Exploring Scotland's Whisky Trails: A Speyside Obsession

Planning a distillery tour in 2019, you find yourself drawn to the rich, smooth flavors of Speyside whiskies over the smokier Islay varieties. With an abundance of distilleries to choose from, where should your journey take you? Let’s explore the best options for a memorable whisky tour, focusing on the heart of Speyside while also including a visitor to the unique Highland Glenmorangie.

Practical Tips for Your Distillery Tour

Take as much practical research as possible, including tasting miniatures of different whiskies, before embarking on your journey. The Speyside Whisky Festival, held from May 2nd to 6th, 2019, is an excellent starting point. Organised tours and guided trails offer a comprehensive introduction to the region's rich whisky culture.

Speyside Distillery Cluster Visits

Speyside is a geographical cluster of distilleries known for their distinctive styles. On your journey, you might consider visiting the following distilleries:

Highland Park Distillery

Highland Park is located on the Orkney Islands, offering a taste of something out of the ordinary. The island's tempestuous maritime climate adds a unique smokiness to its whiskies. The distillery is famous for its unique character, blending the elements of its rugged coastal location with traditional skills to create rich, complex flavors. While the islands can be challenging to reach, the experience is worth the effort.

Old Pulteney Distillery

From Highland Park, head to the northeastern coast where Old Pulteney is nestled in the village of Wick. This distillery offers a more mellow and less smoky profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer smoother whiskies. The journey from one to the other can take a bit of effort, but the scenery along the way is stunning.

Glen Morangie Distillery

Glen Morangie, situated in Tain, is renowned for its innovative and high-quality whiskies. Its distillery is famous for its unique maturation process, which includes oak sherry casks and 'Astor' casks made from discarded wine barrels. The combination of these factors results in whiskies with a distinctive flavor profile that is both elegant and complex. Glen Morangie is a must-visit for its literary connection and artistic flair.

Explore the Lowlands and Beyond

It's also worth venturing into the Lowlands, where distilleries tend to produce milder, less peat-smoky whiskies. Loch Lomond is one such place, offering a contemporary take on traditional distillation methods. The experience is further enriched by the region’s scenic beauty and rich heritage.

Hopping from one distillery to another can be an adventure in itself. For instance, the Tobermory distillery, located on the Isle of Mull, holds a remarkable 1 million pounds worth of whisky in its cellar behind iron doors. It is a testament to the distillery's commitment to quality and rarity. Exploring such unique locations adds an extra layer of intrigue to your whisky tour.

Conclusion

Your distillery tour in 2019 should focus on the rich tapestry of Speyside whiskies while also enriching your experience with visits to distilleries in other regions. By researching thoroughly and visiting a variety of distilleries, you can create a memorable journey that captures the essence of Scotland’s whisky heritage. So, pack your bags, grab your tasting glasses, and embark on your quest to discover the perfect dram that resonates with your palate!