Unforgettable summer journey through Scotland's Whisky Heritage 🏰 - Day 2: Rockstar in the dining room for the second time
In 2014, a group of friends and I embarked on our first whisky adventure, and now, ten years later, we continue to explore the world of whisky with the same passion and curiosity. Despite a brief pause during the pandemic, our dedication to uncovering the beauty of distilleries and deepening our whisky knowledge remains strong. To celebrate our tenth journey, we returned to Scotland, the heart of whisky production. Scotland, along with Ireland, offers not only a rich history but also a relatively accessible destination for us Czechs. Over six days, we planned to visit 12 distilleries and had the unique opportunity to meet two of the most respected figures in the whisky industry—David Stewart and Alan Winchester.
The Cozy Coo breakfast with Alan Winchester
The second day began with a mix of excitement and nervousness as we prepared for breakfast with Alan Winchester, a true legend in the whisky world. Alan, with nearly 50 years of experience, is a man whose contributions to the industry are immense. He has worked in 22 distilleries throughout his career and is currently involved in the revival of the Cabrach Distillery, a community-owned project bringing whisky production back to the area after 170 years. Our breakfast with Alan at The Cozy Coo café in Dufftown was not just a meal; it was a deep dive into the rich history of whisky, enriched by his personal stories and insights. We were also thrilled to present him with a deluxe edition of our whisky game, which he received with great enthusiasm.
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The Fiddichside Inn
We spent two memorable nights at the legendary The Fiddichside Inn, a cozy pub steeped in history. Although our schedule was tight, we managed to have a delightful chat with Gail and savor some of the local whisky, adding another layer of warmth to our Scottish adventure. The Fiddichside Inn, established in the early 19th century, has long been a gathering spot for locals and travelers alike, offering a welcoming atmosphere just steps from the River Fiddich. This historic inn has retained much of its original charm, making it a true gem in the heart of Speyside.
Glenfiddich Distillery
Following breakfast, we headed to Glenfiddich Distillery, the largest single malt whisky distillery in Scotland, with a production capacity of about 21 million liters of pure alcohol per year. Despite its size, the distillery maintains a strong commitment to sustainability, which we found impressive. The tour gave us a comprehensive view of the distillery's operations, from the stillhouse to the new production facilities, and ended with a tasting of their core range—Glenfiddich 12, 15, 18, and IPA. While we had tasted these whiskies before, enjoying them in the distillery's setting added a special touch.
The Balvenie Distillery
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly our visit to The Balvenie Distillery, where we had the incredible opportunity to meet with David Stewart, Balvenie’s Malt Master, and one of the most respected figures in the whisky industry. David has been with Balvenie for over 62 years and is credited with pioneering the technique of double maturation, which is now a standard in the industry. After a light lunch in the Robbie Dhu lounge, we were joined by James Roberts, Balvenie’s Brand Ambassador, who provided us with vests before we embarked on a private tour. We explored the cooperage, where we learned about the importance of cask management, and even got to see the warehouses where some of the oldest and rarest casks are stored. A standout moment was tasting an 11-year-old single malt straight from a refill sherry cask, a whisky so rich and complex that it left us in awe.
The Still bar
The day was perfectly rounded off with a memorable dinner at Dowans Hotel & Restaurant, where we were joined by David Stewart, Ian McDonald, and Charlie Metcalfe. Over a delicious meal, we continued our whisky discussions, with Charlie guiding us through tastings of remarkable whiskies like Balvenie 19 and the rare Balvenie Founders Reserve in The Still whisky bar. The evening was a perfect blend of great company, exceptional whisky, and unforgettable stories, making it a day we will treasure forever.
Slàinte mhath!
Pavel, The Whisky Game
