Tour some of the Highlands’ best distilleries, complete with tastings, and join a whisky masterclass with expert Charles MacLean
Dedicate four days to learning about excellent Scotch whisky on
a memorable trip to the Highlands this September.
From your base at the four-star MacDonald Highlands Hotel in
Aviemore, you'll visit three renowned distilleries for tours and
tastings, including Blair Athol Distillery, The Glenlivet, and
Strathisla Distillery. At each, you'll have the chance to meet the
distillers, learn the history of Scotch whisky, and see first-hand
how they're carefully created. You'll taste the results, comparing
different malts and appreciating the complexities.
You'll be joined byexpert Charles MacLean, an established
authority on Scottish whisky, for a masterclass and tasting at the
hotel. You'll compare and contrast whiskies from distinct Scottish
regions: the Highlands, Lowlands, West Highlands and Islay.
Visits to distilleries are balanced with other experiences in
Scotland, with two scenic railway journeys - including a trip
aboard the Strathspey Railway to a village used as a location on
the television series Monarch of the Glen.
A visit to the beautiful Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens offers
the opportunity to learn about the Macpherson-Grant family, who has
lived there since the 16th century. Take time to wander the
beautiful gardens and admire the autumn roses.
Breakfasts and dinners are included at the hotel, where you'll
have a chance to meet others on the tour and enjoy a wee dram or
two together. The hotel has its own whisky bar, the Laggan Bar,
where you can order a single malt and find a cosy spot around the
log fire to enjoy it.
