World Whisky Day 2021

Celebrate with a few drams now and invest in a few casks for future days to come

Every year we mark World Whisky Day on the 3rd Saturday of May in order celebrate the embodiment of celebration itself; whisky. Scotch whisky is a symbol of British craftsmanship and tradition, of durability and reliability. The origin of whisky began over 1000 year ago when distillation made the migration from mainland Europe into Scotland and Ireland via traveling monks. The Scottish and Irish monasteries, lacking the vineyards and grapes of the continent, turned to fermenting grain mash, resulting in the first distillations of modern whisky.

Since this momentous time, the industry has progressed and grown in order to become Scotland’s largest export, with global exports of Scotch Whisky in 2020 totaling £3.8 billion. Whisky is now drunk throughout the world and is continually seeing enhanced consumption year on year, with growth observed in over 100 international markets in 2019. As demand increases, it gradually begins to outweigh supply. Whisky that is collectible is also in demand for consumers, so a substantial proportion of any limited edition bottling will swiftly become much more limited as much of it is consumed by dedicated whisky lovers. Whisky is bottled after a period of maturation in oak barrels. Legally, this is a minimum of 3 years, but in practice, most whiskies are matured for a minimum of 8 years in order for them to develop their character.

Distilleries will usually have a ‘house style’ represented by a mass-produced bottling of a relatively young malt (such as Glenmorangie’s popular 10 year old). But they will also have older whiskies maturing at the distillery, and they can also bottle older whiskies such as a 15 or 21 year old. They might also bottle the product of a particular cask of vintage whisky, or they might offer different expressions of the whisky such as a ‘port wood finish’ or ‘sherry wood finish’ which means that in addition to being aged in traditional Bourbon barrels, the whisky has been ‘finished’ with a period of additional ageing in a port or sherry barrel which can impart different flavours.

All of these different expressions have enabled whisky to develop in to an appreciating asset which is of interest to investors – production is limited, and hence they are highly prized by collectors and consumers alike. Whiskies from some distilleries are much more collectible than others, so it is important to do due diligence on what will be desirable in the marketplace in a few years’ time when you seek to sell your whiskies on.

It therefore comes as no surprise that in the past few years, whisky sales have been hitting the ultimate highs which had previously only been achieved by other luxury commodities. In 2019 a single bottle of Macallan 1926 fetched £1.5 million; that same year, a cask of Macallan distilled in 1989 sold for £161,500 – a high price for a still maturing cask of Scotch. Although discovering such rare whisky is few and far between, it is imperative that investors have access to the world’s most renowned distilleries; something which Elite Wine & Whisky prides itself in.

Whether you decide to merely enjoy a tipple on World Whisky Day, or choose to educate yourself more about the prospects of investing in a cask of whisky, one thing is for certain, there is never a dull moment when it comes to whisky!

https://elitewineandwhisky.com/

26 May 2021, 7pm (BST)

Watt Whisky Virtual Tasting

Watt Whisky is a relatively new indie bottler, but is already making waves, as you’d expect from whisky industry veterans Mark and Kate Watt. They will both be heading up this tasting, joined by our very own Billy Abbott, taking you through a fantastic mix of whiskies and rum from Tomintoul, Caol Ila, Arran, Foursquare and an anonymous highlander, as well as their own blended whisky.

BOOK NOW

We hope you are well and looking forward to the bank holiday weekend!

As promised we finally have details of our follow-up to our successful ‘Festival in a Box’ last October. Many of you have been clamouring for this and we have been just as keen to get the ball rolling with it.

There is not a great deal of news yet regarding ‘live’ events. We are remaining in touch with all of our venues and are hopeful we will be able to recommence after the 21st June, but we will update you as soon as we can. Please believe me when I say we are desperate to get out and see you all again!

What’s happening over the Father’s Day weekend?

With this event we will turn the fun and interactivity factor up to eleven! And we hope you’ll involve your Dads too!

The weekend will kick-off on Friday 18th June with the ultimate BBQ and cocktails.

Chris Perry-Jones of award-winning Hawkhead fame will take participants through the art of preparing meats and proper BBQ’ing, whilst we also have what we like to call a Manhattan and Old-Fashioned-Off cocktail-making session.

Saturday will see Eddie, in honour of the impending Father’s Day, take his own Dad, in France, through a whisky blending session. He is determined that if he (a true whisky sceptic and novice) can do it, anyone can!

