Show us your whisky! Vol 2
Discussion
Thunderhead said:
Changing the subject slightly, and not trying to hijack the thread too much, but has anyone done a distillery tour they can recommend? I'm in Kent but happy to travel, was thinking glengoyne's tour may be worthwhile but wanted to find out if there are any others worth considering, especially if they are slightly more local.
Not at all local but Springbank is excellent as their production process is fairly traditional and they do absolutely everything on site. Mr Trophy said:
Course!
I got £840 for two bottles. Paid £184 for the two
Oof! I got £840 for two bottles. Paid £184 for the two
I'd say that's a result!I do wonder who's buying these bottles at massively over inflated prices just to be one of the first. They're now rolling out to all airports, and already changing hands on FB for 200 euros. The same happens with all Mac releases, I sold my EE for £1700 as you might remember, they're down to £1000 at auction now. Timing is everything!
Thunderhead said:
Changing the subject slightly, and not trying to hijack the thread too much, but has anyone done a distillery tour they can recommend? I'm in Kent but happy to travel, was thinking glengoyne's tour may be worthwhile but wanted to find out if there are any others worth considering, especially if they are slightly more local.
Glengoyne was the first distillery that I visited, so I have a soft spot for it (and the whisky), it's well worth visiting, and is one of the more southerly ones. It's only about 35 miles from Glasgow, so another in that region would be Auchentoshan. Would you be flying up?I've never visited any Islay distilleries, so can't comment on those, but I've been to a few Speysides - Aberlour, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, Cragganmore, Glendronach (technically a Highland, but in that neck of the woods), Macallan (meh...). Again, if you're flying, they're a similar distance from Aberdeen or Inverness. I'm told Balvenie is the best distillery to visit, but that's next on my list so can't comment yet. It's right next door to Glenfiddich too.
LeighW said:
Glengoyne was the first distillery that I visited, so I have a soft spot for it (and the whisky), it's well worth visiting, and is one of the more southerly ones. It's only about 35 miles from Glasgow, so another in that region would be Auchentoshan. Would you be flying up?
I've never visited any Islay distilleries, so can't comment on those, but I've been to a few Speysides - Aberlour, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, Cragganmore, Glendronach (technically a Highland, but in that neck of the woods), Macallan (meh...). Again, if you're flying, they're a similar distance from Aberdeen or Inverness. I'm told Balvenie is the best distillery to visit, but that's next on my list so can't comment yet. It's right next door to Glenfiddich too.
I can recommend Oban and Deanston, they're the only ones I have visited though.I've never visited any Islay distilleries, so can't comment on those, but I've been to a few Speysides - Aberlour, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, Cragganmore, Glendronach (technically a Highland, but in that neck of the woods), Macallan (meh...). Again, if you're flying, they're a similar distance from Aberdeen or Inverness. I'm told Balvenie is the best distillery to visit, but that's next on my list so can't comment yet. It's right next door to Glenfiddich too.
LeighW said:
Mr Trophy said:
Course!
I got £840 for two bottles. Paid £184 for the two
Oof! I got £840 for two bottles. Paid £184 for the two
I'd say that's a result!I do wonder who's buying these bottles at massively over inflated prices just to be one of the first. They're now rolling out to all airports, and already changing hands on FB for 200 euros. The same happens with all Mac releases, I sold my EE for £1700 as you might remember, they're down to £1000 at auction now. Timing is everything!
I saw some of the posts on the Macallan FB saying 200 euros and I was looking at the auction and it was sitting at £270 "surely that will not go up" I said to myself. Then both for £420 !
Funnily enough, I was looking at the EE 2018 and saw the prices and thought of you. Done well - was it through the Macallan FB page?
I think some people avoid facebook groups as you have more risk doing a personal transaction with them for stuff not being real. Seen several instances of people saying "person xyz is a massive fraud and took my money". And the question about bottle authenticity - auction houses will be doing at least some check on more expensive stuff I think. Plus of course postage to other countries, quite a few facebook things are EU only for example. It's going to be interesting to see what happens with Brexit - big increase in price if £ gets hit again? Or a big drop if there is a tax issue related to importing bottles to the EU from the UK?
