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Visit Abhainn Dearg Distillery, Visit Isle of Lewis

May 21, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Abhainn Dearg Whisky, Isle of Lewis, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on Scotland’s youngest whisky distillery, namely Abhainn Dearg ( ‘Red River’) at Carnish on the Isle of Lewis . This was founded in 2008 and is the only distillery in the entire chain of islands comprising the Outer Hebrides. Abhainn Dearg is the brainchild of local businessman, Mark (“Marco”) Tayburn.

Having passing the minimum three years plus one day maturation period the new single malt is now produced in a limited edition. Bottling currently available is single cask, non-chill filtered and 46pct ABV.

Unlike rival distilleries on nearby Islay, the whisky is not peated.

Here is a video clip of the distillery which was taken when maintenance was in process. Note that the copper stills do not fall in the ‘pot still’ category, unlike most Scottish whisky distilleries.

Whisky Tasting, Abhainn Dearg Distillery, Scotland

Maturing Whisky at Abhainn Dearg Distillery, Isle of Lewis

An excellent visitor experience for whisky aficionados determined to find their way to the remote location of the distillery.

Islands, Islands, Islay, Lewis, Locations, Scotland tour, Tours, Whisky none

Tour Wester Ross, Tour Scotland

May 18, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Common Seal, Dunvegan, Scotland

This morning we depaerted our Tarbert, Harris lodgings early tro connect with the 7.30am ferry to Uig Skye. On arrival at Uig we proceeded as follows:

To Dunvegan Castle on Skye. Here we visited the excellent garden and joined a short boat ride to view a colony of basking common seals. Latter was a great expereince allowing close-up access to the animals.
To Portree, capoital of Skye. Here we explored the town and colourful harbour and then availed of lunnch at a harbour restaurant.
To Broadford, south Skye via some stunning snow-capped mountainous scenery.
At Broadford we viisted art and craft outlets and an interesting second hand bookshop.
Next, acroos the Skye Bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh and then north up to Ullapool vioa Loch Carron via superb West Highlands scenery. Arrived Ullapool at 5.30pm.

Overall,weather was dry and reasonably sunny permitting some good photo opportunities. Tonight we are in Ullapool before commencing the tour’s penultimate day. Superb sunset over Loch Broom this evening-see final pic below.

Common Seal, Dunvegan, Scotland

Dunvegan Castle, Skye, Scotland

Portree Harbour, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Cuillin Mountains, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Loch Carron, Highlands, Scotland

Ullapool, Highlands, Scotland

Sunset over Loch Broom, Scotland

Art, Buildings, Castles, Culture, Highlands, Islands, Islands, Isle of skye, Locations, Lochs & Lakes, Mountains, Nature, Scotland tour, Tours none

Tour Isle of Lewis, Tour Scotland

May 17, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Snow Capped Mountains, Harris, Scotland

This morning, we departed our lodgings at Tarbert, Harris and headed north to Isle of Lewis passing en-route through some stunning scenery entailing mountains topped with an overnight covering snow which reflected nicely in the sunlight. The tour progressed as follows:

First destination was the new (founded 2008) whisky distillery known as Abhainn Dearg at Carnish on the west of Lewis which is at the end of a long and narrow road with no obvious signage. We eventually found the site and on second attempt were provided with a visit to the distillery operations and a sample of the new, three year old single malt.Interestingly, this distillery is close to the site where the set of famous Viking era carved chessmen were found buried on the beach area. We made some purchases of this unique and limited availability single malt.
Next to the famous prehistoric, standing stone site at Callanish.
Next to the Gearrannan Black Houses, a former community of traditionally built stone houses with thatched roofs. This site provides a tangible link with traditional island lifestyle of fairly recent times.
Next to the Carloway Broch, a former high status dwelling with a history dating back perhaps some 2000 years.
Next to Shawbost and a water powered mill and kiln dating from the Norse or Viking era, about 1200 years ago.
Next to the Blackhouse Museum (former island house) where we learned more about the use of peat for fuel and toured the museum with authentic sights and smells from a bygone era.
Finally, we returned to Tarbert in readiness for our departure for Skye in the morning.