FROM Pitlochry lovers of nature and of wild and picturesque scenery
may make plenty of excursions. It is encompassed on every side
by hills and mountains, and there are charming walks in the
neighbourhood. Our worthy land lord, Mr. Fisher. again provided us
with a smart horse and trap, and drove us at a swift rate to Tullymet.
Our road was direct through the village, past the delightful grounds of
the Hydropathic and the Blair Athol Distillery, and then along the
valley road towards Tullymet. The whole of this beautiful Strath Tay is ODe
continued scene of the beauty of nature in its simplest, wildest, and most imposing
character. In same parts it is only wooded on ODe. side, but the variety,
richness, and stillness of the whole-the fragrant birches, graceful hazels, rolling
hills of the greenest verdure, and back ground of mountains, all farm same of
the richest pictures on which the ere could wish to gaze. In olden times it was
customary for every traveler to stop at Moulinearn, a place just above the
junction of the Tay and Tummel, to refresh himself with a glass of "Athole
Brose," a celebrated local compound of whisky and honey. The natives have a high
opinion of it, but we must confess to a preference for the whisky by itself or with
a small addition of the crystal, stream from the hills. after passing through the
village we left the "birchin" bowers of Tullymet behind, and came in sight of
the Distillery, which was erect~d in 1812, and is situated in a somewhat desolate
position in the centre of some farm lands, and at a distance looked like a small,
old-fashioned farmsteading.
The Rivers Garry and Tummel abound in salmon, and there are, besides,
half-a-dozen streamlets running in all directions, full of trout.
At the time of our visit the works had ceased operations, as the weather was
too hot for malting. The Distillery consists of a Barley Loft, Maltings, Still
and Mash House, and a few other buildings, including Spirit Store and
Warehouse accommodation for 40,000 gallons.
The water used comes from the Auchnagie Hills, and the make is Highland
Malt. Only peats brought from Loch Broom are used in drying the malt.
One exciseman is employed at the Distillery, who informed us that he leads
quite a pastoral lire here, and spends his summer days in his garden and little
larm-yard.
The annual output is 19,000 gallons; but 24,000 gallons can be made.
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