Spirit of Whisky

Day 1 – Arrival Inverness (-/-/-)

On arrival at Inverness airport, we will transfer you to your hotel where you will stay for 2 nights.

An evening of tasting Scotland’s famous “Uisge Beatha – ‘water of life’”.

Our venue for the evening has over 120 Malt Whiskies to choose from in their Library Bar, some of which are rare and cannot be found anywhere else

Day 2 – Glenmorangie Distillery and Dalmore Distillery (B/-/-)

Today is reserved for visiting two distilleries. By the tranquil shores of the Dornoch Firth, amidst the golden barley fields of Ross-shire, lies the Glenmorangie Distillery. Here you will find a warm Highland welcome from the legendary Men of Tain, the skilled craftsmen who ensure that Glenmorangie is made in the same unhurried and uncompromising way it has always been through its long and distinguished history. With the help of our expert guides, you will experience all stages of the whisky-making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation. Within Still House (we call it our Highland Cathedral) stand the tallest stills in Scotland. Their long copper necks are the same height as a fully grown giraffe!

Our next stop is Dalmore Distillery, located on an isolated area on the banks of the Cromarty Firth, laid bare to the harsh winds of the North Sea. The buildings and warehouses have stood there since 1839 designed by the scratches of its founder Alexander Matheson. The chance to explore The Dalmore Distillery is almost as special as the single malt whisky we create there. The whole experience will be a rare insight into the skill, expertise and craft that goes into each precious drop of The Dalmore. After tasting and enjoying the beautiful nature surrounding of distilleries we are returning to our hotel.

Day 3 The Glenlivet and Glenfiddich (B/-/-)
After breakfast, we continue to explore the Highland distilleries. First today stop will be Glenlivet distillery, situated on the edge of Cairngorms National park.

Glenlivet distillery

The wild and remote setting of Glenlivet has been the home of the single malt that inspired a region. From this beautiful glen comes the raw elements of rich mineral Spring waters of Josie’s Well, crisp fresh mountain air and an uncompromising terrain that combined create the foundation of a whisky of infinite elegance. Over two hundred years ago, whisky was closely bound up in the lives of every family in the glen of the Livet. It was local farmer George Smith who was renowned for his fine ‘illicit’ whisky, in 1824 seized upon the opportunity to obtain the first license to produce whisky ‘legally’ in the parish of Glenlivet. He knew exactly where to build his new distillery and went on to produce a spirit that would define the Speyside style of whisky which became the heartland of Scotch malt whisky production. The Glenlivet is in the heartland of malt whisky country and a visit to this grand distillery will take you on a fascinating journey to the source of one of the greatest names in Scotch whisky.

Back in 19th century William Grant and his family built their Distillery by hand, stone by stone and called it Glenfiddich, Gaelic for Valley of the Deer. William’s passion, determination and pioneering spirit continues to guide us today. Glenfiddich is one of the few single malt distilleries to remain entirely family-owned and is now the World’s Most Awarded Single Malt* Scotch Whisky, a true reflection of our founder’s innovative nature, passed down through the generations.

Day 4 – Talisker Distillery (B/-/-)

Today we travel to the magnificent Isle of Skye to visit the oldest and only working distillery – Talisker Distillery. Set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins, Talisker is an alluring, sweet, full-bodied single malt that’s so easy to enjoy, and like Skye itself, so hard to leave. Talisker is the only Single Malt Whisky made on the Isle of Skye, one of the most remote, rugged, yet beautiful landscapes in Scotland. Few whisky’s tell the story of their origins better than those crafted at this distillery. We will try different types of whisky.

Overnight is on Isle of Skye.

Day 5 – Ben Nevis Distillery(B/-/-)

Following breakfast we leave the Isle of Skye and travel to Ben Nevis Distillery, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. Established in 1825 and situated at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, Ben Nevis distillery is an impressive and historic place. Incorporated within Ben Nevis Distillery is The Legend of the Dew of Ben Nevis Visitor Centre built into an old distillery warehouse. In a specially commissioned audiovisual presentation, you will meet Hector McDram, a mythical giant who will reveal the secret Legend of the Dew of Ben Nevis. Following this, you will receive a conducted tour of the production areas by a trained guide and a complimentary tasting.

Overnight is at Fort William.

Day 6 – Glengoyne distillery (B/-/-)

After breakfast we leave Fort William and travel to Glasgow. On our route we will visit the famous Glengoyne distillery. The distillery sits at the foot of Dumgoyne Hill near Loch Lomond. In 1833, the local farmer, George Connell was granted the license to legally produce whisky in the area. He founded the Burnfoot Distillery, which became Glenguin Distillery in 1861, then, in 1906, became Glengoyne. In 1984, Lang Brothers received a Royal Warrant, having supplied whisky to the Queen Mother. Now it is owned by Ian MacLeod who bought it from Edrington group. Glengoyne enjoys the slowest rate of distillation in Scotland (the spirit comes from the Still at around 4-5 litres per minute) which encourages the formation of ‘esters’ giving Glengoyne its characteristically sweet, smooth taste. The spirit is then matured in oak casks from Spain, which have previously contained Sherry. Ian Macleod Distillers look after this whole process. We will have the opportunity to see the whole process of producing whisky and to taste samples from the cask and help Glengoyne select Distillery Exclusive Single Cask release. After visiting distillery we travel on to Glasgow where we will stay overnight.

Day 7(B/-/-)

Transfer to airport for departure.