Deanston

Just doon the road from where Paul lives.

DEANSTON DISTILLERY VISIT 12 DECEMBER 2012 Paul made a trip doon the road from Perth to Doune (doon to Doune; see?)

Paul’s report on his visit; “I was really surprised (pleasantly) as soon as I arrived, apart from the baltic cold weather, I wandered into the new (May 2012) visitor centre and was greeted by the Distillery Brand Heritage Manager Fiona Sinclair, a wee girl but really nice and friendly. In the actual shop (I was still in the hallway) there are the usual bottles to buy from Burn Stewart , clothing, books and many “nik naks” which I found interesting just happy Liz wasnee with me, the credit card would have been hot! Liz is on the way to India shortly, so packing!

I introduced myself, handed over a card as you do, next minute Fiona asks me if I would like a private guided tour? Now me being me, am I really going to refuse a private tour from a nice girl? Nope. She donned her duffle coat, it was cold out there and we set out, I stopped first to watch the 5 minute or so video, really good by the way, lots of history there from the building as it was when a mill. Off outside where I found something really interesting, and unique, they have a room generating their own electricity! Water power from the River Teith just outside, a left over from the mill. They even sell electric to the National Grid. A quite unique image running on the back wall also – see photos. Next across the yard to the mash room and still room, nice and compact, couldnee see too much going on as the distillery will stop production in a few days for the holiday period.

Warehouses and filling station, aye they were filling Ledaig today – another of my favourites. In fact a couple of very shy workers here who featured in the film Angels Share, our Patron Charlie has been here scaring people methinks! (see his interview with myself). We then tried out the tasting room, another really nicely done room, before heading upstairs to the VIP area, dinners, tastings, bar and lounge area. Fiona was really interesting to listen to, she knows her stuff and is happy chatting about this distillery.

After a dram and a final look around, I sadly bade farewell to Fiona. Outside back in the cold, I took a few glances aboot checking this unique location, besides the River Teith. We were only 8 miles from Stirling and a long stones throw from Doune. This is a highland distillery only 45 minutes from Edinburgh, and now that there are tours all the time – and many of them, with various options – you have no excuse to go and visit. Situated at the start of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, not too much trace of the cotton remains of this old mill, whisky is definitely the product nowadays. A distillery since the 1960’s one using only traditional methods, result; a sweet, fruity dram, malty and honey with some spice in there. A few varieties await your taste buds inside, my advice? Try them all.

I couldnee resist, I went back in to the new bothy and enjoyed haggis neeps and tatties, served with a Deanston whisky sauce. I tell you what at under £7 it was a really grand plate of tradition, swallowed doon by a hot chocolate (well it was a winter day), the menu is huge, even full breakfast served until noon. I had my beady eyes on a desert of home – made apple pie, but I resisted – honest!

So, what did I think? Well, I am so glad I went, a totally new experience from my previous visit, warm and friendly staff, a manager who knows her stuff, so nice of Fiona to take me round, I appreciated that, so much better than whiskery big fella in dungarees as you get in some other distilleries – no names mentioned to protect the innocent – I was made to feel special, as I am sure everyone will, when they visit. And to round off with food and drink, even better and aye, they have a kids menu! I am writing this because I enjoyed my visit, the whisky was good and I will be making this a part of the events in 2014 the “Gathering of the Drams!” see website. All in all, a great visit, happy I went along. Plus, the distillery has it’s own sheep!

Even made a new friend, I’ll be back Fiona!”

www.burnstewartdistillers.com