Scotland’s Luxury Whisky Trail

Since the last 600 years, whisky has proven to be indispensable for celebrating kinship or victories. One of Scotland’s most prominent exports, Scotch Whisky enjoys patronage of connoisseurs, worldwide. Particularly, for Single Malts. Single Malt whiskies are made from Barley that has been malted. In layman’s terms, it means grain that has been sprouted and then dried.  Single Malts are the rarest and the most prized. These are distilled from a single barrel at a single distillery.

Scotland’s hills, glens and lochs have been the subject of many a poet’s work. They are also the reason why Scotland has a coveted place in whisky production. This is because clean, pure spring water and golden barley are key ingredients needed to make superior whisky.

For a whisky lover who yearns for the finest of single malts, what’s better than tasting it at the place where it is produced with skills, mastered over centuries! Here are some of the revered, scenic, prolific distilleries of Scotland for the luxury traveller. Top 5 Scotland’s luxury whisky distilleries and luxury accommodations.

1) SCOTLAND’S LUXURY WHISKEY TRAIL: GLENFIDDICH DISTILLERY

Glenfiddich Distillery was founded in 1886 by William Grant. Continuing production under the fifth generation of the family, the Glenfiddich distillery is one of the largest producers of Single Malt whisky. It’s name translates to, ‘Valley of the deer’. Surrounded it is, by wildlife and flora. Nearby is the Robbie Dhu springs, whose waters are used in whisky making.

A notch above others, and worthy of special mention, is the Glenfiddich 21 year old single malt. The Malt Master-hand, picks a few selected casks and adds a subtle expert touch. This is done by adding sublime flavours of fig, ginger, lime and banana, to whisky maturing in Caribbean Rum casks, the brew turns into a work of art, par excellence. The sharp fruity, spicy taste of this legendary malt, is sure to rouse the senses!

Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Reserve 1955, went for a staggering $94,000 at an auction! This whisky was made in honour of the founder’s granddaughter, and only two bottles were made available to the public.

While this one maybe out of range, the distillery offers tours of its malt warehouses that are home to some of its best selling whiskies, and welcomes guests to fill a 20 cl bottle from a barrel of their choice. A prized souvenir indeed!

Should you visit the distillery, we highly recommend a visit to the Malt Barn Bar. It houses the largest range of Glenfiddich pouring whiskies in the world. Sample a dram (peg) of a 1958 vintage priced at £1,250, or an affordable shot of a 2003 at £15. Whichever one you may choose, the master craftsmanship of this distillery will leave its mark on your palette.

2) SCOTLAND’S LUXURY WHISKEY TRAIL: MACALLAN DISTILLERY 

The Macallan estate lies in an area of true scenic beauty in the Scottish Highlands. It’s 390 acres are home to grazing cattle and sheep, as well as an area dedicated to growing Minstrel barley, which is exclusively used to make Macallan Whisky. The River Spey, famous for its salmon, borders this picturesque distillery to the south and south-east.

Macallan whiskies are rich and full-bodied. The distillery’s unusually small copper stills play a big role in maintaining the characteristic taste one associates from this estate. In fact, so newsworthy are these stills,  that they’ve made an appearance on £10 notes issued by the Bank of Scotland!

Macallan uses only 16% of the final distillation from its stills, to fill its oak cases . This extremely small “cut” is one of the smallest in the industry, and guarantees Macallan whiskies taste and exclusivity that few can match. The distillery pays exemplary attention to the casks in which whisky is left to mature. Macallan spends more on its casks than any other distillery. Not surprising, considering that 60% of a whisky’s flavour is determined by the cask it is stored in! So while American bourbon seasoned oak barrels impart a  taste of coconut and citrus fruits, casks fashioned out of Spanish sherry seasoned oak give out flavours of orange, chocolate and spices.

It’s no wonder that Macallan whiskies command some of the highest prices ever witnessed at auctions, given the meticulous attention paid by Whisky Masters to every stage of production. The distinction of the most expensive single malt ever sold, goes to a 64 year old Macallan. Sotheby’s sold this six litre bottle for $ 6,31,850! The crystal decanter itself was a masterpiece created by Lalique, and the largest one to be ever made. We can’t help but raise a toast to an achievement such as this. Bravo!

