| Graphics Version
- There are nearly as many Scotch Whisky distilleries in
Scotland as Scottish Castles. You can easily create a lively discussion by declaring which
is best, but certainly many of the most famous malts are created in the Banffshire
Highlands. Here are those we most often sample and, don't miss our private whisky nosing!
Glenfarchlas
Glenfiddich
The Glenlivet
Tomintoul
As well, here's a link to "The
Glenturret". Scotland’s oldest malt whisky distillery which
has now been transformed into a prime tourist attraction and conference centre. The
Glenturret website is multi-media enhanced and certainly worth a visit!
-
- Glenfarchlas
-
- One of the few independently owned distilleries left in the Highlands, founded in1836,
and owned since by 5 generations of the Grant family. Glenfarchlas 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".
Glenfarchlas 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.
Distilleries
Top
Glenfiddich
- Glenfiddich was founded in 1887 by William Grant (no direct relation to the Grants of
Glenfarchlas) 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.
Distilleries
Top
The Glenlivet
- 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."
Distilleries
Top
Tomintoul Distillery
- 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.
Distilleries
Top
-
- If information about a distillery of interest to you is missing, please feel free to let me know.
-
- Haste Ye Back!
-
- Ealasaid
|