3 day side trip scotch tastings
Jun 8th, 2015, 10:47 AM
#1
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3 day side trip scotch tastings
Looking for specific suggestions on logistics of a side trip from England into scotland. A group of 3 will be in London and want to fly or train to either Edinbrough or Aberdeen to do some whiskey tasting and general experiance scottish food /culture.
With limited time is it better to base in Edinbrough, maybe do 1 distillery tour (Glenkinchie nearby) and then just tasting shops. Or go to Aberdeen, tasting shops and then hire a private guide for one day to do tours in speyside.
Being our first trip over there, would prefer not to try driving on the left and public transit in the highlands looks spare though doable.
Also considering flight options back to the US from EDI or ABZ which is logistically easier to/from airport?
Thanks
With limited time is it better to base in Edinbrough, maybe do 1 distillery tour (Glenkinchie nearby) and then just tasting shops. Or go to Aberdeen, tasting shops and then hire a private guide for one day to do tours in speyside.
Being our first trip over there, would prefer not to try driving on the left and public transit in the highlands looks spare though doable.
Also considering flight options back to the US from EDI or ABZ which is logistically easier to/from airport?
Thanks
Jun 8th, 2015, 11:28 AM
#2
First of all if you want whisk<B><red>e</B></red>y you'll need to go to Ireland. If you do in fact want the non-e Whisky -- then yes, it is Scotland.
Second -- It is Edinburgh.
It depends on which sorts of whisky you want. There is a vast difference between say Speyside and Isla single malts.
W/ limited time you'll do best just taking the train to Edinburgh and visiting the Whisky Centre on the Royal Mile http://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
How much time do you actually have?
It will be easier to fly back from EDI or GLA.
Second -- It is Edinburgh.
It depends on which sorts of whisky you want. There is a vast difference between say Speyside and Isla single malts.
W/ limited time you'll do best just taking the train to Edinburgh and visiting the Whisky Centre on the Royal Mile http://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
How much time do you actually have?
It will be easier to fly back from EDI or GLA.
Jun 8th, 2015, 12:05 PM
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Ah yes, the dread of posting from my phone: spelling errors and misunderstandings. Sorry.
Preference is for speyside offerings. I considered staying in Aberlour or Dufftown to be able to visit Aberlour, Macallan, Balvenie, and Glenfiddich distilleries.
But with only 3 full days on the end of this trip, Edinburgh does seem easier. The Scotch Whisky Experience on the royal mile is like a good idea thank you.
As a transportation side note, has anyone taken the new tram 50 from EDI to downtown Edinburgh? Is it more convenient or are we better off with the no. 100 bus or a taxi for a early morning departure assuming we stay on/near the royal mile?
Apologies for any mispellings that may have slipped through this post.
Preference is for speyside offerings. I considered staying in Aberlour or Dufftown to be able to visit Aberlour, Macallan, Balvenie, and Glenfiddich distilleries.
But with only 3 full days on the end of this trip, Edinburgh does seem easier. The Scotch Whisky Experience on the royal mile is like a good idea thank you.
As a transportation side note, has anyone taken the new tram 50 from EDI to downtown Edinburgh? Is it more convenient or are we better off with the no. 100 bus or a taxi for a early morning departure assuming we stay on/near the royal mile?
Apologies for any mispellings that may have slipped through this post.
Jun 8th, 2015, 12:22 PM
#4
Oh -- heck, w/ 3 days you could certainly take a drive up to Dufftown (but you definitely want a car -- it isn't hard)
But if you are dead set against driving look at this - it doesn't go up into Speyside but would be a great day out and its a very good company. Small groups
https://www.rabbies.com/tours_scotla...1_day_tour.asp
The tram is great but it doesn't go up into Old Town. From the Royal Mile I'd just take a cab to EDI.
(Macallan and Balvenie are my favorites - I'm too wimpy for the smoky ones
)
But if you are dead set against driving look at this - it doesn't go up into Speyside but would be a great day out and its a very good company. Small groups
https://www.rabbies.com/tours_scotla...1_day_tour.asp
The tram is great but it doesn't go up into Old Town. From the Royal Mile I'd just take a cab to EDI.
(Macallan and Balvenie are my favorites - I'm too wimpy for the smoky ones
)
Jun 8th, 2015, 12:22 PM
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My humble suggestion:
Fly into Aberdeen, take the bus from the Aberdeen main station to Inverness, get off in Huntly and go to Whiskys of Scotland. You won't get a distillery tour but you will get to sample all sorts of wonderful whisky based on what you like.
Whisky of Scotland ships to the U.S. and Europe. We usually end up spending 200-500 GBP on whisky when we are there and have it shipped back home.
You can then take a brisk walk to the Dean's Shortbread factory and grab a bite to eat in their cafe.
Fly into Aberdeen, take the bus from the Aberdeen main station to Inverness, get off in Huntly and go to Whiskys of Scotland. You won't get a distillery tour but you will get to sample all sorts of wonderful whisky based on what you like.
Whisky of Scotland ships to the U.S. and Europe. We usually end up spending 200-500 GBP on whisky when we are there and have it shipped back home.
You can then take a brisk walk to the Dean's Shortbread factory and grab a bite to eat in their cafe.
Jun 8th, 2015, 12:41 PM
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As we were renting our car at EDI last month, the tram was almost right next to us - it looks nice and easy to use. From others' postings - just read positive reviews about the tram. With 3 of you, I'd take a cab though, if your plane leaves early.
In 2013, we walked into the Whisky Centre on the Royal Mile. We were very impressed with their selections, maps and shop. Purchased small bottles from Islay, Speyside, Campbeltown to get a further appreciation on our own time. Did not do the full experience, but it impressed upon us a need to go back to Scotland......this last month we did the 4 day Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival as a retirement gift to ourselves. Next year, perhaps the Islay Festival.
We were hesitant to drive as well, but really, once you get your mantra going, "I am the center" the hardest part is pulling out of driveways as one tends to exit on the right. With 3 days though, I'd stick to Edinburgh, do the Whisky Experience, The Royal Mile, the castle, St Giles Cathedral, Nat'l Museum of Scotland, Calton Hill - so much to see and do, 3 days is good.
In 2013, we walked into the Whisky Centre on the Royal Mile. We were very impressed with their selections, maps and shop. Purchased small bottles from Islay, Speyside, Campbeltown to get a further appreciation on our own time. Did not do the full experience, but it impressed upon us a need to go back to Scotland......this last month we did the 4 day Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival as a retirement gift to ourselves. Next year, perhaps the Islay Festival.
We were hesitant to drive as well, but really, once you get your mantra going, "I am the center" the hardest part is pulling out of driveways as one tends to exit on the right. With 3 days though, I'd stick to Edinburgh, do the Whisky Experience, The Royal Mile, the castle, St Giles Cathedral, Nat'l Museum of Scotland, Calton Hill - so much to see and do, 3 days is good.
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