Peat is the decomposed remains of grasses, moss, sedges and reeds that have been compressed over centuries in the oxygen-starved, waterlogged conditions of bogs. Ireland and Scotland’s west coast are ideal locations. In Ireland they call it Turf. We have been burning peat for fuel for thousands of years, mostly as a cheap heat and [...]
The last tour was back in April to Campbeltown, Arran and Islay, this one was Speyside again. Due to my ill health, Marcus was driving making it easier to chat away. Ingvar arrived into Edinburgh late and stayed overnight, as did Marcus who met him 8am next day. They picked me up in Perth and [...]
The 2023 tour with Ingvar, my pal fae Sweden, so well thought of everywhere, great to see him again. Saturday 15th April - met at Edinburgh Airport, drove to Glasgow for overnight. Grub, drinks and catch up. Marcus driving, myself and Ingvar in the back! Sunday 16 April - over to Arran to see Lagg [...]
I've just toured a superb new distillery, just outside Grantown on Spey. They knew I was coming, and really nice, upon arrival everyone said hello, knew my name and used it, nice touch. I was sat doon with a cup of tea and waited for Andy, he came presently and we had a long half [...]
Whisky specialists Gordon and MacPhail will undertake a multimillion-pound makeover of their South Street shop. The transformation will create a unique whisky experience. It will incorporate displays, tasting rooms and a liquid library of some of the world’s rarest whiskies. The transfer of their shop will be a temporary one to the High Street, next [...]
Aye this is a Scottish beach, we can take you here to enjoy a dram or three. It is miles away from our usual whisky tour route, but if you can spare a day, we can do it! Assynt and the beautiful Clachtoll Beach, some of the most stunning scenery of the Highlands of Scotland. [...]
The art of distillation spread to Ireland and Scotland no later than the 15th century, as did the common European practice of distilling "aqua vitae", spirit alcohol, primarily for medicinal purposes.The practice of medicinal distillation eventually passed from a monastic setting to the professional medical practitioners of the time, The Guild of Barber Surgeons. The [...]
It’s that time again for Paul & Ingvar lapping up distilleries - March 2022 saw the pair travel around Scotland, taking in distilleries as usual. Ingvar used this tour to research for the MALT WHISKY YEARBOOK next year’s issue. As per usual we get only the best introductions, with managers hosting the no holds barred [...]
have to say at the start, Ingvar is a friend, a week on the road is not work, it’s a pleasure, we get to so many places, everyone I know is jealous and rightly so. This trip we started at Edinburgh Airport, amongst the most police I had ever seen, that Cop thingy bob in [...]