On Sunday, Eddie will be hosting a special Desert Island Karaoke session, in which he and 5 of his whisky friends will choose a dram and a track each before giving us a stunning rendition of the track!

Plus more to come!

There will also be on-demand, mini-masterclass sessions with each of the exhibitors and the bottling they have included in our Festival in a Box pack.

Talking of which!

So what is included and what does it cost?

Festival in a Box – Standard Edition £45 (inc. delivery)

– ALL samples of ALL of the exhibitors mini-masterclass whiskies. This will be between 20-30 samples.

– Glencairn tasting glass

– Can of Larkfire Wild Water for Whisky

– Hawkhead whisky-smoked nuts

– Access to ALL festival sessions, whether live or on-demand

Plus, for those of you prepared to be quick, the Fast Fingers Edition will also include a extra-special dram chosen by Eddie himself! There are only 50 of these available…

BUY NOW – Festival in a Box 2021

Please bear in mind that there is currently one person working one day a week in the business, so it may take a little while to get back to you. We have wonderful volunteers who help us with things like packing, etc., but your patience is much appreciated!

That’s it for now!

Thanks for listening and please take care. We look forward to hearing from you and fingers crossed for ‘real life’ events later in the year!

Have a great weekend!

Best Wishes,
Eddie
The Whisky Lounge

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION CANCELS KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® CEREMONY

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® induction and ceremony has been canceled.

Created by the KDA in 2001, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant and transformational impact on Bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness.

It is the highest honor given by the signature industry and is presented annually during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown in September.

KDA President Eric Gregory said the prestigious event is known for its intimate celebration of the industry’s most revered champions and attracts dignitaries from around the country.

“While we are encouraged with vaccination rates and declining cases in Kentucky, the KDA Board of Directors does not want to diminish this elite event or take a chance and possibly endanger any of our industry’s legends, their families and friends,” Gregory said.

“The Hall of Fame is one of our industry’s most cherished events when we all come together and commend the storied legacies and achievements of these iconic individuals. We look forward to holding a proper, in-person ceremony next year.”

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving.

Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/servicemarks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.Enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian — Responsibly.

Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old Malt Whisky Named “Best Whisky In The World”   

Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky has been recognised as the ‘Best in Show’ at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), with judges awarding the Scotch single malt whisky from Campbeltown, one of Scotland’s smallest Scotch Whisky regions, as the overall winner of the competition, and therefore The Best Whisky in The World in 2021.

This year the SFWSC judged 3,800 entrants across 31 separate categories, with Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old ultimately being named as Best in Show Whisky.

The SFWSC is one of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions. Its judges are renowned experts in their fields with decades of industry experience.  The competition started in 2000, making it the second oldest spirits competition in the world, and the oldest and largest spirits competition in the US.

Iain McAlister, Master Distiller, Glen Scotia Distillery said: “To receive such outstanding recognition and be awarded as ‘Best in Show’ at this prestigious competition is an honour, and a tremendous boost to the entire team here at Glen Scotia distillery.

“The Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old (70cl, 48.8% ABV) is a really outstanding whisky and has collected a number of prestigious awards over the years, but this has to be the absolute proudest moment for the distillery to date.”

Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old wasn’t the only whisky from the distillery to receive an award at this year’s competition with the Glen Scotia 15-Year-Old a Gold Medal, and Glen Scotia Harbour Single Malt picking up a Silver Medal.

Campbeltown, although Scotland’s smallest whisky producing region today, was in its heyday during the Victorian era known as “The Whisky Capital of the World” and home to more than 30 distilleries. Although now only three remain, Glen Scotia Distillery, captures the knowledge, experience, craft and passion learnt over the centuries of distilling in Campbeltown to produce an exceptional range of Scotch whiskies, all perfect examples of the classic, maritime Campbeltown style.

The Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old is available to buy at www.glenscotia.com priced at £400. It is accompanied by an exceptional range of other whiskies from the distillery which are all award winners in their own right, including the Glen Scotia Double Cask (46% ABV, £40), Glen Scotia 15-Year-Old (46% ABV, £55) and Glen Scotia Victoriana (54.2% ABV, £65).

For more information, please visit www.glenscotia.com  

Tasting notes: 

Nose: Bracing Atlantic breeze gives a strong maritime influence.

Taste: Red apple and tangy orange peel with vanilla syrup and caramel sweetness.

Finish: Long lingering sea salt with a spicy note of ground ginger.

