A superb tour – if we say so ourselves! Actually; our guests agreed!
We were asked to design and manage a complete whisky experience; a sightseeing tour, blended with whisky visits and dedicated whisky schools. Through our network of whisky contacts, we did everything we were asked – and more (we were told by our guests).
Day 1 Sunday; an early arrival at Edinburgh airport from Colorado, 06.30 to be exact. Paul met our guests and whisked them away to Perth, where Liz joined our wee tour group – we were now 5. Onwards north towards Inverness, but turning just after Aviemore for Grantown on Spey. Driving through wonderful scenery – with constant “oo’s and ah’s” travelling past many whisky distilleries (and for some reason counting the pheasants we past) arriving at Craigellachie, where we stopped for drinks at the Highlander Inn. A few drinks here and driving a few miles in reverse to Aberlour, we all enjoyed a Sunday lunch at the Mash Tun. Ending our meal with a few drams, we headed north again to Elgin, where the hotel had been booked for our guests, a castle like building with luxury oozing from many areas, they loved it! Leaving them to check in and relax after a long day (and flight) Liz and Paul headed back to Craigellachie where they stayed. A good drink for Paul, first of the day – the drivers share! So ended the first day, all on tour happy!
Day 2 Monday; the boys were taken to Glen Moray distillery, to be met by our friend Iain, for a full day whisky school, a bit of everything, including many drams at the end of the day! Meanwhile we went on a sightseeing spree; from Elgin along the Moray coast to Sandend and Cullen, where we enjoyed a bowl of the world famous Cullen Skink. Some beachcombing, harbour visits and shopping, before returning to meet the boys at Glen Moray, chatter all the way back to the hotel, a few drinks and a farewell until next day.
Day 3 Tuesday; another day, another whisky experience; the boys took a half ay at Glenfiddich distillery, lunch followed here, followed by another half day at Balvenie distillery, more school time, whilst we remaining took to touring; Elgin Cathedral, Johnstons cashmere, MacBeth’s Spynie Palace and Kinloss Abbey. Meeting up again at Balvenie, loaded with bottles and gifts, we all headed back to Elgin again, Liz and Paul then retreating to Craigellachie once more.
Day 4 Wednesday; heading south today, past many distilleries yet again with a stop at Aviemore, some major whisky purchasing going on today! That is another story for later. And we mean major! Doon the road to Perth, checking in to the hotel, while Liz and Paul stayed at Paul’s house. All meeting up again later for a whisky dinner. A good night ended with an impromptu whisky tasting at Paul’s – many drams from his collection, top of the pile a Springbank 40 year old and Tullibardine 1966, followed by “good nights”!
Day 5 Thursday; school beckoned; the boys started their whisky school (3 days) at Strathearn distillery just outside Perth. A totally hands on, dirty experience making whisky! Before we non school-ers left, we sampled some excellent gins (well, not Paul, he was driving . We remaining disappeared up to Broughty Ferry, calling in at Liz’s house, before meeting up with her family for lunch at a local pub. Driving back to Perth to collect the school party, overnight in Perth. Dinner tonight at a French restaurant, also known well by Paul.
Day 6 Friday; och an early start for Paul, back to the airport for the latest arrival at 06.30. Back to Perth, back to school at Strathearn, the girls now minus Liz, spent the whole day exploring Perth. Overnight Perth. We had arranged an Italian dinner tonight with a restaurant friend of Paul’s, a good dinner, followed by drinks at Paul’s local pub Christies, where amounts of Black Bush were devoured. A good night again.
Day 7 Saturday; a final distillery school at Strathearn, Liz was on tour with us again by this time so we ended up sightseeing at Blair Atholl distillery, for a tour, taste, shopping and sightseeing, photos at the closed Edradour distillery, before returning again for the boys. From here we drove directly to Edinburgh, to a smart hotel, saying goodbyes! Liz and Paul drove home.
Day 8 and 9; our guests enjoyed Edinburgh for two days, the boys taking in a whisky masterclass at the whisky experience. Overnight Edinburgh. Day 9 Liz and Paul returned to Edinburgh to share dinner at Whiski, a final farewell this time.
Day 10 Tuesday; two of our party flew home, while two went on a self drive (arranged/designed by mcleanscotland) to Oban for two nights, with a whole day on Mull, taking in Oban and Tobermory distilleries in due course. Their final day/night at Edinburgh airport hotel before flying home.
A superb tour enjoyed by all, new friends, new contacts – “you have not heard the last from us” was the quote, promising to return. With heavy cases, another purchased to carry whisky home, much fun, laughter, history, whisky drinking, purchasing and chatter – what a tour! Thanks go to all distilleries who helped us design and carry out this grand tour.
MCLEANSCOTLAND.com designed this bespoke tour, managed it and presented it in their usual very personal way.
