Sensational Speyside

A 6 Day Whisky Tour of Speyside, the Highlands & the West Coast for a group of 7 from U.S.

We started from Edinburgh city centre and after the Queensferry Crossing we made our first stop Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, where the group shared some flights at the unique mash tun bar. Then it was on to Dalwhinnie for a quick dram with chocolates in the outdoor tent bar. After a lunch stop at the Speyside Centre there was time for a tour of Glenallachie Distillery before ending the day at the Sunninghill Hotel Edinburgh, where our guests enjoyed (as always!) an excellent dinner.

Next a full day in Speyside including drop ins at Cardhu and Glenlivet which were well received but the highlight was undoubtedly the Glenfiddich Malt Master tour which included an exclusive blending session and a draw from the Solera vat. Overnight as before.

On Day 3 we headed west towards Inverness, stopping briefly at Clava Cairns, the 3,000 year old bronze age burial site. After an impromptu tasting of Arran 10 year old, there was time for a quick stop in Inverness before lunch at the excellent Fiddlers in Drumnadrochit. Afterwards a visit to the iconic Urquhart Castle on the shore of Loch Ness before ending the day at Glengarry Castle hotel in the Great Glen.

Next day we headed south via Fort William and took a worthwhile deviation into the heart of Glencoe and its’ brooding beauty. Time for another dram, this time Old Pulteney 12y/o which went down well. Finally on to our destination and a late tour of Oban Distillery before an excellent dinner in the seafood capital of Scotland.
Day 5 was a full day out to Mull and the picture postcard town of Tobermory. After some free time a tour of the wee distillery was followed by a hearty lunch at Macgochans. There was just time for a quick visit to Duart castle, home of Clan MacLean before taking the return ferry to Oban where another superb dinner was enjoyed.

Our final day meant a journey east back to Edinburgh but there was time for visit to Doune Castle of Monty Python, Outlander and King of Thrones fame. We stopped at the Kelpies for coffee and pics before arriving at the hotel just off the Royal Mile.
An excellent tour with much covered in a short space of time. The group enjoyed some new whiskies as well as some well known favourites. Everyone agreed that the Scottish food exceeded expectations which added to a memorable trip.