Today was characterised by more dry weather although morning temperatures did dip into minus territory (centigrade).
We commenced our day with a 45 m minute drive from our base at Grantown-on-Spey to Dufftown where we joined the 10.00 am ‘Explorer’ Tour. This was led by an able young lady who escorted us round the distillery, through the key whisky making functions which included malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation and maturation. Tour concluded with a tasting session.
Glenfiddich was founded by William Grant in 1886 and remains owned by the same family today. Production capacity is about 14.0, litres p.a. which places Glenfiddich in the top rank of whisky producers in Scotland.
Key product at Glenfiddich is the 12-year-old single malt.
Video clip of mash tuns in operation at Glenfiddich Distillery.
Video clip of washbacks at Glenfiddich Distillery
Next, we drove through impressive Speyside scenery, comprising forests and hills, to our next destination of Strathisla Distillery in the town of Keith.Here guests joined the ‘Ultimate Experience’ Tour which lasted about three hours and entailed tasting of six single malts. This was considered to be excellent..
Strathisla has a long history dating back to 1786 and is now part of the French owned Pernod Ricard group. Production capacity is 2.4m litres p.a. Flagship malt is a 12-year-old.
After concluding the Strathisla tour we availed of a meal in Keith before returning to Garntown.
Tomorrow, we visit Glen Grant and Aberlour distilleries.