HEADED TO THE HIGHLANDS
JUNE 15, 2024
auchentoshan distillery
Often referred to as “Glasgow’s Malt Whisky,” Auchentoshan was founded in 1823 on the western outskirts of the city. Today it’s one of just six malt whisky distilleries in the Scottish Lowlands, and one of the most recognized internationally. Its name is translated from the Gaelic as “corner of the fields” and the products are often described as having a “breakfast whisky” character due to their sweet and delicate nature.
Auchentoshan has the distinction of being the only distillery in all of Scotland to triple-distill every drop of its whisky, and this process, which further removes impurities in the liquid, contributes greatly to the light, fruity, citrusy and woody character that identifies it as a classic, welcoming and relatively easy-drinking Lowland Malt.
loch lomond brewery
Not far outside of Glasgow but firmly in the foothills of the Highlands sits the Loch Lomond Brewery. Here Euan and Fiona MacEachern welcome us into the award-winning brewhouse that has within a decade produced a CAMRA Champion Beer of Scotland as well as a SIBA Supreme Cask Champion Ale of the UK.
After a generous sampling of ales and lagers in the brewery taproom, we’ll also be treated to a sneak peek and maybe even a sneak sip of their new project, West Highland Distillery, which offers a single malt gin produced completely in house from Scottish malted barley. Excitingly, whisky distillation is in the works as well, with the first distillation said to be slated for 2024.
fyne ales
In Matthew Curtis’ book Modern British Beer he writes that “there are few greater beer experiences to be had in Scotland than to sit among the blue, green and grey folds of Glen Fyne, a plate of freshly shucked Loch Fyne oysters in one hand and a pint of Fyne Ale’s iconic Golden Ale, Jarl, in the other.” Your guides wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment and take great delight in sharing the stunning beauty of the glen and the beers produced there with as many new people as possible.
Opened in 2001, Fyne Ales is located on the 4500-acre Achadunan Estate – a working, 6th generation family farm in the Scottish Highlands with sweeping views down to Loch Fyne or up into the dramatic peat-rich hills. The Delap family raise sheep, highland cattle, and a herd of red deer, but our main interest is in the brewery that produces award-winning traditional ale and cutting-edge craft beer. One would be challenged to find a brewhouse in a more idyllic setting, or nicer folks manning the kettles.
pitlochry
The small, bustling Highlands town of Pitlochry earned a reputation as a high-end tourist resort after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the area in 1842 and bought the highland estate at Balmoral. It remains a popular tourist destination today and is particularly known for its Pitlochry Festival Theatre as well as its proximity to the mountains Ben Vrackie and Schiehallion, which help to make it a popular base for hiking enthusiasts and coach holiday groups.
The town has retained many of its original stone Victorian buildings, particularly along the very popular and colorful High Street, and is further blessed with the presence of two long-established whisky distilleries as well as a pair of new craft breweries.
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