Old Pultney, Highland Park, Scapa and Glenmorangie
Starting in Orkney and working our way down the coast, these 4 distilleries all have their little unique points that make them special in their own way. Unfortunately couldn't squeeze in Thurso's Wolfburn but it will be ticked off in due course. Quick fire write up and photos from 4 of Scotland's northern nectar producers.
Highland Park Highland Park, with its traditional floor maltings, central location and 1798 start date and rugged old school beauty makes it a firm favourite in the visiting charts. A really nice young guide (following in the footsteps of his brother who guided there previous) was green and enthusiastic about the whisky and provided us with some banter as we poked about this old beast. Slightly expensive when you are going for the more meaty tastings, particularly with Lynnfield Hotel down the road providing a huge range of whisky, but nonetheless a pleasurable experience.
SCAPA Scapa doesn't quite have the brand following of its bigger cousin 3 minutes drive away, but it did acquire a bit of a cult following since Pernod Ricard decided to revitalise the site.
The visitor centre and tour are clearly in its infancy and you felt the site will quickly become inadequate with visitor numbers heading higher every year. However, the tour offered value at £20 with a decent tasting and a cask strength dram from a selected cask in the warehouse, plus you get to keep the glass (always softens people up)! Pleasant if uninspiring, although one of the softest new make spirits I have had and a lovely stillroom with a unique surprise in there only one other distillery can claim to have.
Old Pulteney
Wick's only distillery is a brand which is well known for its salty qualities and highly regarded 21yo single malt, which has sadly been discontinued. It provided one of the most affordable premium whiskies on the market at the time. Nevertheless the distillery is still left with an inventory which can get the taste buds flowing.
With a similar style of distillery to Highland Park, this was actually my favourite of the 4 to tour to its rough nature. It just felt like you were being show a distillery that had the right combination of investment to keep the visitor happy, without overshadowing the aspect which people want to see in the first place; real whisky made by real people. The tasting room was excellent as well, although similar to Scapa the selection of tastings was somewhat limited. This isn't to detract from a friendly welcome, tour and overall nice experience!
Glenmorangie Due to complete and utter enjoyment on the voyage to Tain's cathedral (much better than Dornoch's effort, we sadly have absolutely no photos from this visit thanks to the wonderful hospitality and tour from Aiden! Staff were immense, the whisky is superb the stills are as good as it comes! Thankfully I have been before and can regurgitate some photos from a previous life.
'IWAS - Drams not Drama'
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