Whisky Tour of Scotland

[glasgowwestie]

I have a work colleague who wants to take her husband on a tour of Scotland to visit some whisky distilleries. He's into whisky, she isn't - she's more into the scenery and decent places to stay. Has anyone done a tour like this? Don't think there's much restriction on time or budget - just a balance between seeing Scotland and punctuating it with a few drams.

I did a search and there was a related thread, but it was more about the quality of the whisky tasting experience, rather than the potential for touring. NLC, as they'll be in a 4x4. Any advice gratefully received.

Paul

[C7Steve]

Smee is who you want to talk to.

Steve.

[duggiesmith]

Islay would be a visit. Some lovely scenery and a distillery on even every street corner. The tours are generally pretty good (my favourites were Lagavulin and Laphroaig). Very friendly and generous
If they've got time, a day trip to Jura would be worthwhile - again stunning scenery and a decent tour.

[woody]

This is really one for Smee to answer, but I'd start by getting the ferry to Arran, then the Ferry from there to Campbeltown, then drive and ferry to Islay, then ferry, drive up the west coast to Mallaig, ferry to Skye, back over the bridge, up around the west coast, Torridon, over to Speyside. That will take in Arran distillery, Springbank (stay in the Ardsheil, with Scotland best whisky bar?) choice of Islay distilleries and maybe Jura as well. Speyside, I've no idea.

[GraemeLotus]

I would camp at the Craiellachie Hotel for a week:

http://www.bespokehotels.com/craigellachiehotel

Dad and I spent a great 4 days getting a taxi to a local disillery after breakfast, dong the tour at a local distillery, (there must be 15 within 10 miles, Aberlour, Balvenie, lots and lots), pub for lunch, then getting the boots on and walking/staggering back in time for dinner...and a dram...then fall asleep in front of the fire.

Day 2, repeat, etc etc

In fact, I think I need to do it again very soon!

[GraemeLotus]

Or echo Duggie's Islay advice - the friendliest place I've ever been in Scotland.....I thought I drove the same car as the local doctor until the woman giving us free drams in the hotel said "och no they're just saying hello"

[glasgowwestie]

Thanks for all the great responses. I will await a reply from Smee, but much appreciated.

Paul

[GraemeLotus]

Of course you need to read the Iain Banks book Raw Spirit - which is a complete your of Scottish distilleries in a variety of his fast car fleet...RIP indeed.

[pete]

I'm not a whiskey drinker but that book is an excellent read. (As are all his books).

[smee]

Sorry a little late to the party here perhaps...

Any attempt to cover all the regions might leave someone exhausted and or frustrated. I suppose the most improtant thing to find out first of all is what whiskies the husband likes or has an interest in and try to include there regions in the tour. Certainly Woody's route would be very scenic and take in a lot of varied distilleries but it could be a fair old hike. Some people can spend a whole fortnight just in Islay and even for the most dedicated drammer, distillery visit after distillery visit after distillery visit can get a bit wearisome if all done together and if your colleague isn't that interested it might put her right off!
The Craigellachie hotel is superb and you have the Speyside big hitters nearby as well as the Cairngorms etc plus they have a great bar. If staying in Speyside they could also visit the cooperage for a whisky themed change to break up the distillery tours.
If you could find out what areas they want to visit or what whiskies he likes I could suggest what tours are more interesting or more accurately who gives more free drams

[smee]

Scotch Distillery Map by ah_mr_smee, on Flickr

[smee]

Of course you need to read the Iain Banks book Raw Spirit - which is a complete your of Scottish distilleries in a variety of his fast car fleet...RIP indeed.

WHEN (not if) I win the lottery, I plan to offer luxury thrill tours through Speyside in a Maseratti Quatroporte combining distillery tours with blasts over the Lecht. Each tour comes with a free Glencairn and a sick bag

[glasgowwestie]

Thanks very much guys. Will pass this all on. Very much appreciated.
Paul

[C7Steve]

I didn't realise that there were SO much distilleries in Speyside

Steve.

[smee]

I didn't realise that there were SO much distilleries in Speyside

Steve.

I'm hosting a private tasting for some customers in February and have to try to sum up the entire region in 5 drams!