Exploring the Heart of Whisky Production
On our first day, we embarked on an unforgettable journey through four of Chivas Brothers’ iconic whisky distilleries. Each location offered a unique glimpse into the art of whisky-making, guided by the knowledgeable Tristan Campbell, Brand Ambassador, whose passion for distilling spirits was evident throughout the tour.
Allt’a’Bhainne Distillery: A Warm Welcome
Our adventure began at the Allt’a’Bhainne Distillery, nestled near Dufftown. Founded in 1975, this relatively young distillery was acquired by Chivas in 2001. As we stepped inside, the warmth enveloped us, a testament to the distilling process at work. The sight of the impressive copper stills was awe-inspiring; their monolithic presence set the tone for our exploration.
Ascending to Braeval Distillery
Next, we drove 22 miles through the breathtaking Scottish countryside to Braeval Distillery, the highest distillery in Scotland at 1,655 feet above sea level. Established in 1973, Braeval is only the second distillery built by Chivas Brothers. The journey offered stunning views, making the anticipation of our next stop even more exhilarating.
A Culinary Break at Ghillie Başan’s
Midway through our day, we piled into a fleet of Land Rovers for a delightful lunch at Ghillie Başan’s. Set in idyllic surroundings, the meal was complemented by a whisky tasting featuring expressions from the distilleries we had visited. It was the perfect opportunity to appreciate the subtle differences among the whiskies while enjoying excellent food in a picturesque setting.
Discovering Tormore Distillery
Tormore Distillery, which means “big hill,” welcomed us next. This striking facility, surrounded by stunning gardens, has a rich history dating back to 1959. Originally, it included accommodations for the manager and staff. Here, we learned about its four steam-powered copper spirit stills and four wash stills, all contributing to the distinctive character of Tormore’s whisky.
Dalmunach Distillery: A Modern Marvel
Our final visit of the day took us to Dalmunach Distillery, one of Scotland’s newest super distilleries, established in 2014. Its contemporary design, inspired by the shape of a barley head, pays homage to traditional whisky-making. This innovative facility embodies the future of distillation while honoring its heritage.
A Restful Retreat at Linn House
As the day came to a close, we returned to Keith to check into Chivas Brothers’ Linn House, a charming Victorian lodge set amidst beautiful gardens next to Linn Falls. Located just a short walk from Strathisla Distillery, our next destination, Linn House was a perfect retreat.
Later that evening, we donned our best attire for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s opening dinner, “Touch of Tartan.” The event featured an array of delicious food, fine drinks, and heartfelt speeches, creating a wonderful atmosphere for connecting with fellow whisky enthusiasts at the Glenlivet bar, designed by Bethan Gray.
Day Two: A Journey into Tradition
The second day was more relaxed. After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we set off for Strathisla Distillery, the oldest working distillery in the Highlands. The pristine gardens and historical architecture made it one of the most photogenic spots in the country.
Alex Robinson, Head of Heritage & Education, guided us through the distillery. His insights into whisky production and blending enriched our understanding of the craft, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery’s operations.
Unveiling the Chivas Archive
One of the highlights of the tour was a visit to the Chivas archive, a treasure trove of history filled with old documents, photographs, and bottles of whisky dating back through the ages. Listening to Chris and Alex share their knowledge was captivating; their passion for Chivas’ heritage was contagious.
An Exclusive Tasting Experience
Finally, we stepped into the Chivas Whisky Warehouse No. 1, greeted by rows of cask-filled racks in a cool, dark atmosphere. Here, we participated in an exclusive tasting of whisky drawn straight from the casks, including the exceptional Chivas Regal Ultis. This cask-strength luxury whisky was a fitting end to an enriching journey through the world of Chivas Brothers.
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