About Glen Scotia: 

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was named ‘Best In Class’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021, with Glen Scotia 10 Year old collecting a Double Gold Medal, Glen Scotia 15 Year Old a Gold Medal and Glen Scotia Harbour Single Malt a Silver Medal.
• Glen Scotia Double Cask was awarded a Gold Medal at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2019.
• Glen Scotia 18 Year Old won Best Campbeltown Malt at the World Whisky Awards 2018.
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.
• www.glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd – Lochranza and Lagg Distilleries unveil new programme of daily tastings to come following Visitor Centres re-opening

The Isle of Arran’s two Scotch Whisky distilleries have re-opened their visitor centres in line with Scottish Government guidance, as Scotland’s islands begin to welcome back visitors from the mainland.

The whisky production sites at Lochranza in the north of the island and Lagg in the south will open their doors to the public with initial access to their Visitor Centre shops and takeaway cafes followed by a number of new bookable tastings from 17^th May onwards.

As with many other businesses across the country, both distilleries have been shut since Christmas last year but will be open daily from 10am from Mon 26^th April for shop and takeaway facilities. From Mon 17^th May, both sites will begin to run a brand-new calendar of daily tastings while no tours are available.

From 17^th May, there will be a range of tastings held at the Lochranza Distillery Visitor Centre, giving visitors the opportunity to try the award-winning Arran Single Malt whiskies, including a Core Range Tasting at 11am daily (£20 per adult), a Limited Editions Tasting at 2pm daily (£25 per adult) and a Whisky & Arran Chocolate Pairing Tasting at 11am and 3pm daily (£15 per adult).

Also from 17^th May, the Distillery’s CASKS Café will also be open from 10am-4.30pm for a delicious selection of hot and cold beverages and home baking, with a lunch menu served from 12noon-3pm.

All tables must be booked in advance, bookings for tastings and the CASKS Café can be made by contacting bookings@arranwhisky.com or by calling 01770 830 264.

As well as tastings at Lochranza, from 17^th May tastings will also take place at the island’s newer Lagg Distillery, which opened in 2019, and will run daily at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm costing £15.00 per adult.

Bookings can be made in advance by contacting Lagg Distillery on bookings@laggwhisky.com or by calling 01770 870565.

Director of Operations & Production for Lagg and Lochranza Distilleries, James MacTaggart said: “We’re thoroughly looking forward to welcoming visitors back to our distilleries at Lagg and Lochranza, while we’ve been able to stay in touch with them digitally in recent months, there’s nothing quite like welcoming people to the home of our Single Malts and tasting our precious liquid on the site it was crafted.”

Notes:

Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for:

Drinks Business Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism (2017)

Best Brewery/Distillery Tour – Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards (2017)

Best Visitor Experience – Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (2018)

Product Awards include:

Arran 10 year-old: Gold Medal ‘Best Single Malt 12 Years & Under, World Whiskies Awards (2019) San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal (2018). International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (2018). Category Winner and Gold Medal ‘Best Scotch Under 12 Years’ Islands Non-Islay at the World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018). Ultimate Spirits Challenge 91 points (2018). Ultimate Spirits Challenge Cocktail Commendation for the Rob Roy (2018). Double Gold Medal China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards (2014)

Arran 18 year-old: Gold Medal & Category Winner ‘Best Single Malt 13 – 20 Years, World Whiskies Awards (2020)  Gold Medal ‘Best Single Malt 13 – 20 Years, World Whiskies Awards (2019) International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (2018) Category Winner & Gold Medal ‘Best Scotch 13-20 Years – Islands (Non- Islay) World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018) Scottish Field Whisky Challenge – Gold Award for Best Whisky £50-100 (2018)

Quarter Cask ‘The Bothy’: Best Scotch Island Single Malt, World Whiskies Awards (2020 & 2019) Category Winner & Gold Medal ‘No Age Statement Single Malt’ for The Bothy Batch 3 World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Wine & Spirits Competition Silver Outstanding Medal (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018)

Arran Barrel Reserve:  Silver Medal ‘No Age Statement Single Malt’ World Whiskies Awards (2020)

BRUICHLADDICH SET TO CELEBRATE A SWATHE OF ANNIVERSARIES DURING THEIR VIRTUAL FÈIS ÌLE CELEBRATIONS ON THE 30TH MAY 2021

Anniversary Highlights:

-20thAnniversary of Bruichladdich Distillery’s reopening

-140 Years since the distillery was built and first opened

-1 Year anniversary of B Corp certification

Twenty years have passed since Bruichladdich Distillery’s gates were thrown open once more, with dreams of resurrection. Muck was shovelled, walls painted, roofs repaired, stills polished and fresh enthusiasm from a long-neglected community poured into the heart and eventual home off our unique spirits. No-one could have predicted the success story Bruichladdich would become, least so in those early years when the company’s no-compromise approach threatened their very survival.

