Distillery and Whisky News August 2024 - Lagavulin
Hello whisky lovers, and welcome to our August edition of Distillery and Whisky News.
You will see that Lagavulin is our Distillery of the Month and so it would be remiss not to remind you that the Lagavulin Jazz Festival will return to Islay just next month (20-22 September).
Now in its 25th year, this uniquely special event celebrates the best of Scottish jazz in unexpected, atmospheric venues including distilleries, village halls and churches. The rugged and tranquil beauty of the island provides a stunning backdrop to three days of intimate concerts and captivating performances.
September is clearly the perfect time to visit Islay and visit the island's many distilleries. Let us help you organise your trip, we have two Islay tours in the Plan Your Trip section of the website.
Until next time...
DistilleryTours Podcast: Rosebank Distillery
In this episode we speak to Gordon Dallas, Experiential Ambassador for Rosebank Distillery.
In this role Gordon brings the story of Rosebank Distillery to life with an entertaining flourish, from stolen stills to its long-awaited 're-awakening' which took place in June this year after a 25 year gap in production!
We also learn more about Rosebank’s fascinating history and its role in lowland whisky production and wonder if it’s possible that Alfred Nobel enjoyed a dram (or two) at the distillery during his time in Falkirk in the 1800's.
If you've not already done so, book a Rosebank Distillery tour and see for yourself how exciting this re-birth is.
Distillery Of The Month: Lagavulin
Situated at the picturesque Lagavulin Bay, the Lagavulin Distillery experience is not to be missed. The windswept Isle of Islay instils a strength of character into everything it produces and it's here, nestled in a small bay that the beloved Lagavulin whisky has been made for over 200 years.
In 1742 there were at least ten illicit stills at Lagavulin, and it would be another 74 years until local farmer John Johnston converted the buildings into one distillery and named it Lagavulin, the first legal operation in the area.
The nearby bay influences Lagavulin’s elegant and smooth maritime flavours. This peated malt has a slow distillation in their pear shaped stills, and together with and long maturation, ensures Lagavulin develops a complex, rich, peaty character.
Book a spot on the Warehouse Experience and join your guide for a fantastic cask tasting session. This is an experience like no other and not to be missed, your host will keep you entertained with witty stories and Islay charm whilst you enjoy exclusive samples of Lagavulin.
Find out more about Lagavulin Distillery, their whisky and their tours on their dedicated page on the DistilleryTours.scot website.
Venue of the Month: ÖÖD House
Nestled in the picturesque countryside, the luxury self-catered accommodation at Arbikie Distillery offers guests an unparalleled retreat. Each house is meticulously designed to provide comfort and tranquillity, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and Lunan Bay.
Guests can unwind in private saunas and a hot tub, enhancing their relaxation experience. The interiors reflect a blend of modern amenities and rustic charm, featuring high-quality furnishings, and large floor to ceiling windows that flood the spaces with natural light.
Whether savouring a morning coffee on the decking or enjoying a leisurely afternoon in the bar by the fireplace, visitors will find every moment at Arbikie Distillery’s accommodation to be a luxurious escape. Perfect for couples, or solo travelers seeking a serene and sophisticated getaway, these self-catered houses offer an exceptional blend of comfort and style.
Find out more about ÖÖD House on its dedicated page at the DistilleryTours website.
Date With A Dram: Glenturret Distillery
For August's Date With A Dram competition we've teamed up with Glenturret Distillery to offer you the chance to win a bottle of their 7 Year Old Single Malt.
This expression is a testament to the art of whisky making, capturing the essence of The Glenturret peated spirit with its elegant smoky character and well-rounded complexity.
Competition Time!
To be in with a chance of winning a bottle of Glenturret Distillery's 7 Year Old Single Malt simply follow DistilleryTours.scot on Facebook or Instagram and share our 'Date with a Dram' post dated 1 August. The lucky winner will be chosen at random and announced in our September newsletter!
Congratulations to Neil Simpson from Aberdeenshire who won July's competition - a bottle of The Borders Distillery's WS:02 The Long & Short of It.
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 and remember to drink responsibly.
DistilleryTours Malt of the Month: Kingsbarns Coaltown
For our Malt of the Month we learn more about Kingsbarns Distillery's Coaltown Single Malt.
Kingsbarns Distillery's newest single malt whisky has been matured exclusively in ex-peated casks. These casks impart a range of smoky flavours, which Isabella Wemyss expertly blends to ensure consistency and introduce a sweet, soft smoke.
The Perfect Serve: The Cherry Orchard
The Perfect Serve will titillate your tastebuds with a delicious whisky cocktail featured every month...
August's Perfect Serve has been supplied by The Scotch Whisky Experience. The Cherry Orchard is sweet and sour, long and refreshing... give it a go!
Celebrate All Things Whisky!
Join us at this year's Lomond & Clyde Whisky Festival which will take place at Helensburgh & Lomond Civic Centre on the 21st of September. We will be there with delicious whiskies for you to sample from some of the country's best-loved distilleries.
Organisers promise 'a cultural journey through national and local single malt whisky' and you can also expect gin, rum, cocktails and food. Surely the only question is, 'where do I sign up?'
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.