Whisky Distillery tours in Scotland
Discussion
I'm off to Scotland for xmas this year as it's where the OH is from, and all her family are there. So whilst up there, i really fancy the idea of going on a Distillery tour and tasting some whisky etc. Are they worth it?
I tried googling, but there seem to be so many options, and there's also mention of a Whisky trail or something?
Has anyone got any recommendations? If i only go to one, which one should that be?
Also don't want to drive for hours on end, i'm staying just outside Aberdeen, so would prefer something close(ish)?
Cheers!
I tried googling, but there seem to be so many options, and there's also mention of a Whisky trail or something?
Has anyone got any recommendations? If i only go to one, which one should that be?
Also don't want to drive for hours on end, i'm staying just outside Aberdeen, so would prefer something close(ish)?
Cheers!
I posted something similar in the Whisky thread last year, prior to a Scottish visit. I was recommended to tour Aberlour, which we did. The tour is FANTASTIC. It's quite a small distillery, but they walk you through the entire process, then at the end there is a fabulous tasting session. You taste all the expressions plus the straight distilled drink prior to conditioning, as well as drams straight from a given cask.
Highly, highly recommended.
Edit: It's in Charlestown just up from Dufftown, and it has a pub called the Mash Tun which is wall to wall whisky, so stay the night and settle in to taste whatever you like!
Highly, highly recommended.
Edit: It's in Charlestown just up from Dufftown, and it has a pub called the Mash Tun which is wall to wall whisky, so stay the night and settle in to taste whatever you like!
Edited by hornetrider on Wednesday 17th October 14:25
nick s said:
I'm off to Scotland for xmas this year as it's where the OH is from, and all her family are there. So whilst up there, i really fancy the idea of going on a Distillery tour and tasting some whisky etc. Are they worth it?
I tried googling, but there seem to be so many options, and there's also mention of a Whisky trail or something?
Has anyone got any recommendations? If i only go to one, which one should that be?
Also don't want to drive for hours on end, i'm staying just outside Aberdeen, so would prefer something close(ish)?
Cheers!
Coming to Scotland? ya can buy the whisky anywhere- get on the roads instead!!I tried googling, but there seem to be so many options, and there's also mention of a Whisky trail or something?
Has anyone got any recommendations? If i only go to one, which one should that be?
Also don't want to drive for hours on end, i'm staying just outside Aberdeen, so would prefer something close(ish)?
Cheers!
The ones up by Aberdeen are "alright", but head more west for serious fun!
320touring said:
nick s said:
I'm off to Scotland for xmas this year as it's where the OH is from, and all her family are there. So whilst up there, i really fancy the idea of going on a Distillery tour and tasting some whisky etc. Are they worth it?
I tried googling, but there seem to be so many options, and there's also mention of a Whisky trail or something?
Has anyone got any recommendations? If i only go to one, which one should that be?
Also don't want to drive for hours on end, i'm staying just outside Aberdeen, so would prefer something close(ish)?
Cheers!
Coming to Scotland? ya can buy the whisky anywhere- get on the roads instead!!I tried googling, but there seem to be so many options, and there's also mention of a Whisky trail or something?
Has anyone got any recommendations? If i only go to one, which one should that be?
Also don't want to drive for hours on end, i'm staying just outside Aberdeen, so would prefer something close(ish)?
Cheers!
The ones up by Aberdeen are "alright", but head more west for serious fun!
king long way from Aberdeen!(Signed) An Ardbeg fan
If you head to Glenfiddich (where the tour is free) I recommend paying to do the Balvenie tour first - its right next door, and they may well show you around Glenfiddich as well in a more detailed fashion. The Balvenie tour has working malting floors, a cooperage etc as well which you dont get in many distilleries.
We have now done nearly all the 'open' distilleries (48 !). There are some big variances in the tours on offer - and with the quality of guides at each distillery. You can still learn new things on each tour once you get past the obligatory 'three ingredient' dialogue.
The first point would be to dounble check opening hours given your planned time to visit. And the best tours are the one's when you are the only one's on tour. The visit can be tailored sometimes to your existing experience.
As Wadeski suggests - paying a bit more can often be worth it. He has mentioned Balvenie, but there is also Aberlour nearby. (And the Cooperage is excellent it its open). But if you wanted to stay nearer to Aberdeen then there are Glendronach and Glengarioch - both of which are above average in their delivery. If you have the driver sorted a tour with a more in depth tasting will hit the right spot.
And I have just remembered to add - as well as ringing to see if the tour is open - ask of there is production happening. Otherwise you will be touring and missing the sights and smells which make the visit. You may have to sacrifice location to visit a distillery which is working over the Xmas break - imo.
The first point would be to dounble check opening hours given your planned time to visit. And the best tours are the one's when you are the only one's on tour. The visit can be tailored sometimes to your existing experience.
As Wadeski suggests - paying a bit more can often be worth it. He has mentioned Balvenie, but there is also Aberlour nearby. (And the Cooperage is excellent it its open). But if you wanted to stay nearer to Aberdeen then there are Glendronach and Glengarioch - both of which are above average in their delivery. If you have the driver sorted a tour with a more in depth tasting will hit the right spot.
And I have just remembered to add - as well as ringing to see if the tour is open - ask of there is production happening. Otherwise you will be touring and missing the sights and smells which make the visit. You may have to sacrifice location to visit a distillery which is working over the Xmas break - imo.
Edited by ClassicMercs on Monday 22 October 08:13
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