I will have a couple of days to play in Scotland this spring. I’m interested in visiting a few whisky distilleries. I notice that it will take the better part of a day to get to many of them, and so I’d like your opinion: If I’m not a big drinker, and not appreciative of the subtleties of one single malt scotch versus another, is visiting distant distilleries an interesting way to spend the day, or will the distilleries nearer to Edinburgh be a sufficiently pleasant experience (as well as leaving me time for other activities)?
Also, is there a limit on the milliliters of alcohol that can be taken across the Scottish/English border?
I have never visited a distillery so I don’t how much fun they are, but any trip that takes you to the Highland region is a day well spent in itself.
There are absolutly no border restrictions between England and Scotland. If you keep your eyes open you will see a ‘Welcome To Scotland/England’ sign, that’s about it.
If you’re in Speyside, I’ve heard good thing about the the Glenfiddich tour. Apparently its like a guided museum tour. http://www.glenfiddich.com/home.html
Do you have a favorite malt? Do you know the difference between an Islay and a Speyside malt by taste?
If neither of those questions is of much importance to you, then sticking near Edinburgh will be your best bet, the Glenfiddich tour sounds good.
That said, the adventure of getting to an out of the way distillery (like Talisker on Skye, my personal favorite) can be as much fun as the distillery tour itself.
If you are looking to gain an appreciation for different malts, get hold of a good book (Michael Jackson writes some excellent guides), and a well stocked bar.
Slanche, Bippy
I went on the Glenlivet distillery tour- not super exciting. You see the fermentors, the stills and the bonded aging warehouses, while they’re explaining the whisky making process. At the end, they give you a free sample (called a dram).
If you’ve got the opportunity to go to the Highlands for any reason - whisky related or not - GO.
Why, if you’re not a drinker, do you seem to be planning this excursion around distilleries? I am a fan of single-malt whisky, and was fairly bored by the distillery tour I went on…
Go for the scenery and the history. Visit Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness (get there early in the morning to avoid the busloads of tourists). Go to Glencoe and be awed by the beauty of the place. Visit Loch Lomond. Fer cryin’ out loud, it’s the Scottish Highlands - don’t limit yourself to a distillery tour!
Thanks for the info. ** Kilt-wearin’ man,** I didn’t say I didn’t drink, I said I wasn’t a big drinker–I don’t need to go to 10 distilleries, collecting drams as I go. My partner doesn’t drink whisky at all, so I want to plan my distillery visit in order to leave time for precisely the activities you itemize–I have no intention of limiting myself to a distillery tour!
Good to hear, Shoshona! Pity you have only a couple of days. My wife and I had two weeks in Scotland last year, and we’re hoping to go back soon to go to some of the places we missed out on…
It looks gorgeous. We’re looking forward to it, and already talking about returning for a longer trip, with time to walk long distances and visit the isles.
