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Scotland’s part of our great island that holds a really particular place in my coronary heart, and certainly, the hearts of the remainder of the GreatDrams household for that matter.
As a result of we’re so lucky to do what we do, we frequently discover ourselves venturing up north to go to our northern neighbours. Every time we go to, we’re extra awestruck than ever. Not solely are the locals past pleasant, however the meals is excellent, the surroundings is classy, and the whisky is out of this world.
Scotland is clearly one of the crucial in style vacationer locations on this planet for individuals who love a tremendous whisky, and in the event you’re ever lucky sufficient to go to, there’s heaps of whisky-related treats to maintain you occupied. With out query, one of the crucial in style issues to do in the event you’re a fan of whisky, is the Speyside Malt Whisky Path
Just lately I’ve discovered myself writing about Speyside and the path fairly a bit, so moderately than proceed to say it in passing, I assumed I’d go right into a bit extra element as a substitute. Right here is the GreatDrams information to visiting the Speyside Malt Whisky Path for the very first time.
The place is Speyside?
Generally known as a sub-region of the Highlands, Speyside sits between Aberdeen and Inverness. House to dramatic moorlands, lush inexperienced fertile glens, woodland, and naturally, the River Spey, it’s a whisky area that sees vacationers from everywhere in the globe, visiting all 12 months spherical.
Speyside is one in all Scotland’s 5 official whisky-producing areas (many think about The Islands as one other area, although they’re not formally recognised by the Scotch Whisky Affiliation as an official whisky area). It’s sometimes called ‘malt whisky nation’ as a consequence of its excessive focus of whisky distilleries. In reality, greater than half of Scotland’s whisky distilleries are situated in Speyside.
Despite the fact that I say this no matter which whisky area I go to, I can’t assist however get nostalgic at any time when I’m within the area, be it by work, or pleasure. I really like the landscapes, I really like the meals right here, the locals are so pleasant, and the air simply smells brisker, cleaner, and crisper than ever. Oh, and the whisky isn’t half dangerous both.
Speyside malts are unmistakable, as they’re a stark distinction to the smoky, peaty, intense drams you’d discover from Islay. They’re usually easy, creamy, candy, and fruity. This usually comes from the growing old course of, with sherry casks usually being most popular right here. Most distilleries may even draw their water from the River Spey. The Spey, which is the second-longest river in Scotland, second solely to the Tay, affords immaculately clear and mineral wealthy water which helps give the whisky its distinctive traits.
With their easy finishes and fruity notes, Speyside whiskies are extremely moreish, as I do know all too effectively (thank goodness for hangover cures) and are very extremely wanted. Not solely will you discover a host of smaller, boutique, impartial distilleries on this area, you’ll additionally discover some juggernauts of whisky world within the area, together with distilleries comparable to Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, and The Macallan.
What’s the Speyside Malt Whisky Path?
The one path of its type on the planet, the Speyside Whisky Path is the last word path for individuals who respect a wee dram or two, notably one from Speyside.
The path spans for a whopping 99km, with a lot of the route following the River Spey. Set within the coronary heart of rural Speyside, the path consists of seven working distilleries, the alluring Speyside cooperage (I’ll be speaking about that in higher element at a later date) and one historic distillery which is sadly now not operational.
Although you can hike the path in concept, it’s significantly better to both drive, have a delegated driver, or take a whisky taxi that are designed to take folks to every vacation spot on the path, in order that they’ll benefit from the plethora of free drams from every location. Usually, you’ll want 3 days to finish the path, so in fact, lodging will likely be required.
As you embark upon this epic journey, you’ll enterprise by the center of whisky nation and can study extra about Scotland’s nationwide beverage and the extremely proficient women and men liable for producing it, all whereas sampling greater than sufficient superb whisky alongside the way in which. You’ll encounter woodland trails, forests, coastal cafes, riverside paths, nation roads, quaint villages, and way more in addition to. Additionally, make sure you have your digital camera prepared as a result of the quantity of wildlife you’ll encounter is ridiculous! See, you possibly can perceive why the path has me so excited can’t you?
The Speyside Malt Whisky Path
I gained’t inform you tips on how to do the path, the place to go to and in what order as a result of that’s all the way down to you. Despite the fact that most expertise it by automotive or bike, in the event you’re capable of, you can hike it. You can additionally do it in no matter order you want. That’s the wonderful thing about the whisky group, we simply waft and take issues at our personal tempo.
Whereas I gained’t be drawing up an itinerary for you, I’m going to supply an outline of every vacation spot on the path so you possibly can plan your journey the way in which you need.
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