod Distillers, featuring eight exceptional drams — including the legendary 32-year-old Rosebank, retailing at £1,500 a bottle.
Expect an unforgettable session of stories, flavour, and fun.
Masterclass #2
‘A Deconstruction of Glen Scotia Victoriana’
2.30pm – 3.15pm
£20 per person
Presented by: Gary Mills
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Join Gary Mills, Brand Ambassador & Visitor Experience Manager at Loch Lomond Group, for a fascinating exploration into the DNA of Glen Scotia Victoriana.
This deconstruction tasting features four individual component whiskies, followed by the finished Victoriana itself — a rare insight into how Glen Scotia crafts its signature style.
With only 15 spaces available, this intimate session promises to be both educational and delicious.
The Golden Dram
At the heart of our festival experience is the Golden Dram — a unique incentive that invites attendees to cast their vote for their standout whisky of the day.
Inside each festival brochure, guests will find a Golden Dram entry form where they can nominate their favourite dram from the event.
The exhibitor behind the winning whisky receives an engraved trophy in recognition of their achievement, and the winning product is typically offered at a special reduced price in our shop for a limited period following the festival.
To celebrate our guests’ participation, one Golden Dram entry — selected at random from those who voted for the winning dram — will also win a £30 gift voucher to spend on our online shop.
