Whisky & Ice

THE CARMEN CURLERS WHISKY & CURLING TOUR 2012 was taken here in Scotland during mid October.

As usual, chaos reigned, only slightly overshadowed by the curling and the whisky! Eight brave Swedish souls came to enjoy the water of life, with a blend of curling and of course, fun. The first day (arrival day) was cut short, rather than arrive into Aberdeen 10am, they arrived at 2pm! So a few items on the itinerary were lost, amongst them Glen Moray distillery and the Cooperage. We still managed the important call at Duncan Taylor in Huntly, saw casks, bottling in progress and purchasing some very, very nice whisky. From here to Craigellachie and lunch at the Highlander, where I (Paul) ran into chums Rachel, Fraser and Claire and Yumi Yoshikawa from Ashikaga, Japan. Also from Japan, Tatsuya with his wife and wee lad (in a kilt, they had been to a friends wedding). The Carmens ate well while Allan (driver) and myself chilled oot! From here directly to Inverness where we stayed overnight, a long day, specially for Paul and Allan, as they had started at 7.30am dropping our Russian group back at Aberdeen. If I said they enjoyed Inverness, it would be an understatement.

Day two saw us depart for Urquhart Castle, a good visit (in the rain), followed by an even better visit to Drumnadrochit, lunch at Fiddlers, many thanks to John here for his help and humour. Our group does like to sing! Great food, even better whisky and a good time had by all! Back to the hotel, change, rest and doon again at the coach for the curling rink. Two teams of our Swedes challenged two local teams, on this instance, Scotland won! After the curling back to the hotel to watch Wales Scotland match, enough said; we were robbed! But some fine whisky and enjoyed with good company. Carmens went out on the town again – in kilts

Day three, an early start – too early for some, 9am back to the ice. Mind, a Monkey appeared on the bus at 9am!!! Before curling, a dram or two at the bar to settle nerves, then curling. I am wondering why they do not win the games here??? Scotland 2, Sweden 0. However, more drinks with lunch followed at Inverness Ice before heading down to Tomatin distillery. 2pm; tour and taste and purchases. A bottle for the coach, as we headed back to Craigellachie, staying here tonight. Dinner booked at the Highlander, much liquid was enjoyed with dinner. By now the staff were getting used to singing Swedes, sorry guys, but I think you enjoyed them all. Bed beckoned to me, at least if no the group!

Day four, 10am we set out for a tour of Glenfiddich. Bert was conveniently away (poor excuse a wedding anniversary mate!) so Allan and myself sat it out with a cuppa. More tastes, x 3 drams each, before the shop. Then, sadly time to return to Aberdeen, we stopped for Sunday lunch at a local carvery and dropped our group at Dyce, hugs, kisses and farewells. I have to say, amongst those bottles that had disappearing contents on the coach were; a grand Irish Jameson, Woodford bourbon, Makers Mark, Glengoyne, Monkey Shoulder, Glenfiddich and a couple from DT. My thanks to the Carmen Curlers from Sweden for coming over to Scotland (yet again!), thanks to suffering Allan and all we “made” join in the fun on tour. See you next time.

Paul McLean’ www.mcleanscotland.com   info@mcleanscotland.com