Glenfarclas

One of the few independently owned distilleries left in the Highlands, founded in1836, and owned since by 5 generations of the Grant family. Glenfarclas produces a classic malt aged from 10 to 30 years and in strengths from 40% to 60%.

Not as popular with the casual taster, but the brochure notes that a professional taster recently said that "it goes down singing hymns". Although the 60% strength might be a bit vigorous, I won't argue with a professional. Carol P. Shaw says ("Classic Malts", Harper Collins):  "a rich, sherry bouquet, a well-rounded, fruity body and a delicious, mellow finish".

Glenfarclas is a bit off the beaten track, but still manages to attract tens of thousands of visitors each year. A lovely tour and obvious, justified, family pride.

Distillery Index

Glenfiddich was founded in 1887 by William Grant (no direct relation to the Grants of Glenfarclas) and produces perhaps the most internationally famous single malt whisky. Glenfiddich is the only Highland malt to be distilled, aged and bottled on-premises.

The international popularity of Glenfiddich reflects the wide appeal of its taste. Carol P. Shaw says ("Classic Malts", HarperCollins): "light, peaty aroma with a smooth, counter-balancing sweetness".

The tour is top notch, with a short film on the history of Scotch Whisky and its Highland heritage, and tours of the mash house, the Tun Room (fermentation), the Stillhouse (just what it says), the warehouse (ageing) and the bottling hall.

Distillery Index

As long as two hundred years ago, the Glen of Livet was home to smugglers who produced such marvellous whisky from the waters of the glen, that aristocrats and Royalty clamoured for their illicit product.

When George Smith founded his distillery in the glen, its legality and popularity so incensed his competition that he was forced to carry revolvers for his own protection.

The Glenlivet tour will give you a wonderful insight into the role whisky played in the lives of the Scots people of the area for so many years. To quote Robert Burns, "Freedom and whisky gang the gither".

Of The Glenlivet Carol P. Shaw says ("Classic Malts", HarperCollins): "a subtly balanced malt. Its light, delicate bouquet has traces of fruit, and floral notes, while the complex flavours are delicately balanced between a medium sweetness and smooth dryness".

I say, "yes, please."

Distillery Index

Tomintoul Distillery is quite different from the others we visit. By Highland standards, Tomintoul is quite new, built in 1964. Although not generally open to "tours", my groups are normally welcome, and the treatment is much more personalised than at the larger, albeit more historied, distilleries.

Tomintoul's knowledgeable manager, Robert Fleming, is a gracious guide as well. We generally get a chance to meet the staff, tour the distillery of course, and for those interested, learn a little more about the fine arts of making and tasting Scotch Whisky.

And, the distillery's product is not at all second rate. Carol P. Shaw says ("Classic Malts", HarperCollins): "a light, delicate whisky with a fine balance of sweet and oaky flavours in the Glenlivet style, leading to a nicely smooth finish".

And, with such a warm welcome and friendly staff, a nice start to our Distillery Tours.

Distillery Index