As Whisky Galore’s Dramfest concludes, we reflect on a celebration of people and spirit from Michael, Siona and Seonaid.
“It appears that DramFest found another gear this year, I'm wondering if we apply the same level of consideration and planning whether we can get the DramRover to do the same? What a privilege it is that whisky lovers from within our shores and further afield can create the demand for such an event here in New Zealand. The support for DramFest has grown to such a degree that it has become somewhat of a beast. There's nothing better than knowing that everyone at DramFest shares the love for the amber liquid that we are so fond of ourselves. I know that I am not the only one in our team who feeds off the buzz and energy, it not only gets us through the weekend, but fuels our passion to keep giving whisky lovers the goods they deserve now and into the future .
Many, many thanks to everyone involved near and far. Let's keep the first class drams coming while we look forward to another great knees up at Te Pae in 2027.”
Siona.
As the dust settles on DramFest 2025, a lot of numbers start to fly at us from all different directions - stats, sales, invoices, reports, surveys. Not to be sniffed at, there’s definitely a few interesting ones in there:
100 – the number of different spirit brands represented at the event
2,800 – the number of hot food units (including pies, sausage rolls, BBQ rolls and loaded potatoes) that Te Pae sold over the 3 days
37 – the number of official DramFest and periphery tastings hosted over 4 days
11- the number of NZ brands represented at the festival
3,500 – the (conservative!) number of how many glasses were cleaned and polished over the course of the long weekend
21 – the number of overseas industry experts in attendance
470 – the number of points the winning ‘nosers’ racked up (well done team!)
16 – the number of DramTrail partner venues
70 – the number of Te Pae staff employed to the event, including front of house, chefs, operations, AV techs, security, and cleaners
259 – the collective age of our Collector’s Corner whiskies
405 – the number of whisky and rums available to sample at the event
"It’s easy to become clouded by the numbers when your organisng an event of this scale, but for us DramFest has, and always will be, about the people. The rich tapestry of exhibitors, overseas guests, volunteers, and most importantly you, our whisky attendees is nothing short of a joy to behold. People from all walks of life, different countries (in some cases different continents), different tastes - all coming together to celebrate something that is more than the drams on show, it is the collective camaraderie found in spirits shared. Whisky family and friends old and new, we raise a glass to you and say thank you for making DramFest all that it is!"
Seonaid.
“As always DramFest disappears in a blur of activity for me, what a blast though, whisky seems to bring out the very best in folk, I can’t imagine a better line of drams, experts, volunteers, imbibers and presenters in any other industry, long may the craic of DramFest continue, thank you one and all, we might even do it again!”
Michael.