Is there anything quite like a ‘wee dram’ on a cold winter’s night? As the summer starts to become but a distant memory, whisky drinkers everywhere will rejoice as they wave goodbye to drinks ubiquitous with the warmer months (here’s looking at you Gin & Tonic and Pimms!)
And with this return to whisky wonderment comes the inevitable pilgrimages to where it all began… Scotland.
The number of bucket list locations north of the border is frightening. But, while the old favourites have been there for years, there is a revolution (akin to the microbrewery boom) in full flow. A revolution that has seen boutique distilleries popping up just where you’d like to visit.
So why not take a trip to Scotland this year, stay in one of our comfy hotel rooms, and visit a few of the country’s rising stars on the distillery scene?
1. Daftmill
One of the newest kids on the block, Daftmill Distillery is run from the Cuthbert family farm and boasts a homely feel that many would be hard pushed to match.
Granted its license in 2005 (on St Andrew’s Day, of course) Daftmill considers itself a Lowlands distillery. You’ll note that their whisky sits in fresh bourbon barrels (or sometimes sherry casks) for added flavour.
If you want to learn more about this family business, why not stay in our Glenrothes Travelodge and explore the surrounding area?
2. Glengyle (Kilkerran)
Despite being around for a whopping 140 years, Glengyle is, in fact, what you would call a ‘new old distillery’. It seems that heritage doesn’t rule out rivalry (read on for details), and the distillery has only just started producing again.
The story behind Glengyle is as intriguing as the product is delectable. William Mitchell and his brother John once ran the Springbank Distillery, but after a sibling spat William left to open Glengyle on his own. Prohibition put paid to his efforts, and the local Rifle Club ended up using the empty distillery buildings at one point between the Wars.
Now back under the stewardship of a Mitchell descendant, Glengyle are producing their award-winning Kilkerran single malt. (In an added twist, they had to change the whisky’s name due to copyright issues with Loch Lomond). If you’re doing a whisky tour, you must stop by Campbelltown for a visit – the coastal walks alone are worth it! Try making Fort William your base.
3. Benromach
Head north to history-rich Forres to discover the Speyside single malt this small distillery is famed for. Benromach takes tours personally, so you can ask for the Distillery Manager to take you around (for a bit extra, but they throw in four whiskies to taste).
There’s plenty of tradition on show, but you get the feeling that it’s all about the future for Benromach. They created the world’s first certified organic single malt, and HRH The Prince of Wales is a fan. Book into our nearby Inverness Travelodge and make the most of the striking Scottish landscape.
