A journey through Scotland’s whisky distilleries
Friar John Cor couldn’t have known back in the 15th century that his entry into the tax books of the Exchequer for some malt would go down in history as the first recorded evidence of whisky distilling in Scotland. Or that this could lead to the thousands of whisky tours now taken in Scotland each year. Friar John was producing Aqua Vitae; which means “water of life” in Latin, and this term is still used today to describe whisky, though we now use the Gaelic term “Uisge Beatha”.
Whisky is a potent spirit with a history as enigmatic, wistful and fanciful as some of the tasting notes found on modern whisky bottles. Who would have thought you could taste an autumn sunset? We’ll be honest, we’re not whisky connoisseurs, but we do love a good dram. Whether enjoying it by a fire in a grand Scottish castle, snug in a local bar, around the table of a mountain bothy or watching the sunset on a beach, whisky transcends its surroundings. That’s why we also love our job at Nomadic Scotland. We get to share our passion for Scotland and all it has to offer with guests who take a 4×4 trip with us.
Driving Tours & Whisky Tasting – Our Solution
But let’s get serious for a second. Pairing an alcoholic beverage that can’t be bottled at less than 40% ABV with a driving holiday could pose a problem. However, we’ve got some tips on how to enjoy the best of both worlds during any whisky tours in Scotland. First, take advantage of the option to insure two drivers on your vehicle at no extra charge. This way you can share the responsibility and spread out the drams.
Next, take advantage of what’s known as “the driver’s dram”. Many distilleries understand that a lot of their guests drive to reach them, so instead of offering a tasting at the end of the tour, they give the driver a takeaway version to enjoy later. Finally, book a whisky taxi. In some whisky destinations in Scotland, there are so many distilleries that you can hire a taxi and tour multiple distilleries in a single day. Just figure out where you’ll park your vehicle for the night and let someone else do the driving. We can help you create an itinerary that includes this service.
But where should you begin your journey?
Explore the whisky regions of Scotland
Scotland is split into 5 whisky regions: Lowland, Highland, Campbeltown, Speyside and Islay. Recently the West and North Coast Islands have carved out their own whisky identity, breaking away from the more traditional Highland region. It’s not like Scotland has any history of trying to gain independence from a larger union, right?!
Each whisky region offers a distinct style. If you like it smokey and peaty, head to Islay. If you’re looking for something light and smooth, stick to the Lowlands. Campbeltown whiskies are varied and full of flavour, while the Speyside distilleries produce whisky with fruity undertones. Finally, the Highland region, including the Islands, is so vast that you can find all the above styles and more, with a huge diversity of styles and flavours to suit all palates. As the saying goes, if you don’t like whisky, you just haven’t found the one that’s right for you. You could plan a trip dedicated to Speyside or Islay or visit a few distilleries across the Highlands. The Nomadic Team are here to help you with planning any whisky tours in Scotland.
A growing whisky industry in Scotland
Scotland is home to over 151 whisky distilleries and this number grows each year. No matter which distillery you visit, each one boasts its own unique claim to fame – whether it’s the highest, coldest, most westerly, tallest still, or even the wettest. Creative marketing behind these claims only adds to the allure of visiting each distillery!
The distillation process produces new-make spirit from malted barley, which then must age in an oak barrel for a minimum of 3 years before it can be called a Scotch malt whisky. Single malts are made at one distillery but can be a blend of different whiskies from the same distillery. Blended whisky, on the other hand, is a marriage of two or more whiskies from different distilleries.
You can then delve into the different types of barrels used for ageing – oak, ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, first fill, hogshead, quarter cask – the list is extensive. Each barrel type adds its own level of complexity to the final product. Every year, the flavour profile and appearance of the whisky change, and the angel’s share (the alcohol that evaporates) reduces the final volume available for bottling. Master distillers walk a fine line when deciding the right moment to move the whisky from barrel to bottle.
A deep dive into Scotland’s culture and identity
The process, the history and the whiskies themselves form such an integral part of Scottish identity and lore that no trip to Scotland would be complete without visiting a whisky distillery to learn more. The team at Nomadic Scotland want to make that happen for you. So, when you’re raising that glass to say ‘cheers’, remember to say Slàinte mhath, (pronounced slan-je-va), which means “good health”.
At Nomadic Scotland, we offer premium Land Rover 4×4 hire services in Scotland. Whether you need a sturdy vehicle for your journey or a fully equipped camping experience with a roof tent and all the necessary gear, we’ve got you covered. Our expert team is here to help craft the perfect itinerary, tailored to your interests. This can include whisky distillery tours and so much more! We’re dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience that sparks a love for Scotland and adventure. Contact us to find out more.