We need to let you know about the fabulous country we live in. Scotland!
on 22nd April 2022, after a two year delay, six influential figures in whisky took to the road on a trip that covered some of the most stunning scenery in the world.
Director Karen, Business partner for Fife Whisky Festival and owner of Kask Whisky, Justine Hazlehurst. Annabel Meikle Director of prestigious society Keepers of the Quaich, Nicola Young SMWS Ambassador and one half of Whisky Boys and last but by no means least Karen Walker of Karen Walker UK spirits marketing.
Planning on visiting various distilleries en route the group were escorted by rugby giant and ex police officer now owner of EAC, Grant Wilson. Grant ensured we traveled in style in one of his executive people carrier. With a huge knowledge of Scotland and the areas we covered. Grant was the perfect guide for the group.
First stop heading north was Ben Nevis Distillery an impressive building sat beneath the towering Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. The distillery was founded in 1825 ByJohn McDonald and later passed down to his son. changing hands a couple of times it was then purchased by Japanese Whisky giants Nikka in 1989. Brian the Distillery and Visitor Centre Manager made sure we tasted the wares on our first stop.
Onwards through the most stunning scenery to the beautiful Isle of Skye.
Our next Hebridean distillery was Torabhaig nestled in the countryside next to a ruined castle called Knock Castle. In stunning sunshine the neat distillery buildings had the perfect backdrop of blue sky. Our tour guide Anne gave the group a first class intimate tour and This distillery is owned by Mossburn Distillers based in the Scottish Borders. A vision initially from Sir Ian Noble that owned and wanted to develop what was a run down farm serving the community into a small distillery.
After a 4 year restoration programme this building now is a gorgeous attraction for the Island. The stills and operations are neatly housed and the company choose to train journeyman in their workforce keeping locals employed and trained in distilling.
The tasting room allowed the group to try some wonderful lightly peated Smokey spirit called Allt Gleann (a burn running alongside the buildings) and also pouring was a sneaky sample of the founders reserve dram.
Open now for tours it is highly recommended you book.
From the delightful Torabhaig it was time to catch the ferry from Sconser to the Isle of Raasay.
Not only was the April Sun still shining it was warm and not a midgie in sight. The ferry sailed into the harbour and we will continue our story in part II next week.