As for distillery visits; done around 30 now and lot are pretty similar, depending more on the person doing the tour that day - and group of people. Can very from whisky nerds asking super detailed questions to tourists who have never had a whisky before but need to visit while in Scotland. Balvenie I have often seen mentioned as best, but normally needs booking around 1/2 a year before going for space! My top 3 are probably:
Ballindalloch (Speyside) - really excellent, you are guided by the team that make the whisky, so they can answer basically any question. We also got to fill a cask and add the yeast which is super cool!
Springbank (Campbeltown) - is good due to seeing the malting floor there, and you also see the bottling which is unusual. Can also do the Cadenheads Warehouse tasting which is great value - 6 or 7 drams straight from the cask and you can buy bottles from any of those casks you want.
Glenallachie (Speyside) - not open to the public officially, you can contact them and arrange a private visit. Guided by the small team so no typical tour guide who has learned a speech. You get to see everything! Also get 4 drams straight from the cask, and to top it off then it's currently free! All 3 also have photos anywhere, several of the big company ones are not allowing pics in most areas, such as Glenglassaugh and Glendronach (although their whisky is great!).
Glengoyne - easy for new people to whisky, as they have a lot of tourists due to location. Have several different tasting options which go up to over 100 quid. Have 2 bottle your own options currently I think (bourbon and sherry)
Deanston - relaxed, but not a pretty distillery. Loads of different whisky versions to choose from in their shop. Offer a special tour with tasting from 3 casks and can buy a 20cl bottle from them if you want.
Auchentoshan - normal tour from memory. Have small bar at end you can try different options, and a distillery exclusive to buy in both 20 and 70cl bottles.
Clydeside (Glasgow) - bit of history on the distillery and it's place in Glasgow. More modern, uses videos etc in parts. More aimed at tourists in general
Glenfiddich I remember was a bit "Hmmmm!" as they keep suggesting they were a kinda small family run business focused on the quality, and implying others were not the same, when in reality they are one of the biggest distilleries in Scotland!
If you drive then you have Annandale which is just across the border. Quite a personal one as not many visitors all the time I guess. New distillery so no old whisky to taste, no bottle your own etc. Also have some archaeology stuff - they basically paid far more money to use the historic buildings to preserve the history than building a new distillery, which is a nice touch.
Not sure about the Borders distillery, but it's also closer to you in England too.
As for distillery visits; done around 30 now and lot are pretty similar, depending more on the person doing the tour that day - and group of people. Can very from whisky nerds asking super detailed questions to tourists who have never had a whisky before but need to visit while in Scotland. Balvenie I have often seen mentioned as best, but normally needs booking around 1/2 a year before going for space! My top 3 are probably:
Ballindalloch (Speyside) - really excellent, you are guided by the team that make the whisky, so they can answer basically any question. We also got to fill a cask and add the yeast which is super cool!
Springbank (Campbeltown) - is good due to seeing the malting floor there, and you also see the bottling which is unusual. Can also do the Cadenheads Warehouse tasting which is great value - 6 or 7 drams straight from the cask and you can buy bottles from any of those casks you want.
Glenallachie (Speyside) - not open to the public officially, you can contact them and arrange a private visit. Guided by the small team so no typical tour guide who has learned a speech. You get to see everything! Also get 4 drams straight from the cask, and to top it off then it's currently free! All 3 also have photos anywhere, several of the big company ones are not allowing pics in most areas, such as Glenglassaugh and Glendronach (although their whisky is great!).
Glengoyne - easy for new people to whisky, as they have a lot of tourists due to location. Have several different tasting options which go up to over 100 quid. Have 2 bottle your own options currently I think (bourbon and sherry)
Deanston - relaxed, but not a pretty distillery. Loads of different whisky versions to choose from in their shop. Offer a special tour with tasting from 3 casks and can buy a 20cl bottle from them if you want.
Auchentoshan - normal tour from memory. Have small bar at end you can try different options, and a distillery exclusive to buy in both 20 and 70cl bottles.
