Happy New Year - have a wee Dram from Scotland

A Wee Dram

Growing up in Scotland I was used to having my father take a wee dram ( a sip ) every time he played golf. He said a sip of his favorite Glenmorganie whisky made him play better and it kept out the cold wind. I don’t recall every counting past 100 when I played with him – I think the wee dram’s was the cause. I send a lot of clients on the “whisky trail” in Scotland, but must confess that my favorite island to send people to is Islay where even the seagulls walk with a wobble.

Scottish whisky has never been more in demand. There are three different kinds of Scotch and that you can enjoy a whole holiday visiting the whisky distilleries themselves. The production of Scottish whisky has only three ingredients, malted barley, yeast and water. We call it in gaelic “ uisge beatha - the water of life”. Scottish whisky is always spelt without an “e”. It was the lifeblood of the Highland Clans until the Act of Union in l707 which brought Scotland into the United Kingdom and many Scots still today are saying – one day we have home rule and get rid of the English.

Contrary to what many people believe there is not only one single type of whisky. There are actually three types, blended, single malt and grain. Blended whiskies are the biggest sellers and use a blend of both single malt and grain whiskies with the real skill in the hand of the master blender who chooses which whiskies should be used and in what ratios. Single malts are the product of one distillery, usually offering a clean and refined flavor. The malts are normally more expensive than blends and are best not mixed with soft drinks or even with ice as this blocks flavor. A little water should normally be added to release the serpent. Grain whiskies are the least well known, though they make up a significant part of many blends. Generally, they are cheaper to produce and of a lesser quality, and seldom seen on sale outside of Scotland.

Scotland is split into five main whisky regions, the Highlands – including the islands, Lowland, Speyside, Islay and Campbeltown. The highest concentration of whisky distilleries is in the Speyside region, where the waters of the River Spey help create some first rate whiskies. You can sample some world famous names like Aberlour, Balvenie, and Glenfiddich. The Spirt of Speyside Whisky Festival in May each year welcomes visitors from around the world. Go to a local ceildh (dance ) a wonderful experience. www.spiritofspeyside.com

Islay is an idyllic island on the very edge of the Atlantic, jolly windy, and has eight whisky distilleries, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhainn, Caol lla, Kilchoman, Lagavulin and Laphroaig, all of which tend to produce single malts with a distinct and pervasive aroma of smoky peat. We dig up blocks of peat for our fireplaces, don’t use coal. I’ve toured all the distilleries which is a fun experience. I usually give my “wee dram” to the chap standing next to me.

My top ten food and wine experiences when you do go.

1. Try a Traditional Burns Supper. Haggis, neeps and tatties. The Whisky trifle is smashing.

2. Taste the Three Chimneys. One of the top ten restaurants in the world. It’s on the island of

Skye where I am from. The Outer Hebrides are special.

Let me plan your trip to Scotland. Whether you are a whisky lover, tracing your ancestors, or a golfer, I know some very special places.

Maureen McDonald Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park

650-961-2340 Direct

www.allhorizonstvl.com