Distillery and Whisky News Jul '19

If you're looking to get out and about and meet other whisky lovers, we've recently discovered the 'Whisky Social' - events around Scotland and Northern Ireland - find out more below.

DISTILLERY OF THE MONTH: SCAPA

On the shore of Scapa Flow you will find a great Orcadian

Scapa is forged by the elements of Orkney, a remote island of natural contrasts, and a befitting home for such a unique single malt.

We can think of nothing more evocative than, "A thousand years of shifting skies and rich stories has made this windswept archipelago off the northeast coast of Scotland a beautiful but wild and untameable place of dramatic contrast."

If that doesn't propel your imagination we don't know what will.

Scapa shares its name with the Norse word for ‘boat’ and proudly bears the symbol of the Orkney Yole, a traditional sea-faring fishing boat, as its signifier. The distillery sits on one of Britain’s most historic stretches of water, the Scapa Flow -  a sanctuary from the rugged climate, with white beaches and the calm waters of the natural harbour. 

Find out more about the Scapa Distillery and the other tours available on DistilleryTours.scot or visit the Scapa website to book.

Events around Scotland and Northern Ireland

We're new to the Whisky Social, but we like their style. Their upcoming events are in Falkirk on 17th August, Belfast on 14th September, and Dundee on 12th October - it's not so often you see whisky events in smaller towns, so it was a pleasant change to see one set up in Falkirk.

We had a chat with Andy who runs the events, turns out he's from Falkirk and he's passionate about the town, its distilling heritage and, of course, drinking whisky. He'd like to take the Whisky Social on tour around Scotland, so if you live in a town that doesn't get the whisky attention it deserves, he'd love to hear from you.

We wish him luck in his touring adventures and look forward to monthly events around Scotland soon!

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO PERTH AND KINROSS

The Murray Star Maze at Scone Palace

Perth and Kinross offer a wonderful taste of the Scottish countryside

Our Perth and Kinross tour includes the distilleries of Edradour, Blair Athol, Aberfeldy, Glenturret, Tullibardine and Deanston. Find out more about each of these distilleries at DistilleryTours.scot.

In addition to the distilleries:

• don't underestimate the agility of fish at Pitlochry's Dam, Power Station and Fish Ladder;
• make sure you take time to see the jaw dropping, heart stopping, feet stumbling, incredible views from the Queen’s View;
• take some time for a coffee and peruse the excellent book shop at Aberfeldy Watermill;
• give white water rafting a go with Nae Limits on the rivers Tay and Tummel;
• stop at The Hermitage to stretch your legs, walk through the forest to the Black Linn Falls and Ossian’s Hall – a folly built in 1757;
• look round the treasures of the inappropriately named Scone Palace (not a palace made from scones) including their Murray Star Maze, pictured above;
• enjoy a dram or two at the Gleneagles Hotel's al-fresco whisky and cigar bar – The Blue Bar – or the well-stocked Century Bar, with more than 140 whiskies;
• take the kids to see the Sea Lion Presentation at Blair Drummond Safari Park. There's also traditional animal favourites such as elephants, giraffes and lions, as well as boat trips, bird of prey displays, fun fair, an adventure playground and face painting. 

Check out full details of this and other tours, including accommodation tips, on our Plan Your Trip pages.