Day 1 Arrive into Inverness Airport (we can also start in Aberdeen, Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport) where we meet you and drive into Speyside with a dram in hand. With a whisky experience to start your tour; a private whisky tour and tasting at a local distillery. You’ll find out how whisky is made, from start to finish. Get up close to the stills in which the spirit is made and visit a warehouse, to see how they age whisky in a host of different casks including Marsala wine casks and sherry casks. We can then have time for lunch locally. This afternoon we take you to luxury accommodation: This Scottish Baronial mansion is characterised by its’ square central tower, four stories high. The main entrance opens to an imposing reception hall with a fine Italian mosaic tiled floor. From the hall leads the magnificent stone staircase, with its decorative cast and wrought iron balustrade, leading to the first floor galleried landing, lit by a stained glass laylight. The dining room has a richly decorated plaster ceiling, while the drawing room and adjoining library have fine panelled ceilings and white marble fireplaces. Off the western hallway, with Victorian tiling, is the snooker room which links to the whisky tasting room. Beyond is the walk-in safe and whisky vault. There are ten suites on the first floor which have been appointed to the highest standards of Scottish country luxury. The gardens and grounds are extensive and private. The property is surrounded by beautiful countryside offering a wealth of opportunities for outdoor pursuits including walking, cycling, salmon fishing, stalking and shooting. Dinner is included this evening.
Day 2 A lazy morning, after breakfast we give you free time to experience the grounds and house at your own leisure. Should you wish to relax over a dram the library has an extensive range of Scottish history, culture and local nature books, along with a world class whisky book collection. A light lunch, followed by a trip to visit a local distillery. Return for an evening with our own whisky expert; Vic Cameron, after 23 years of industry experience with Diageo, in operations and laboratory management, process support and cereal procurement, Vic left for a ‘’higher’’ calling. Affectionately known as The Whisky Minister, Vic combines his own whisky consultancy, Discerning of Spirits, with running a church. He has taught at a variety of events including the Orkney Science Festival and Holland’s first ever whisky school. Vic is the course lecturer for our Diploma in Single Malt Whisky and has also contributed his vast industry knowledge to the content of Whisky Academy courses. He will entertain you with stories, drams and humour of course. Dinner follows.
Day 3 Sadly, we leave your Baronial Mansion for Inverness, a fond farewell, haste ye back.
Based on a wee group of ten people, fully guided and hosted by our tour director, who will stay with you over the two days. Two nights with a dinner each evening, served by the in house chef. Guests are offered cream tea on both days as well as full cooked breakfast and lunch (if required) and each room is supplied with complimentary blended whisky. The only additional costs would be drinks and any other external elements you might like. Selected dates available. Full transport, driver and guide.
For more Information contact paul@mcleanscotland.com
Cost: starting from £1200 per person.