Whisky Week Aberdeen returns this week!

Aberdeen’s Whisky Week is back for its second year, and it’s shaping up to be something special. Running from 21-31 August, this city-wide festival transforms 24 of Aberdeen’s finest whisky bars into a proper whisky trail that’ll have you discovering drams you never knew existed.

What I love about this approach is the accessibility – they’ve got whiskies starting at just £3, with every venue guaranteeing at least one pour under a fiver. It’s refreshing to see a festival that welcomes everyone from seasoned malt heads to curious newcomers without breaking the bank.

The standout events caught my eye too. There’s a three-hour guided walking tour on 23 August with Fraser Campbell exploring Aberdeen’s whisky heritage – and knowing the city’s history with illicit distilling, that should be fascinating. Four drams included, naturally. Then on 29 August, Fierce Bar is hosting a whisky and beer pairing featuring some solid expressions: Glenlivet 12 & 15, Aberlour 12 & 16, and Chivas 18, guided by Sam Alexander from Chivas Brothers.

Aberdeen Whisky Shop is running an intriguing Mystery Flight challenge throughout the festival – three unknown drams for £9, and if you can identify them from 15 possible options, you’re in for a chance at a £100 voucher. It’s these little touches that show the organisers understand what makes whisky culture tick.

Founder Charlie Bain hits the nail on the head when he talks about making whisky approachable rather than intimidating. At £6 for a 10-day wristband plus guidebook, it’s hard to argue with the value proposition. The festival seems genuinely committed to showcasing Aberdeen’s whisky scene in all its diversity.