Distillery and Whisky News March 2022 - Glen Moray
Hello whisky lovers, and welcome to our March edition of Distillery and Whisky News. Daffodils are peeking through the snow and the snowdrops and everywhere - Spring is springing!
Yes, we know that's a little hopeful given we spent an hour shovelling snow to get the car out last week, but we're nothing but optimistic!
And with the Spring comes the pull of holidays once again. We're planning a long weekend away in April - a mere month away! - and are looking forward to spending some time at the distilleries on our North of Inverness tour - Glenmorangie, Glen Ord, and of course the freshly refurbished Clynelish.
Where are you off to this Spring? Tell us so we can revel in whisky holiday chat!
DistilleryTours Podcast - Dewar's Aberfeldy
This month we spoke to Jonathan Wilson, Visitor Centre Operations Manager at the Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery in Perthshire.
Jonathan tells us what it’s like being part of the Bacardi family, while living the history of Dewar’s; what their other distilleries of Macduff, Royal Brackla, Craigellachie and Aultmore bring to his work, and his 182-mile charity cycle which took him to each one; the beauty of blends and the process involved in their Double Double 32 year old; and the surprise bit of wildlife that they pulled out of their condenser!
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: Caol Ila
Our Date with a Dram this month is a rare and exceptional whisky from the Caol Ila Distillery.
Celebrating their 175th anniversary, Caol Ila has launched this exquisite 24 year old single malt, worth £295 at retail with only 3,000 bottles released.
An elegant Islay Single Malt with a cornucopia of fresh fruits on the nose, followed by a powerfully peaty whisper of smoke. On first sip, an intense sweetness lights up the palate, balanced with a kiss of salt and a delicate kick of pepper. A long, warm finish with a prickle of soft spice, rich cocoa, and the lingering smoke of glowing campfire embers.
Now out of stock on Malts.com, Royal Mile Whiskies, House of Malt, Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop, The Whisky Exchange, and everywhere else that we looked, this is a truly fantastic prize.
Competition Time!
Want to be in with a chance to win a bottle of Caol Ila's 24 year old 175th Anniversary single malt? Simply follow DistilleryTours.scot on Facebook and share our 'Date with a Dram' post dated 1 March. The lucky winner will be chosen at random and announced in our April newsletter!
And congratulations to Doreen Grigor from the north of Scotland who won last month's competition of a bottle of The Balvenie's Sweet Toast of American Oak - enjoy, Doreen!
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 - hand cut Glencairn Glasses
These mouth blown and hand cut Glencairn Crystal Glasses are the ultimate interpretation of the classic Glencairn Glass.
The Glencairn Glass is considered the definitive glass for whisky, ideal for both blenders and whisky lovers. The wide crystal bowl allows for the fullest appreciation of the whisky’s colour and the tapering mouth of the glass captures and focuses the aroma on the nose.
Supplied in a beautiful Glencairn presentation box containing two of the original and best whisky glasses you can buy, they make an ideal gift, or why not treat yourself to two of your own?
Venue of the month: Seaview Cottage
Seaview Cottage is the ultimate Ardbeggian abode, and we're delighted to say has recently reopened after a long period of closure due to Covid.
Nestling at the heart of the Ardbeg Distillery, the cottage was the former home of the Distillery Manager and sleeps up to 6 adults, with 3 en-suite bedrooms.
While many of the original features have been retained, the cottage has been boasts a stylish interior with an eclectic mix of Ardbeg and Islay inspired furnishings. Book now to enjoy breathtaking sea views like the one below 👇 as well as experiencing life at the Distillery first hand.
Find out more about Seaview Cottage, their features and their rates on their dedicated page on the DistilleryTours website.
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Distillery of the Month: Glen Moray
Glen Moray Distillery, Elgin
Located in the heart of Speyside, the Glen Moray distillery has been producing fine single malt since 1897. The locally malted barley and pure waters of the River Lossie combine to produce this delicate well-balanced whisky.
We interviewed Iain Allan, Global Brand Ambassador, for our podcast in August 2020, when he told us an amusing if slightly scary story about the history of the Distillery and its proximity to the old site of Elgin’s public hangings.
In its long history, Glen Moray has been distilled in time honoured fashion, by hand. Never rushed or forced, always in balance, steady and with care.
This constancy and dedication is characterised by Glen Moray’s people - in its lifetime, the distillery has known only 5 distillery managers. Know-how, myths and trade secrets passed through the generations to ensure every drop has the same light character as the last.
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Find out more about the Glen Moray Distillery, their whisky and their tours on their dedicated page on the DistilleryTours.scot website.
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