Those early years were spent convincing an industry that terroir in spirits existed; that barley, people and Islay mattered. Organically grown barley was added to the distillation schedule, quickly followed by Islay raised and the ancient landrace, Bere. An old warehouse was converted into a bottling hall and jobs were created for youngsters who would have otherwise moved off the island. Slowly but surely, a community-oriented business rose from the ashes, with principled founders at the helm driving their passion for provenance and transparency forward. More farmers, hauliers, and contractors would join the efforts as the whisky industry began to boom.

The last decade saw biodynamic barley distilled for the first time, bolstered investment from new owners Remy Cointreau, a Regional Trials experiment kicked off and the status of Islay’s largest private employer earned. Most recently, Bruichladdich have nurtured a renewed appreciation for whisky as an agriculture product involving relationships built with grain breeders and soil experts, and the purchase of 30 acres of croft land intended for R&D purposes. Fresh sights on growing sustainably have been set, with projects underway to decarbonise distillation by 2025, a One Tin Lighter initiative offered to reduce outer packaging, and continued investment in conservation and biodiversity both locally and in partnership with the Botanic Gardens Conservation International.

To cap off a successful decade, Bruichladdich Distillery was awarded B Corp certification in 2020. Focussing on people and planet, they are one of a handful of distilleries worldwide to achieve this accolade, firmly marking their commitment to using business asa force for good.To celebrate these anniversaries large and small, Bruichladdich has planned a programme including an interactive whisky masterclass, music and live action from the island. With a plethora of events, there’s something for the casual cocktail drinker to the most devout malt aficionado.

Co-founder of the business, Simon Coughlin comments:

“‘I can’t believe it’s been so long’ or ‘time flies’… often heard phrases such as these aren’t true when it comes to the Bruichladdich journey. We’ve never had a moment to stop and think or look back. We’ve been on this crusade, focused with such intent to change the way our industry looks at single malt. We’ve been so determined to turn it into something more than just the liquid in the bottle, that pausing to consider where we have come from seems an indulgence. There is still so much to do.

“Having said that, and in all honesty, the Bruichladdich Fèis Ìle day is the one single day of the year I enjoy the most. It’s aday to stop and enjoy a few hours with our supports and friends from around the world. Enjoying a B+T and a dram in the sun, listening to great music and sharing stories with so many Laddie fans really does make you think, we may have struck on something here! Seeing our local community in the courtyard having a bloody good time is just so special. It makes me incredibly proud and it’s a very emotional day and it takes an incredible team to pull it off. We so look forward to 2022 when we can hopefully welcome everyone back into our courtyard for another great celebration.

”Save the Date in your diary for the 30thof May 2021 and keep an eye on@bruichladdich social channel for full details of how to get involved.

NOTES 

Event Info: Following on from our first ever Laddie Lock-In virtual event in 2020, Bruichladdich will be kicking off their Laddie Lock-In II: Time Travellers. Celebrating the anniversaries of 20 years since resurrection, the event them is centred about raising a dram to milestones past, while saluting a toast to the mission we hope to achieve in the future. The event will run from 2pm ‘til 6pm on the 30thMay 2021 and will feature live bands and live content streamed straight from the distillery.

Masterclass kits consisting of 6 x 30m blind samples will go on sale on the 27th of April 2021 through a ballot process. A download pack to prepare enthusiasts for the day will be linked into our digital festival ‘hub’, with festival merch and full scheduling info along the way.

Participants will be asked to register to the distillery’s digital festival hub, and register for the event which will be managed through Hop-In. Full details for registration will be published on the distillery’s social channels on Tuesday 27thApril 2021, with access to event registration open once the first masterclass ballot is closed.

Release Info:1,200 kits of 6 x 30ml blind samples will go on sale on the 28thof April 2021,initially through ballot process3,000 bottles of Laddie Origins will go on sale on the 30thof May 2021,initially through ballot process840 bottles of Bruichladdich Single Cask will go sale on the 30thof May 2021, initially through ballot process.

