WHISKY WEEKEND TO SPEYSIDE, FEBRUARY 2015

Liz and myself (Paul) left Perth 8 am on FRIDAY morning, well Paul left Perth, drove to Broughty Ferry to pick up Liz, then headed to Aberdeen. Taking the route past the airport we headed north towards Huntly. Turning at the sign for Insch, following this country road for a few miles, until we found Ardmore distillery. In we toodled to meet up and chat on a tour we are bringing here in April. A nice start to the day. From there back to the main road north and headed to Elgin – we do feel lately as if we live there!  Having been/stayed there so often lately. Calling in at almost a family home now; Glen Moray, a wee bit of shopping and a chat. From here to the Highlander Inn for lunch, fish and chips, Irn Bru – great!

A wee break from driving and a good look around the place (as usual) – did you know it is for sale? Aye, still. Liz and myself just dinnae have that amount floating around our bank! Anyhow, off we toodled again, this time up to Archiestown, turning here for our next port of call.  We wanted to take a few photos of the brand new Dalmunach distillery. Builders/security fences around it just now, as they are still working on it.  As you do, we went in and started the photo session!  At the door/entrance a fella came out “can I help you?”, in trouble yet again we thought. We explained who we were and why we were there, we then got an invite inside, Liz flew back to the car to turn it off and returned, we all 3 went inside to this wonderful Whisky cave of Aladdin! The circular entrance wall is made from the old Imperial distillery washback – it still smells wonderful! So many features here we cannot really chat about … a distillery design like no other in Scotland, eco green, earth friendly and out of this world!  The still room is amazing, a Star Treck layout for the control desk, spirit safe built as a hexagonal, the stills, in a circle! As we left we thanked our (cannee be named) host and went back to the car with a smile as big as a hoose! That was really something we hadnee expected atall, it certainly made my day! We then stopped a while at Dailuaine distillery before heading into Aberlour, met up with Mark’s (coach driver Mark) sister Louise and bought wooden toys in one of the wee shops there (Liz for nephews or something along that line). One more stop now before hanging up the car keys, Glenfarclas distillery. Liz hadnee been here, so a must! Aye, she loved it, we came oot lighter in the wallet but with a bottle of the fantastic 105.

So far so good. Arriving at the hotel, checked in and found the bar, as you do. Several very welcome drinks later, we headed for dinner, a very nice affair I must say. Delighted to be satisfied again in the belly region, we lingered in the bar waiting for the evening whisky tasting; An Cnoc 12yo, Glenrothes Select Reserve, Balvenie Doublewood 12yo, Spey Tenne, Glentauchers 17yo G&M exclusive and Tomintoul 10yo. There was also a Ballantines added!  A good day, we retired for a dram or three more, if only every day was like this, and not even a falling out! Doon at the bar, malt of my day Dalmore King Alec!

SATURDAY. Ohh, a 10.30 start (for Liz), Paul having been doon for breakfast at 8. On the menu today, drove to Glenlivet, surprisingly closed! Up to Tomintoul, dropped in at the whisky castle, passed the distillery and headed back into Speyside proper, Cardhu and Tamdhu visited. More driving today but fine, back to the hotel bar, ready for a relax and well deserved drink/s.  At 7.30 we were piped into dinner, a glorious 5 course affair with a dram per course.  5 course Taste of Scotland Gourmet Whisky Menu;  Spey Valley Smoked Salmon, Served with Capers Lemon & Brown Bread & Butter. Paired with: Lagavulin 16 Years Old.  Goats Cheese & Lemon Mousse, Micro Rocket & Crackers. Paired with:  Glenmorangie 10 Years Old.  Smoked Venison, Cranberry & Orange Compote with Scottish Salad Leaves. Paired with: Benromach.  Beef Fillet, Blue Cheese Marinade served with Crispy Leeks & Chive Butter. Paired with:  Auchentoshan 12 Years Old. Traditional Scottish Cranachan served with Homemade Oatmeal & Honey Biscuits. Paired with: BenRiach 12 Years Old.

Can I just say the meal was grand, but the highlight a goats cheese dish that was heaven!  Drinkies, followed by Match of the Day.

SUNDAY. Saturday all over again, Liz in the land of nod, checked out at 10am, where did we go? You guessed; Dufftown.  Called in to a friend and caught some liquid booty. Dropped by Balvenie and headed up to Keith. From here to another gem of a place; Knockdhu distillery, Many thanks to Iain (in the absence of Gordon) for the tour, Liz hadnee been here before either. I do like this place. Over an hour later and we were heading back to Huntly, time for lunch, Deans place. Back through Aberdeen and landing in Broughty Ferry, offload booty, a cuppa tea and a look what we found/bought/picked up!   A GREAT WEEKENDER.

Paul, writing as only he can, please forgive grammar and a shocking disregard for the language. As most of you know by now, we offer/arrange superb whisky tours, last weekend we were doing some research & development again, brushing up on skills, knowledge and samples, making and re visiting whisky friends and contacts.   www.mcleanscotland  www.angelswhiskyclub.com