With the allure of whisky touching historic peaks, distilleries in Scotland are banding together, crafting intriguing regional itineraries that cater to the inquisitive tourist. Kirsten Amor highlights the community approach’s benefits for the industry and aficionados.
The Lure of Scotland’s Distilleries
The 19th-century whisky chronicler, Alfred Barnard, invested two years of his life chronicling distilleries across Scotland, Ireland, and England in “The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom”. If Barnard were to undertake this endeavor today, modern developments would greatly ease his task. The landscape of Scotch whisky has become more accessible, courtesy of an innovative travel trend.
The global fascination with Scotch whisky is skyrocketing. A remarkable 1.9 million enthusiasts flocked to Scotland’s distilleries in 2017, marking an 11.4% increment from the previous year, as disclosed by the Scotch Whisky Association. Most distilleries now view visitor centers and tours as pivotal to their operations. Recognizing this, Diageo, the titan of Scottish whisky production, plans a generous £150m investment to refine the visitor experience across its establishments.
Crafting a Whisky Trail
Beyond establishing state-of-the-art visitor hubs, distilleries are sidelining their rivalries. They’re merging strengths to present an enthralling experience – the whisky trail. As James Johnston, Malt Whisky Trail’s chairman, recounts, uniting nine distinct brand partners on a singular promotional canvas was once unthinkable. Yet, today, it underscores the significance of inter-brand collaboration.
The Malt Whisky Trail, the premier whisky trail established in the 1950s, spans eight distilleries and a cooperage in Moray on Speyside. By 2017, three-fifths of the 806,190 visitors to Moray had toured a distillery, showcasing its popularity.
These trails cater to tourists from diverse backgrounds. Even those unfamiliar with whisky find these trails insightful. They serve as a gateway to acquaint oneself with the spirit’s rich legacy. Johnston says, “Whisky’s charm lies not just in its taste but the story of its creation.”
Trails That Illuminate Overlooked Distilleries
For seasoned enthusiasts, trails reveal lesser-known distilleries. It’s akin to a treasure hunt, Johnston remarks, “Whisky offers something for everyone. As you relish one, curiosity nudges you to uncover another.”
In more secluded parts of Scotland, some producers have grasped the potential of a regional whisky trail. Alasdair Day, co-founder of R&B Distillers, speaks of the challenges faced by distilleries on islands like Raasay. While Skye pulls in approximately 500,000 tourists annually, with 71,000 visiting the Talisker distillery, Raasay sought to amplify its appeal. Drawing inspiration from Skye’s thriving tourism, R&B Distillers collaborated with Talisker and others to unveil the Hebridean Whisky Trail in August 2018.
These trails present a unique alternative for visitors. As Day explains, when weather thwarts hiking plans in Skye, tourists might opt for a distillery visit instead.
Tales from Remote Distilleries
Transportation advancements boost these trails’ appeal. A short ferry ride connects Skye’s Sconser to Raasay, with the distillery a brisk walk from the terminal. Similarly, a ferry from Uig on Skye takes you to the Isle of Harris distillery. However, securing accommodation is essential as there’s no return ferry on the same day.
While the Hebridean and Malt Whisky Trails are solo ventures, other routes offer compact experiences. Islay’s Ardnahoe distillery, in collaboration with Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain distilleries, offers a bundled experience. Paul Graham, who curated this package, emphasizes the ease it offers. Tourists can immerse themselves in the whisky realm without logistical headaches.
A Collaborative Spirit
Several distilleries are thinking outside the Scotch box. In 2018, Glasgow Distillery and Tennents, the brewer, initiated a combined tour package. This diverse offering showcases both beer and whisky, letting visitors compare and contrast. With more distilleries set to open doors in Glasgow, one wonders if the city might unveil its dedicated whisky trail soon.
Scotland’s Whisky Trails
The Malt Whisky Trail
Location: Heart of Speyside, stretching over 74 miles.
Stops: Benromach, The Glenlivet, Cardhu, Glenfiddich, Glen Grant, Glen Moray, Strathisla, Dallas Dhu, and Speyside Cooperage.
Unique Features:
- Heritage: The Glenlivet, for instance, boasts of a legacy dating back to 1824, granting visitors a glimpse into the evolution of whisky-making techniques.
- Gastronomic Treasures: Speyside isn’t just about spirits. Dive into its culinary realm with diverse eateries flaunting local fare. The Macallan Distillery, not included in the trail, but nearby, boasts an elegant restaurant with sweeping views of their iconic architecture and Speyside’s nature.
- Natural Wonders: When not sampling whisky, take a relaxing walk along the River Spey, or spot the iconic Scottish salmon in their natural habitat.
Hebridean Whisky Trail
Location: Covering 115 miles, this trail lets you hop across Skye, Raasay, and Harris.
Stops: Talisker, Torabhaig, Isle of Raasay, and Isle of Harris distilleries.
Unique Features:
- Island Vistas: Skye, renowned for its rugged beauty, showcases magical Fairy Pools and the iconic Old Man of Storr.
- Cultural Insight: Isle of Harris isn’t just known for its distillery but also its Harris Tweed, showcasing Scotland’s rich textile history.
- Local Flavors: Venture into the world of local cuisines. From fresh seafood on Raasay to unique island treats on Harris, there’s always something delightful awaiting.
North Islay Whisky Tour
Location: The picturesque Islay, emphasizing the island’s north-eastern distilleries.
Stops: Bunnahabhain, Ardnahoe, and Caol Ila.
Unique Features:
- Islay’s Distinct Profiles: Discover the intricate variations of maritime influences and peat in each distillery. While Ardnahoe offers its blend, you can contrast that with Bunnahabhain’s peated and unpeated varieties.
- Natural Beauty: With clear days providing vistas of the Paps of Jura mountain range, it becomes more than a tasting tour. Birdwatching is also a popular pastime, with over 100 species residing in the region.
- Local Touch: The island celebrates several festivals, with the Feis Ile – Islay Festival of Music and Malt in late May, being a magnet for whisky enthusiasts globally.
Glasgow Distillery and Tennents Tour
Location: The vibrant city of Glasgow.
Stops: Glasgow distillery and Tennents’ Wellpark Brewery.
Unique Features:
- Industrial Charm: Glasgow distillery flaunts an industrial, yet modern charm, standing as a contrast to the countryside distilleries. It’s a reflection of Glasgow’s rich industrial past.
- Beyond Whisky: With Tennents churning out beers for 450 years, get a comprehensive view of Scotland’s alcoholic heritage. Dive into the beer-making process and witness the similarities and distinctions with whisky.
- City’s Pulse: Once done with the tours, Glasgow offers rich history, art, and architecture. From the Victorian Necropolis to the vibrant murals that adorn the city, there’s always something to catch your eye. Plus, being in the heart of the city, the eateries and entertainment options are limitless.
Johnston aptly captures the essence, “Whisky isn’t just an alcoholic beverage; it’s an embodiment of history, heritage, and community spirit.” For anyone eyeing a Scottish escape, these trails promise to be both enlightening and exhilarating.