3) SCOTLAND’S LUXURY WHISKEY TRAIL: GLENMORANGIE DISTILLERY 

Nestled amidst fields of Ross-shire barley, lies the Glenmorangie distillery founded by William Matheson in 1843. The name comes from the Scots Gaelic, and means, ‘Valley of Tranquility’. It’s setting is near serene Tain. Glenmorangie’s skilled artisans entrusted with the secrets of whisky making, are called ,’The Sixteen Men of Tain’.

Within the distillery, stand the tallest copper stills in Scotland. At almost 17 feet, they are as long as a giraffe’s neck! Given the still’s height, only the purest and lightest vapours rise to the top, thereby lending the whisky a refined, smooth taste. The estate uses some of the world’s most expensive casks to mature its whiskies.

We recommend the Glenmorangie 25 year old, one of the rarest from the family. Matured in Oloroso sherry and French burgundy casks, the whisky emits tastes of blackberries and red currants. This is an aromatic spirit, and you can catch a whiff of cherries, plums and dates as you sample a dram!

A trip to this distillery can be best enjoyed by coupling it with a stay at the Glenmorangie House. This 17th century house, is luxurious with all the amenities of a five star hotel. This luxury Scottish Whiskey accommodation retains the warmth and rustic feel of a highland manor. It’s six bedrooms are traditionally furnished with rich colours and Scottish tartans. A private beach is not too far away. Golf enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with as many as five courses in close proximity.  How about a spot of fishing or a hike through the highlands? On your return, let the in-house award winning chef tantalise you with a hearty meal made with ingredients sourced from the manor’s own kitchen garden. In front of a roaring fire, enjoy a complimentary decanter of Glenmorangie’s finest single malt. Life doesn’t get any better!

4) SCOTLAND’S LUXURY WHISKEY TRAIL : STRATHISLA DISTILLERY 

Built in 1786,  on the shores of river Isla, this distillery is easily one of the most beautiful  you can find in Scotland.  Domes shaped like pagodas, and  a cobbled courtyard  add to its quaint charm. Bought by the Chivas brothers, James and John in 1950, it produces two of the most iconic whiskies. The Chivas Regal and the Royal Salute.

Natural spring water, special Speyside malt and short stills, are all instrumental in producing blends that exude a nutty and hay like flavour. All Chivas Regal casks are left to mature for at least twelve years, to impart that unmistakable taste they’re famous for.

Under lock and key, in the Royal Salute Vault, lies the Royal Salute 38 Year Old  Stone Of Destiny. Visitors to Strathisla have the privilege of viewing the vault, and enjoying a sample of this precious spirit.

The distillery produced just 21 bottles of Royal Salute 45 Year Old Stone Of Destiny, and each one was priced at $2,00,000! The scotch was bottled in a decanter made of black hand made porcelain, embellished with 413 white and black diamonds, 22 carats of gemstones and gold detailing. A priceless jewel in Strathisla’s crown!

 5) SCOTLAND’S LUXURY WHISKEY TRAIL : BOWMORE DISTILLERY

Bowmore, on the Isle of Islay, is the island’s first ever recorded distillery. The island is home to just 3,500 residents. The region is a fertile landscape. Expertise in malt production have put the region on the map of some of the best whiskies, in the world. Islay is known for producing whiskies with a smoky flavour. Bowmore, till date uses a peat-fired kiln to smoke it’s malt. Peat, is a mossy fuel that is used to toast barley, hence lending a warm, roasted taste to the final product.

Islay is home to popular folklore of mythical dragons and phantom horses. Bowmore’s fame is no myth! It’s legendary No.1 Vault is the oldest warehouse in Scotland, and the only one below sea level. Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean is of great advantage, because as the whisky matures, it absorbs sea salt from the air, further enhancing it’s taste.

The finest oak cases, traditional tools and methods, fresh water from the Laggan River, all contribute in producing some of the most well balanced whiskies ever made.

Distilled in 1961, the Bowmore 50 year old is a class apart. Since 2013, the distillery has been releasing 50 bottles of this elite whisky, and plan to do so until 2016. Savour the taste of this half a century old spirit, and be swept away with flavours of black truffles, smoke, figs, pineapple and pomegranate. Whisky aficionados must get their hands on this one!

Blog by Ritu Mathur