Distillery and Whisky News October 2020

In Scotland, COVID-19 restrictions continue to limit many of us - so if you're feeling bereft we understand!

Fear not though, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a dram or two. Some distilleries are offering nosings with whisky to take home to try, lots continue with tours or have their shop open, and many are holding online tastings with the whisky sent direct to your home.

This is a tough time for the hospitality trade, so if you're in a position to visit your local distillery please do - check out our frequently updated list of distillery activities here to see what's available.

DistilleryTours Podcast

All our amazing distillery interviewees

After six brilliant months, we're taking a short break on the podcast - a bit of a chance to breathe for us and start our planning for winter. We'll be back next month, but in the meantime, have a listen to one of our amazing interviewees above telling us all about their distillery and their love for whisky.

LISTEN NOW

In April we spoke to Jamie Morrison, brand ambassador at the Glenturret Distillery, who whet our whistle with an evocative description of their Peated Edition single malt. Listen to Jamie's interview now.

In May we spoke to David Thomson, owner of the Annandale Distillery, who told us an unusual tale of how they found their water source. Listen to David's interview now.

In June we spoke to Annette Mackenzie, Visitor Centre Manager at the Glenmorangie Distillery, who inspired us to experiment with different kinds of whisky. Listen to Annette's interview now.

In July we spoke to John Fordyce, Co-Owner of The Borders Distillery, who talked to us about why he thinks the industry should market blends with the same energy they market single malts. Listen to John's interview now.

In August we spoke to Iain Allan, Visitor Centre Manager and Global Brand Ambassador at the Glen Moray Distillery, who shared a slightly scary story about the Distillery's proximity to the old site of Elgin’s public hangings! Listen to Iain's interview now.

In September we spoke to Peter Holroyd, Distillery Manager at the Kingsbarns Distillery, who gave a deep dive into the production of their award-winning Dream-to-Dram – and a surprise comparison to a sweet-shop favourite. Listen to Peter's interview now.

Venue of the month: Dornoch Castle Hotel

Dornoch Castle Hotel

This is the Old Courtroom Deluxe Room at the Dornoch Castle Hotel, an award-winning room boasting a hand-carved, king sized, Elizabethan style four poster bed.

Previously the old Magistrate’s bar, it features the original stone walls, wood paneling, 14ft beamed ceiling and a large open fireplace, and a lovely snug at the window overlooking Dornoch Square and the Cathedral.

The Whisky Bar at the Dornoch Castle Hotel

After settling in, take some time to enjoy some of the 420 whiskies available in their Whisky Bar.

The Whisky Bar has achieved international critical acclaim, winning awards including Scottish Field Whisky Bar of the Year 2019, Scottish Hotel Awards Whisky Bar of the Year 2019, and is currently No1 Whisky Hotel on WhiskyBase.com.

Find out more about the Dornoch Castle Hotel, their whisky and their dining, at DistilleryTours.scot and, if you're visiting, please adhere to local and national Coronavirus restrictions.

Distillery of the Month: Ardbeg

Ardbeg Distillery

For more than 200 years, the Ardbeg Distillery has been distilling whisky on the Isle of Islay. They say the fastest way to take yourself to Islay is to uncork a bottle of Ardbeg, but you can’t beat actually being at the Distillery, standing on their pier, enveloped in the fresh sea breeze and Ardbeg’s peaty aroma.

The Hallmark Ardbeg peat has given them an incredible reputation, with six of their expressions winning multiple awards including World Whisky of the Year. 

They currently have four experiences on offer - while restrictions continue on licensed premises the tastings below will be temporarily offered as a tutored nosing along with take-away drams to allow you to enjoy those delicious whiskies in your own time. Please book 24 hours in advance to ensure your place:

• The Morning Core Range Tasting 10.30am Ardbeg Ten Years Old, An Oa, Uigeadail, Corryvreckan and their newest addition, Wee Beastie.
• The Committee Bottling Tasting 12pm Five drams chosen from their library of Committee Bottlings – selected by your tasting host.
• The Old, Mature and Unusual Tasting 1.30pm A dram each of Ardbeg 22 Years Old, 23 Years Old, Traigh Bhan 19 Years Old, plus a dram from one of their Single Cask bottlings, and a very special, unreleased, only to be tasted at the Distillery, cask drawn sample.
• The Afternoon Core Range Tasting 3pm Ardbeg Ten Years Old, An Oa, Uigeadail, Corryvreckan and their newest addition, Wee Beastie

The Ardbeg Distillery is part of our Southern Islay tour - take a look on our Plan Your Trip pages now.

Ardbeg Tasting

Find out more about the Ardbeg Distillery on their dedicated page on the DistilleryTours.scot website and, if you're visiting, please adhere to local and national Coronavirus restrictions.

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