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When visiting Scotland, we of course can't skip to
take at least one tour! Even the organizations in Scotland concerning
tourism have understood the distillery tours are of great importance to
the tourist industry.
There is quite some difference amongst the tours. Some are free, other
will cost you a few pounds, although often redeemable in the shop if you
buy a bottle of whisky. Some distilleries offer extended 'connoisseur'
tours where for a higher priced ticket you can get more exclusive samples
and extended features on the tour such as warehouse visits.
Over the year me and my girlfriend have taken quite a few tours, and we
would like to share our experiences here. All these tours have been done
anonymously, so our experiences are exactly as anyone else's on our tour.
I do have to add that tours can change quite a lot depending on many factors.
Several distilleries where I have done more then one tour range from average
to excellent, and tours which have been recommended full hearty have been
found most disappointing. There are several factors that can contribute
to these changes. Of course the individual guides presses a strong personal
note on the tour. She or he might have a off-day, just as we have, etc.
Also the distillery's owners might have changed, with new policies promoting
the tours, or contrary putting more focus on production and less on tours.
If you disagree with any descriptions or have anything else to say, then
feel free to add your comments to any article!
» Highlands
Aberfeldy
- Tourist headquarters for the Dewar's blend.
Ben Nevis - More industrial
then distillery looking, but McDram will get the tartan feeling back up!
Blair Athol - Right in
the centre of the tourist center of the Scottish Highlands.
Edradour - Wins the price
of cutest distillery without any doubt.
Glengoyne - Lovely whitewashed
distillery in the rolling hills north of Glasgow.
Glenturret - Rustic distillery
situated in a beautiful glen.
Oban - One of the classic six
in the city which is the gateway to the isles.
» Islands
Arran - One of Scotland's most
modern, and very accessible distilleries.
Highland Park - For now,
still Scotland's most northern distillery.
» Islay
Ardbeg - Classic tour, one that
single malt whisky enthusiasts can't do without.
Bowmore - Solid tour in the
heart of the capital of Islay.
Bruichladdich - Brought
back from the death by a group of people who put their heart in.
Laphroaig - Classic tour
by people from the trade, got to collect that rent too!
» Lowlands
Glenkinchie - The lowland
of the classic six which can be 'done' in a day from Scotland's capital,
Edinburgh.
» Speyside
Glen Grant - Beautiful garden,
free tour, but the knowledge of the tour guide is questionable...
Glenfarclas - Classic speysider
on the foot of Ben Rinnes, not to be missed.
Glenfiddich - Free tour
by the distillery who started it all, beautiful distillery to look at
as well.
Macallan - Solid tour with
very hospitable guides.
Speyside Cooperage
- Rare view on a related craft, not to be missed.
Strathisla - Tourist headquarters
for the Chivas blend, and an unique tour in a beautiful set of buildings.
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