The Water of Life

The Water of Life – Malt Whisky

My father used to say that Whisky and water were a perfect mix. Growing up in Scotland, ladies did not drink whisky, so I don’t have a taste for which one is the best. He said you must never put ice in the glass. He had a “wee dram” (little sip) between each fairway. He said it helped his score.

I send a lot of clients on the Malt Whisky Trail, which has nine distilleries, fantastic golf, great shopping, beautiful coastline, historical towns and villages and weather – well, take a brolly (umbrella) to be on the safe side. Speyside, is the north east of the land, is home to more than half of Scotlands distilleries. Benromach, Cardhu, Dallas Dhu, Glenfiddich, Glen Grant, Glenlivet, GlenMoray, Speyside, and Strathisla so take your pick of who to visit. Some lovely hotels and old mansion houses to stay at, with wonderful gardens.

I learned to ski in the Cairngorms National Park which is close by, and you can see Ospreys, Golden Eagles, red deer and wonderful hikes. Lots of castles, quality produce like visits to Johnston’s Cashmere factory in Elgin, Walker’s Shortbread, and Baxters Preserves

Entertain yourself with a visit to a Ceilidh ( Kaylee a Scottish gaelic evening ) if you can put up with bagpipes and dancing. I grew up practicing sword dancing using two brooms.

Make your choice of route, discover the signposted and hidden routes and rediscover the pleasures of driving where traffic jams are unheard of and the air is fresh and clear. Everyone should stay at a castle for at least one night, there are lots to choose from.

One of my favorites in Borthwick which comes with a ghost

If you really are a whisky lover, then you should visit the island of Islay. This is on the West Coast. There are nine distilleries to visit, even the seagulls walk with a wobble. Lagavulin is one of the best tours, along with Bowmore. Bowman was built in 1779, one of the oldest in Scotland. Barley is still turned by hand using traditional wooden malt shovel. Fascinating to watch them do it. Bruichladdich, my father said “that is pure class in a bottle” and of course, you get a sample at every distillery. You can smell the peaty aroma all over the island.

There is one inn in the highlands which has supposedly 1500 bottles of whisky for you to choose from It has a sign about the door “all are welcome, except a Campbell”. The MacDonalds haven’t forgiven the Campbells for a massacre in l692.

You can start off with a few days in Edinburgh, go to the Whisky Museum by the castle, then drive north covering both the Whisky Trail and the Castle Trail in one itinerary if you want to. Great scenery, lovely hotels, smashing food, refreshing pots of tea and something a little stronger if you want it, and a shoppers paradise

Maureen Jones, Scotsmaster

All Horizons Travel

160 Main Street

650-941-5810