WHISKY, UISGHE BEATHA, THE WATER OF LIFE, HAS EVOLVED OVER MORE THAN 500 YEARS TO GIVE THE RANGE OF RICH SINGLE MALTS, COMPLEX PURE MALTS AND DISTINCTIVE SCOTCH BLENDS WE KNOW TODAY.
Whisky distilleries were founded in an environment rich in
the highest quality ingredients: pure, clear spring water and abundant supplies
of fragrant golden barley. On the whisky trail of Speyside, you’ll find more
than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries, each with its own warm
welcome and an invitation to see, smell, taste and absorb the magic of whisky.
Each whisky distillery on the distillery tour follows its
own traditions, lore and recipes for everything from malting the barley to the
height and size of its stills. The unique characteristics of each Speyside whisky
distillery result in delightful, hand-crafted whisky from each one. All offer
visitors a sample of the finished product and some include an informative
nosing and tasting while others give an insight into the complex art of
blending whisky and malt.
Follow the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail through Speyside
to seven working distilleries, including a fascinating cooperage and a historic
distillery. From Benromach to Dallas Dhu, a perfect time capsule of
whisky-making; from Glen Moray to Strathisla, home and heart of Chivas Regal;
from the Glen Grant distillery to the Speyside Cooperage where real coopers
work with incredible speed and skill; from Glenfiddich to The Glenlivet and the
Cardhu distillery, Scotland’s whisky trail signposts lead you through the
picturesque lush countryside of Speyside, the world’s favourite malt whisky
region.
Come for a weekend in May, or in September for the whisky
festivals, when distilleries, whisky shops, bars, pubs and whole villages
welcome visitors with drams, special nosings, ceilidhs and other parties. Come
at any time to enjoy famous names and share well-kept secrets with
knowledgeable locals in well-stocked bars and friendly pubs.