A Whisky Tour Of Scotland

With the interest in single malts increasing exponentially throughout the world, the homeland of these whiskies -- the Scottish Highlands -- has become a popular tourist destination. There you’ll find more than 60 distilleries within a few hours’ drive of each other. Here’s an itinerary that will take you to some of the most unique whisky-trail attractions while giving you an inside look at both artisan and major-label brands.

This brief, weekender-style getaway can be integrated into a wider Scottish or UK jaunt. If so, your ideal preface to the Highlands is a stop at Edinburgh’s Whisky Heritage Centre, adjacent to the must-see Edinburgh Castle. The Centre gives visitors a firm grounding in the making of the “water of life” so that you can appreciate variations in each distillery you visit later on.

Day 1: A day in the countryside

You’ll want to ease into Scotland’s environs with a leisurely day in the country, as the Highlands are more cosmopolitan than you think. Keep in mind, however, that you don’t want to go too country too quickly and hurt yourself.

Your first stop on your whisky tour of Scotland will be at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown. It’s the world’s No. 1 single malt whisky, and their tour center is one of the most visited in Scotland. Not only do they have a great free tour, but they also have a special brand of cultural attractions.

In addition to absorbing Glenfiddich’s approach to single malting on the tour, you’ll see original SoHo-worthy contemporary art integrated right into the distillery itself -- from psychedelic wall murals in the mash room to a classical bronze sculpture illustrating “the Angel’s share” (that quantity of whisky that escapes into the air during the aging process) in the warehouse. Even the staff’s parking lot hosts an amusing installation you’ll have to see to believe.

The source of these creative interventions is a unique artist residency program. For the past six years, Glenfiddich has invited artists from around the world to live and work in their renovated worker’s cottages during the summer. If you’re at the distillery from June to October, you can check out the very latest from these artists in the Glenfiddich gallery.

After your tour, you’ll no doubt want to get something into that empty cave you call a stomach. Thankfully, you won’t have to go far; grab a Stilton panini and a latte at the Glenfiddich cafe. Once you’re feeling satisfied, take a stroll up to Balvenie Castle (five minutes away), where you’ll spend the afternoon.

Now that you have a handle on the basics of whisky, head to Glenfiddich’s sister distillery, the Balvenie, for a more in-depth connoisseur’s tour. Balvenie is more of an artisan brand, so its tour includes rare glimpses into the traditional malting process, as well as a look at its equally rare on-site cooperage, which is where coopers tend to traditional oak casks.

Finish off the first day of your whisky tour of Scotland with a stroll around Dufftown, the picturesque, self-declared Whisky Capital of the World. All roads in Dufftown lead to the clock tower, which was once a prison but now serves as a tourist information center. From there, you should be able to find directions to an upscale restaurant that will satiate your need for a French bistro-styled resto, which is the internationally renowned A Taste of Speyside. This is where you can enjoy either gourmet takes on local faves, such as Cullen Skink or Ham and Haddie, or more traditionally French dishes like the Sautéed Loin of Lamb, Rabbit Casserole or fine Fillet Steak done to perfection. Of course, there’s a wide assortment of local whiskies on hand to round out the meal, along with an excellent wine list in case you’re feeling a bit distilled.

You still have two days left on your whisky tour of Scotland… Next Page >>

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