Distillery and Whisky News Dec '19
Hello fellow whisky enthusiasts to our December edition of Distillery and Whisky News, and an especially warm welcome to those of you who signed up at the Oban and Glasgow whisky festivals.
If you're a planner, then organising a whisky holiday can be an absolute joy. But if the idea of spreadsheets fills you with dread, then our recommendations on bars, shops and accommodation in Scotland – all devoted to whisky – will give you some inspiration. Check out our new Drink, Sleep & Buy Whisky pages now.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and look forward to raising a glass with you all on New Year's Eve - may 2020 be full of joy and whisky for you all!
DISTILLERY OF THE MONTH: WOLFBURN
The most northerly distillery on British mainland
Wolfburn's strapline is 'This is Wolfburn, where fortune favours the brave', and they're not kidding.
Thurso (home to the Wolfburn Distillery) is the most northerly town on the British mainland with records dating back to Viking times, when it was under Norse Orcadian rule and a major gateway to Scandinavia and the Northern Isles.
The area is fringed to the north and east by dramatic coastal scenery and they experience some of the harshest weather across Britain - Thurso Bay and the distillery overlook the turbulent waters of the Pentland Firth towards the cliffs of the Orcadian Island of Hoy.
Wolfburn's whisky however, has a smooth and warming flavour - they use a long fermentation period, following it with gentle distillation, before the spirit is laid down in quality oak casks in their wonderfully dark and cool warehouses.
Find out out more about the Wolfburn Distillery and their tours at DistilleryTours.scot
VENUE OF THE MONTH: GLENMORANGIE HOUSE
Glenmorangie House "This is our home and it is yours too while you are here"
Our first recommendation from our new Drink, Sleep & Buy Whisky section is Glenmorangie House - a short drive from the Glenmorangie Distillery.
Set in the rolling barley fields of Easter Ross, Glenmorangie House is more of a country house than a hotel and has developed an international reputation for Highland hospitality and a welcome retreat to peace and calm.
In addition to real fires, rare drams, walks on the beach, sumptuous dining and unforgettable Highland hospitality, the team at Glenmorangie House offer Whisky Tasting Weekends.
The weekends include:
- A two-night stay at Glenmorangie House
- A tour of the Glenmorangie Distillery
- The opportunity to sample blends and malts from our range of whiskies
- Expert guidance on how to taste whisky
We can’t think of anything better than a whole weekend dedicated to drams, and whatever level of whisky enthusiast you are, you're bound to leave with some new favourites.
Find out more about Glenmorangie House at DistilleryTours.scot
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SOUTHERN ISLAY
The American Monument stands on a 429 feet high cliff on the Oa Peninsula
Our Southern Islay Tour visits the Kilchoman, Bruichladdich, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg Distilleries over six days and, with scenery as stunning as Islay’s, you’ll want to relax and take your time. As well as the distilleries, we recommend:
- Islay House Square Islay House Square includes the Islay Ales Brewery which is a “refreshing change from whisky” (what?!), MA MacKinnons Marmalade shop (we’re fans) and the beautiful Islay Quilters shop, which runs practical workshops and exhibitions.
- Feis Ile - The Islay Festival of Music and Malt Feis Ile is arranged by Islay's distilleries, with a day dedicated to each distillery. This includes tastings, masterclasses, cooperage demonstrations, ceilidhs, storytelling, traditional live music, fantastic food and, of course, lots and lots of whisky!
- RSPB Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve The Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve has an extraordinary range of Hebridean birds and wildlife to view, including thousands of white-fronted and barnacle geese from Greenland in autumn, as well as guided walks in summer.
- American Monument A tribute to the loss of two troop ships in 1918, the American Monument (pictured) was erected in 1920 by the Red Cross, and is so remote it must have been an incredible effort to erect in this location – testament to its importance and poignancy.
Check out full details of our Southern Islay Tour and other tours, including accommodation tips, on our Plan Your Trip pages.