Rocky mountain way

The vast majority of Scottish distilleries are based in Speyside and the Highlands. And there's something there for everyone, from the diehard enthusiast to the complete beginner

You can argue forever where the distilleries of the Highlands begin from the south, but if you head out of Glasgow, the newly-refurbished Glengoyne is as good a starting point as any – both in terms of geography and education. The distillery offers a range of tour packages to suit all levels of knowledge.

And to the East Perthshire provides a similar platform as you head out of Edinburgh. It has five distilleries including the most tourist friendly ones. First is Tullibardine which benefits from a very good and reasonably priced café plus other retail outlets next door apart from its well stocked distillery shop.

Next up the line is Glenturret with The Famous Grouse Experience, where you can learn more about the blending process.

One highlight is the computer generated flight over Scotland, guaranteed to keep your small people interested – if you have to take them with you – while you concentrate on the liquid.

And while on the subject of family fun, Aberfeldy houses Dewar's World of Whisky, a modern tourist attraction with lots to do.

Your choice from here is whether to wander west, east or straight north. If you go west, the distilleries to see are Oban and Ben Nevis. Unusually, Oban is right in the middle of the town and an excellent way to pass an hour or two. Parking is available in the various public car parks near the waterfront and it is not far to walk.

Oban is a very popular tourist town from spring to autumn and consequently also very well served for a...

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• By : Dominic Roskrow
• In : Drinks
• Issue : 28
• Page : 38
• Words : 1,452