Distillery and Whisky News April 2022 - Dalwhinnie
Hello whisky lovers, and welcome to our April edition of Distillery and Whisky News. The clocks have sprung forward and that can mean only one thing - the lighter nights and brighter days of spring are well and truly upon us!
Easter is just round the corner so make sure the Bunny knows to bring you a gourmet chocolate egg to pair with your favourite whisky.
I don't know about you, but I am planning a couple of days away over the Easter break and plans are afoot for a trip 'up north' to the Aberdeen area. I am imagining fresh easterly winds, long sandy beaches and of course a visit to as many distilleries as I can fit in!
I will be using Distillery Tours' East Speyside Tour for inspiration and guidance and with distilleries such as GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh both in the area - I am sure I won't be disappointed.
DistilleryTours Podcast - GlenAllachie
This month we spoke to one of the most well-known figures in Scotch whisky - Billy Walker of Speyside's GlenAllachie Distillery.
Billy tells us about his 50 years working in Scotch whisky, explaining what drew him to buy GlenAllachie in 2017 and how he has sought to fulfil the potential he saw in the distillery’s spirit. But it’s not all about single malt, Billy also discusses blending an unlikely sideline into rum and how Scotch whisky has changed over the past five decades.
Thanks to CalMac for sponsoring the podcast - if you're visiting the islands this year check out calmac.co.uk for travel information and tourist inspiration.
Date with a Dram: Ardbeg
This month's competition is with the Ardbeg Distillery, to win a bottle of their Arrrrrrrdbeg single malt, made to commemorate the retiral of distillery manager Mickey Heads in 2020.
Wholly matured in ex-rye casks, timber smoked banana and pear drift into vanilla and rye on the nose. A spicy mouthfeel hoists up and ignites a blunderbuss of fruity flavours. An armada of aniseed is tailed by smoked toffee and a distant hint of sourdough biscuits. The long finish lingers, with gentle smoke listing on the palate.
It sounds delicious and we have it on good authority that there are very few bottles left! So if you would like the chance to try this special offering from Ardbeg, you know what to do...
Competition Time!
Want to be in with a chance to win a bottle of Arrrrrrrbeg single malt? Simply follow DistilleryTours.scot on Facebook and share our 'Date with a Dram' post dated 1 April. The lucky winner will be chosen at random and announced in our May newsletter!
And congratulations to Chris O'Connor from Glasgow who won last month's competition of a bottle of Caol Ila's 24 year old 175th Anniversary single malt - enjoy, Chris!
You must be 18 years old or over to enter. Please note, will never approach you for your credit card details or personal information, send you friend requests or ask you to click on a link. Please stay safe online.
DistilleryTours Shop - Scotland Is Whisky Country Hoodie
These striking unisex hoodies are made from organic cotton and come in a range of sizes.
A hoodie is the perfect spring cover-up, especially here in the UK where the only thing certain about the weather is the fact that it is 'changeable' at best!
And you can't go wrong with this super-comfortable hoodie, made from organic cotton and boasting an eye-catching design and slogan that is sure to appeal to all you whisky lovers out there.
Venue of the month: The Snug
Opened in summer 2018, The Snug is Speyside Distillery’s Visitor Experience in the heart of Aviemore. Visitors can experience award-winning craft spirits on a daily basis, open seven days a week.
Built in a style to reflect that of Speyside Distillery itself – old wooden beams, stone walls and a hand-crafted bar made from whisky barrel staves - you are welcomed into a cosy environment where you can browse the store for gifts, arts, crafts and spirits or treat yourself to a dram, book a tasting event or a distillery visit.
Find out more about The Snug on its dedicated page on the DistilleryTours website.
Distillery of the Month: Dalwhinnie
Dalwhinnie Distillery
Dalwhinnie Distillery stands in the Cairngorm National Park at the heart of the Scottish Highlands in the village of Dalwhinnie. From this remote but accessible location comes the liquid known as the 'gentle spirit'.
Built in 1897 and currently the highest distillery in the country, Dalwhinnie – or 'Plain of Meetings' in Gaelic – is named for its location at a junction of old drove roads, between two mountain ranges. Year after year it survives the coldest of conditions to produce smooth, golden heather honey-like spirit.
The Dalwhinnie Expressions Tour & Masterclass Experience sounds like a great way to while away some time over Easter. A fully guided distillery tour followed by a whisky masterclass of six Dalwhinnie Single Malts including Distillery Exclusive Bottling and Special Release, individually paired with chocolates from the Highland Chocolatier. Did I mention chocolate again? Sorry... it must be the time of year!
Dalwhinnie Distillery
Find out more about the Dalwhinnie Distillery, their whisky and their tours on their dedicated page on the DistilleryTours.scot website.
Looking for inspiration for your next Distillery Tour? Follow us on TWITTER, FACEBOOK and INSTRAGRAM to hear more, and subscribe to this newsletter at DISTILLERYTOURS.SCOT/SIGNUP.