A superb visit to Scotland has just come to an end with most of it based around Speyside.. The trip up north started at just after midnight on Tuesday with the first destination being Deanston distillery and  a long overdue meeting with Stephen Woodcock .. A very detailed tour, a barrage of questions and the most incredible warehouse roof you could imagine.. I am sure Stephen was probably relieved to see the back of us..

A quick stop at Dalwhinnie with the purchase of a few bottles then onto the Speyside Distillery and the home of Spey single malt. Greeted by Distillery manager Sandy, we were treated to a very informal tour and full tasting of the range including the excellent single cask specially selected for the Spirit of Speyside festival..

A little extra stop was added to day 1 with a trip to Tomatin where a little more whisky was purchased along with a tour..

Day 2 began at Tomintoul Distillery with another fascinating tour, Graham showed us round every department before  treating us to another great tasting and allowing the geeky side of me get my hands on a few staves and bungs..

Then the visit is been waiting for.. Glen Moray.. Greated with a smile from Iain the visitor centre manager before an extremely insightful tour where once again we bombarded him with the geeky style of questions I’m sure he didn’t want ( although he kept smiling throughout!! ) Then in walked the master distiller / manager and master blender Graham Coull who treated us to a private tasting from some cask samples intended to be possible future BYO’s..  Before we finished the tasting we were privileged to meet the lady who keeps Graham on his toes and like they say “ behind every great man is an incredible lady” certainly true in this case !!

Day 3 started at the one and only Glendronach with a tour and a superb tasting from Karen ( who pulled out 4 single casks for us to taste)

On to Glenglassaugh for a tour and a bottle your own before heading back to our base for a few drams and an early night..

Day 4 was our departure day but with 3 distilleries still on our radar an early start was once again in order..

Aberfeldy awaited and after a quick stop and tasting we purchased the single sherry cask BYO before heading off to Glengoyne and my second home Auchentoshan..

More of the BYO from Auchentoshan was purchased and a few extra bits and bobs for the collection before a long sad journey back home..

Glengoyne.

The organisation for the next trip has already began.. See you again Scotland and thank you for a whole lot of memories..