The Dowans Hotel

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The Dowans Hotel

Family run boutique Scottish hotel on Speyside overlooking the village of Aberlour and at the heart of the Malt Whisky Trail.
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16/05/2026

Happy World Whisky Day from all of us at the Dowans 🥃

Today we’re raising a dram to the spirit of Speyside, the stories behind every bottle, and the moments shared around a great whisky.

Whether you enjoy it neat, with a drop of water, or in a perfectly crafted cocktail, there’s no better place to celebrate than in the heart of whisky country.

Slàinte from the Dowans team!

28/04/2026

It’s our favourite week of the year!

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival officially begins for us today, and we can’t wait to welcome you all through our doors.

We still have a few spaces remaining at some of our events, so make sure to get booked in now, you won’t want to miss out.

It’s always a special time, catching up with friends old and new over a dram or two.

Here’s to a fantastic week of great whisky, warm hospitality, and unforgettable memories. See you soon!

23/04/2026

We are delighted to welcome internationally respected whisky writer and our inhouse whisky expert, Hans Offringa, back to the Dowans Hotel from Thursday the 30th of April to Monday the 4th of May during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Hans will be with us to launch the updated and revised edition of 'A Field Guide to Whisky'.

Signed copies will be available exclusively at the Dowans for a special festival price of £20 (normally £25).

Limited copies are available, so pop in, enjoy a dram, and secure yours whilst stocks last.

20/04/2026

Three whisky masters. One stage. No script.

Join us at the Dowans Hotel from 7pm on the 30th of April during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, for what is set to be one of the standout events of the week.

Hosted and by Mitch Bechard and Not Another Whisky Podcast, the line up is seriously impressive:

• Brian Kinsman, Malt Master at Glenfiddich Distillery
• Oliver Chilton, Head Blender at Elixir Distillers
• Sarah Burgess, Master of Whisky Creation at International Beverage

Expect standout drams, proper conversation, plenty of laughs, and a rare chance to hear directly from the people shaping what we will all be drinking next.

This is not your typical tasting. It is the one everyone will be talking about.

Do not miss it!

https://tikt.link/threewhiskyblendersw

15/04/2026

Happy 105th day of the year!

To mark the occasion, we’ve teamed up with Glenfarclas Distillery to offer a complimentary dram of their bold 105 Cask Strength whisky.

Pop into either hotel today only, enjoy a dram on us*, and help us raise a glass to a very fitting celebration.

Slàinte

*1 dram per person. T&C's apply.

10/04/2026

No labels. No hints. Just flavour.

Join us at Dowans for Speyside Secrets during Spirit of Speyside, a blind tasting designed to put your palate to the test.

You will be presented with four mystery drams, each revealed only through three carefully chosen clues.

No brands, no preconceptions, just what is in your glass.

This is your chance to challenge what you think you know about Speyside, trust your instincts and enjoy the surprise of the final reveal.

A fun, interactive tasting that is perfect for whisky lovers who enjoy something a little different.

Tickets are limited, so make sure you secure your spot by heading to the Spirit of Speyside website now.

07/04/2026

Hans Offringa: Notes on a Cellar Book

Spend an afternoon at Dowans during Spirit of Speyside with Hans Offringa and Becky, affectionately known as WhiskyDad and WhiskyMum.

Inspired by George Saintsbury’s 1920 book, this tasting brings “liquid notes” to life, drawn from Hans and Becky’s own private cellar and shared alongside the stories behind each bottle.

You will be treated to five exceptionally rare whiskies from their personal collection, a unique opportunity to experience drams that are unlikely to be poured again.

An engaging, story led afternoon with remarkable whisky and true insight behind every glass.

This is one of those events that does not come around often.

Tickets are limited, so make sure you secure your spot by heading to the Spirit of Speyside website now.

06/04/2026

Spring has arrived at Dowans and so has our new April Afternoon Tea.

Our spring themed menu includes:
Mini Roast Dinner with Yorkshire Pudding
Harissa Sausage Roll
Salmon and Dill Quiche
Lemon Scone with Cream and Jam
Raspberry Gin Eclair
Mango Munch Cake
Carrot Cake Cupcake

This special afternoon tea will be available throughout April and will run until the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Booking is recommended. Please call the hotel or book online.

05/04/2026

Easter Sunday in Speyside.
Blue skies, the river running gently, trees waking up for the season and the promise of lighter evenings ahead.

Spring always feels like a fresh start around here. New menus, new drams, new plans and lots to look forward to in the months ahead.

However you are spending your Easter Sunday, we hope it involves good food, good company and maybe a little chocolate.

Happy Easter from all of us at Dowans Hotel and Hotel 1881!

04/04/2026

A true taste of Speyside.

Join us at Dowans for our Venison Dinner during Spirit of Speyside, created in partnership with Glenfarclas.

With venison so closely tied to the surrounding landscape, this menu brings a real sense of place to the table, showcasing the depth and character of this beautiful local ingredient.

Each course is thoughtfully paired with Glenfarclas whiskies, known for their rich, sherried style, enhancing every flavour along the way.

This is an evening designed to be savoured. Seasonal food, perfectly matched drams and a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Ideal for those looking to enjoy something a little more indulgent during the festival.

Tickets are limited, so make sure you secure your spot by heading to the Spirit of Speyside website now.

Address

1-9 Dowans Road
Aberlour
AB389LS

Website

http://www.dowanshotel.com/

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