Clydeside (Glasgow) - bit of history on the distillery and it's place in Glasgow. More modern, uses videos etc in parts. More aimed at tourists in general
Glenfiddich I remember was a bit "Hmmmm!" as they keep suggesting they were a kinda small family run business focused on the quality, and implying others were not the same, when in reality they are one of the biggest distilleries in Scotland!
If you drive then you have Annandale which is just across the border. Quite a personal one as not many visitors all the time I guess. New distillery so no old whisky to taste, no bottle your own etc. Also have some archaeology stuff - they basically paid far more money to use the historic buildings to preserve the history than building a new distillery, which is a nice touch.
Not sure about the Borders distillery, but it's also closer to you in England too.
Edited by NRS on Thursday 10th January 18:03
Thunderhead said:
Glengoyne 14 year is my new favourite whiskey!! Superb stuff, but the 14 year is exclusive to M&S and they have no stock, and I'm all out. Gutted.
I emailed Glengoyne directly and asked them about the 12 and 15 year they do to see if they are similar in taste, and they recommended their 18 year, or a 12 year from their sister distillery.
I recon the 18 year will be worth trying, and in the meantime I'll keep an eye on M&S getting any more 14 year in.
Lots in the Aberdeen store. I picked a bottle up so hope it's good! I emailed Glengoyne directly and asked them about the 12 and 15 year they do to see if they are similar in taste, and they recommended their 18 year, or a 12 year from their sister distillery.
I recon the 18 year will be worth trying, and in the meantime I'll keep an eye on M&S getting any more 14 year in.
Edited by Thunderhead on Wednesday 9th January 20:06
Thanks for all of the detailed info for distillery visits, really appreciated, and I will be planning a trip for this Summer.
Flying would be easiest, but a road trip does appeal, will see who I can round up for it and go from there.
Flying would be easiest, but a road trip does appeal, will see who I can round up for it and go from there.
justin220 said:
Lots in the Aberdeen store. I picked a bottle up so hope it's good!
Obviously pallets differ, but for me it's the most enjoyable and easy to drink I've found in this price range as yet, plenty still to try though. Thunderhead said:
Glengoyne 14 year is my new favourite whiskey!! Superb stuff, but the 14 year is exclusive to M&S and they have no stock, and I'm all out. Gutted.
Plenty in M&S Birstall. I was put off at £40 when they have the delightful Glenscotia at £32Glad I bought a bottle on PH recommendation - lovely
|https://thumbsnap.com/jyevG4O1[/url]LeighW said:
My plan for this year (!) is to just buy bottles to open there and then... ...but that's all.
That plan went well, right up until the Diageo Game of Thrones collection popped up on MoM and WE. Refrained from buying all 8, just pre-ordered the Lagavulin. https://www.insider.co.uk/news/game-of-thrones-whi...
LeighW said:
LeighW said:
My plan for this year (!) is to just buy bottles to open there and then... ...but that's all.
That plan went well, right up until the Diageo Game of Thrones collection popped up on MoM and WE. Refrained from buying all 8, just pre-ordered the Lagavulin. https://www.insider.co.uk/news/game-of-thrones-whi...
are you keeping? Have you seen auction prices .... ?Prices will drop once they flood the auctions (which they will of course!), but they have done well up to now.
https://www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com/auctions/131_...
The worst that could happen is that I've spent sixty odd quid on a limited edition Lagavulin. I could always just drink it - imagine that!
Never even thought they would be worth flipping/in such demand! Market has gone crazy!
Has anyone visited Lakes Distillery/ Borders Distillery? Thinking about doing 1 or both at end of January when over for a long weekend. Will try and avoid too much new whisky, but flying out of Edinburgh so will probably drop by Cadenheads shop, which will likely not be cheap,
NRS said:
Never even thought they would be worth flipping/in such demand! Market has gone crazy!
Has anyone visited Lakes Distillery/ Borders Distillery? Thinking about doing 1 or both at end of January when over for a long weekend. Will try and avoid too much new whisky, but flying out of Edinburgh so will probably drop by Cadenheads shop, which will likely not be cheap,
Not visited those distilleries, but we go to Keswick quite often, and plan to go to the Lakes one at some point.
Edinburgh eh? Hard for me to resist going into Royal Mile Whiskies when i go there - love that place.
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