BENRIACH CELEBRATES OPENING OF FIRST OFFICIAL VISITOR CENTRE  

Creative Speyside distillery, Benriach, is gearing up to welcome visitors through the doors of its first ever official visitor centre next month following the completion of a six-figure investment project.

Featuring a bar, tasting lounge, and retail space, the distillery’s visitor experience will open on Friday 21 May 2021. Initially offering a variety of flavour-focused tastings following the easing of Scotland’s COVID-19 restrictions, visitors will be encouraged to discover Benriach’s multi-layered Single Malt and rich creative heritage dating back to 1898.

The project follows the recent unveiling of Benriach’s new portfolio, and marks the first phase of the distillery visitor centre renovations, as part of a major investment initiative by Brown-Forman, who acquired the distillery in 2016.

Initially the new visitor centre will offer two tasting experiences which will appeal to both single malt lovers and those at the beginning of their whisky journey. The ‘Sense of Flavour’ tasting will delve into the production process at Benriach, before zoning in on the distillery’s classic and smoky expressions at 10 and 12 years old. Visitors will also have the chance to explore their own flavour preferences with whisky by trying Benriach in simple cocktail serves.

A deconstructed cask tasting will also be on offer for those who wish to dive deeper into the distillery’s creative heritage of eclectic cask maturation. The ‘Barrels, Butts, and Barriques’ experience will offer visitors the chance to taste five individual cask types, culminating in a tasting of the Benriach 21 Year Old – showcasing how Benriach’s Master Blender, Dr. Rachel Barrie builds rich layers of flavour in a range of fruit-forward single malts.

Visitors are advised to pre-book their preferred tasting online before attending the distillery. Distillery tours of the production site will return when it is safe to do so.

With its design rooted in tradition whilst looking to the future, the new visitor centre has been built using natural materials from local suppliers wherever possible and has drawn from the natural colour palette of Speyside to inspire its interior. External to the visitor building, one of the distillery’s most prominent warehouses has been whitewashed and branded to cement Benriach’s new identity – a practice traditionally adopted by ancient distilleries in Scotland.

Jennifer Proctor, Visitor Centre Manager at Benriach Distillery, said:

“The last year has been significant in Benriach’s journey with the launch of the distillery’s new flavour forward portfolio, so the unveiling of our first ever visitor centre is a special moment.

From cask tastings to cocktails, we’ll initially be offering two flight-style tasting experiences that allow customers to explore Benriach’s flavour spectrum.  When restrictions allow, we will reveal our full distillery tour offering and announce the next phase of the distillery visitor centre development. Whether a local to Speyside or visitor from further afield, we look forward to welcoming guests from near and afar to discover Benriach’s world of flavour.”

Known for its long-standing tradition of distilling classic, peated and triple distilled whisky and a vast eclectic cask inventory sourced from around the world, Benriach unveiled its new portfolio last year, which has been artistically crafted by Master Blender Rachel Barrie and the distillery team.

For more information about the new Benriach Visitor Centre and how to book a tasting experience, click here.

Notes 

Sense of Flavour Experience – £20, 6 visitors max from 2 household bubbles

Barrels, Butts and Barriques Experience: £45, 6 visitors max from 2 household bubbles

The tasting experiences and shop will initially open weekly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30AM – 5:00PM. Bookings are required to attend the tasting experiences.

To pre-book a tasting experience please visit the distillery tour section of our website.

About Benriach Distillery

For more details on the new portfolio please visit www.benriach.com

A Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky as intriguing and extraordinary as Benriach could not have come to be without a unique whisky making heritage, dating from 1898, when founder John Duff built his distillery. Ruggedly beautiful, Benriach stands on the site of the old Riach farm in north Speyside, drawing water from a mineral-rich aquifer, deep beneath the distillery.

Thanks to a long-standing tradition of distilling three styles of whisky; classic unpeated, Highland peated and triple distilled, together with an eclectic selection of casks from around the world, our whisky makers are able to explore the full flavour possibilities of Single Malt, creating some of the richest, most multi-layered whiskies in Speyside.

This tradition continues today, under the guidance of Master Blender, Rachel Barrie. Benriach is the story of a hidden Speyside gem, quietly revealing its treasures to be discovered and savoured.

