Distillery and Whisky News September 2023 - Aberfeldy
Hello whisky lovers, and welcome to our September edition of Distillery and Whisky News.
So how was your summer? It was, sadly, a little wetter than we would have liked here in Scotland. But, September brings with it hopes for bright, crisp autumnal days and that is definitely something us whisky-drinkers can get on board with.
We're taking a break from podcasting this month, so take the time to listen to some of the highlights from our impressive archive. Get your feet up, slippers on, malt in hand and listen to the experts bring the joy of whisky-making (and drinking) directly to your ears.
Until next time...
Distillery Of The Month: Aberfeldy
Aberfeldy Distillery's pursuit of Scotch whisky perfection began in 1898, when its stills first produced the beautifully balanced single malt whisky at the heart of the Dewar’s blend.
At first glance, the rolling countryside of Highland Perthshire seems an unlikely location to choose for a new distillery, compared to, say, Speyside, which was then and still remains the heartland of malt whisky production.
But Aberfeldy fitted the bill for a number of reasons and – before his death in 1880 – the elder John Dewar had pinpointed it as an ideal spot to make whisky. For a start, there was a good water source, the Pitilie Burn, known for its alluvial gold deposits as it flowed down into the mighty River Tay.
From the outset, the Dewar brothers knew exactly what they wanted from Aberfeldy in flavour terms. ‘Even when they designed the building, we know that they were looking for something light, sweet and easy-drinking,’ explains Matthew Cordiner, Dewar’s Aberfeldy brand ambassador. ‘Aberfeldy was the heart and the base of the Dewar’s blend.’
Have you ever been curious about what a Master Blender’s job is like? Take a visit to the distillery and enjoy the Become A Blender Experience where you will discover a range of different whisky styles and the artistry that goes into blending, to create complexity and consistency. Then decide what your house style will be, and follow in the footsteps of John Dewar and Stephanie Macleod to create your own 100ml Blended Scotch Whisky to take home.
Find out more about Aberfeldy Distillery's whisky and tours on its dedicated page on the DistilleryTours.scot website.
Venue of the month: The Globe Inn
The Globe is an historic inn with tales a-plenty to tell. Since 1610 curious minds and deep thinkers, merry souls and discerning drinkers have whiled away the hours within its walls. Now owned by Annandale Distillery's David Thomson and Teresa Church, the establishment's rich history has been preserved for generations to come and enjoy after a lengthy and sympathetic refurbishment of this stunning building.
The Globe Inn's rich history will send a shiver down your spine. Tour the rooms preserved as they would have been during the patronage of world-famous poet Robert Burns who ate, slept and held court at The Globe Inn in his remit as local Exciseman. Many original artefacts still remain and you can even sit in his chair and recite poetry where the bard once did himself.
Named the Dumfries & Galloway Restaurant of the Year, The Globe Inn has several private and general dining facilities. Parties can dine around Burns’ very own dining table and enjoy a 7-course extravaganza, alternatively parties of up to 30 can enjoy the stunning surroundings of the old hay loft, and groups of up to 60 can enjoy their food in the coombed eaves of the old stables.
Michelin experienced chefs prepare fresh local produce which you can enjoy with a wide range of beers, fine wines, and cocktails, or choose a dram from our whisky list boasting over 250 bottles of Malts and blends from around the world.
Find out more about The Globe Inn on its dedicated page on the DistilleryTours website.
Date With A Dram: Lindores Abbey
This month's competition is with Lindores Abbey Distillery to win a bottle of their Friar John Cor 'The Cask Strength Congregation Batch' Chapter II Single Malt.
Competition Time!
To be in with a chance of winning a bottle of Lindores Abbey's Friar John Cor 'The Cask Strength Congregation Batch' Chapter II simply follow DistilleryTours.scot on Facebook or Instagram and share our 'Date with a Dram' post dated 1 September. The lucky winner will be chosen at random and announced in our October newsletter!
Congratulations to Bruce Main who won August's competition - a bottle of Glenturret Distillery's 10 Year Old Peat Smoked. Enjoy Bruce!
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 Podcast - Let Us Entertain You!
We're taking a break from podcasting in September, but why not listen to the rest of 2023's episodes?
This year we have had the pleasure of speaking to a number of fascinating characters from the Scottish whisky industry with distilleries, whisky attractions, and retailers all covered. We even spoke to Hollywood royalty in the form of actor, James Cosmo!
Take your pick from:
- Jo McKerchar & Kirsten Wilson speaking about the legacy of Glenkinchie Distillery and its place as the Lowland home of Johnnie Walker.
- Andrew Lennie, Single Malt Specialist at Whyte & Mackay discussing Jura, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin distilleries.
- Holly Aynsley & Calum Rae telling us more about Holyrood Distillery's experiments with different casks and yeasts.
- James Cosmo - actor, producer and proud whisky connoisseur told us all about his new whisky with Annandale Distillery.
- Archie McDairmid talked about the history of Luvians and its journey from Fife ice cream parlour to award-winning bottle shop.
- Angela Dineen excited us with talk of the Scotch Whisky Experience's impressive whisky collection, which is one of the largest in the world.
Thanks to Angels' Share for sponsoring the podcast - if you're looking for some beautiful glassware to enjoy your favourite dram in, then visit our shop for some inspiration.
Malt Of The Month - Arbikie Single Grain Rye Cask Strength
Our September Malt Of The Month is now live on the DistilleryTours.scot website featuring Arbikie Distillery's Single Grain Rye Cask Strength.
This first edition of Arbikie Distillers Cask Strength Series features a hand-picked combination of four 5-year-old casks, chosen to accentuate the complexity and depth of the distillery's estate grown rye coupled with the influence of the selected casks.
DistilleryTours Shop - Get Your Angels' Share...
It's September, autumn has arrived and it is entirely ok to start thinking about Christmas! Our range of Angels' Share products are fantastic gift options for whisky lovers, check them out now over at distillerytoursshop.scot.
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.