Facebook – @Benriach

Instagram – @Benriach

Twitter – @TheBenriach

THE MALT WHISKY TRAIL PREPARES WARM WELCOME FOR UK WHISKY LOVERS 

The Malt Whisky Trail prepares for the welcome return of whisky lovers from across the UK from 26th April, as those dreaming of a dram are now able to journey across Scotland in line with the ease of travel restrictions and the gradual reopening of retail, hospitality and tourism.

Several centres of whisky excellence are readying to reopen their doors and welcome guests to shop, tour and taste from Monday including The Glenlivet, Glen Moray and Glen Grant.

Iain Allan, Board Member of The Malt Whisky Trail and Brand Ambassador and Visitor Centre Manager at Glen Moray Distillery, said:

“After a long winter in lockdown, distillery teams across The Trail are looking forward to greeting Speyside locals yearning for a daytrip as well as staycationers venturing from all over the UK. In addition to visiting some of the most world-renowned distilleries, tourists will have the opportunity to experience some of the best food, drink, and natural beauty Speyside has to offer.

“With special measures in place to ensure the safety of both visitors and staff, we’ve adjusted our services to ensure visitors are able to taste and purchase our whisky, be it in slightly smaller groups, or as part of a designated driver pack.

“For anyone planning to visit a site along The Trail, should contact sites directly to check opening details and book in advance as offerings will vary.”

Glenlivet, Strathisla and Glen Moray Distilleries will be reopening their retail shops as well as offering new outdoor tastings for visitors, while Glen Grant Distillery will be reopening their retail store for guests to purchase their favourite whiskies. Dallas Dhu, Strathisla, Speyside Cooperage, Benromach and Cardhu will announce their reopening schedule soon.

Scotland’s Speyside region is home to the highest concentration of distilleries in the world, and produces the highest volume of single malt globally, with three out of five visitors to the increasingly popular region coming for whisky tourism.

The Trail, made up of nine iconic whisky sites through the picturesque Moray Speyside region, takes visitors on a journey to discover the best of Malt Whisky Country including its landscape, larder and whisky. From visiting world-renowned to boutique distilleries, to learning a thing or two about the industry’s history from local whisky masters at sites such as the historic Dallas Dhu Distillery and the Speyside Cooperage, a variety of experiences are on offer.

For booking information prospective visitors should directly contact the sites on The Malt Whisky Trail ahead of travel. For all contact details please visit www.maltwhiskytrail.com/malt-whisky-country/distilleries 

Notes:

Details on bookings and experiences available:

• GlenGrant Distillery – shop only to reopen
• Glenlivet – shop only and outdoor tastings between 1300-1630 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 28th April to 21st May. Must book tastings
• Glen Moray Distillery – tastings (outdoors only, not fully tutored), coffee shop and shop to open. Monday to Friday only
• Strathisla – tasting flights and samples (not always tutored, outdoors only) and shop to open Tuesday to Saturday from noon till 1600
• Dallas Dhu, Strathisla, Speyside Cooperage, Benromach and Cardhu TBA

About the Malt Whisky Trail:

The Malt Whisky Trail® includes nine sites each with at least a four star visitor centre promoting the very best of Scottish hospitality and tourism. The trail consists of the following Speyside distilleries and a cooperage: Benromach, Cardhu, Dallas Dhu, Glen Grant, Glen Moray, Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, Strathisla and Speyside Cooperage.

Visit www.maltwhiskytrail.com to plan your adventure along the Trail and create your own personal itinerary to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

Instagram and Facebook: @themaltwhiskytrail
Twitter: @TheMWT

Virtual Tastings – May 2021

It’s almost May and we have more virtual tastings on the cards. We’re still putting together one of them, but our first is ready to announce – a tasting of Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore with header distiller Adam Hannett.

6 May 2021, 7-8.30pm – Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore with head distiller Adam Hannett: We’re big fans of Bruichladdich, and with the distillery’s Port Charlotte 10 Year Old currently our Whisky of the Year, it wasn’t a difficult decision to ask head distiller Adam Hannett to join us for a virtual tasting. He’ll be leading us through Bruichladdich Classic Laddie, Port Charlotte 10 Year Old, Port Charlotte 2010 OLC:01 Heavily Peated, the new Port Charlotte 2011 PAC:01 and Octomore 10.3 Islay Barley.

Buy the pack >

Coming Soon

This isn’t our only tasting for May, so keep an eye out for another coming soon. On top of that we’ve got Whisky Show scarily soon.