Scotch Whisky tour for Gareth Jenkins and friends from England whisky lovers and up to Scotland to celebrate a 50th birthday for Gareth it was great fun

Gareth Jenkins & friends, November 2009

Aye the trip has been and gone, but NOT forgotten! It was Paul who drove and guided the trip and his quote; !I really enjoyed this tour, they were a great wee bunch and we had lots of fun, food, whisky and many sights!" The first distillery - an hour after landing, was brilliant, a great in depth tour and expert knowledge given, not to mention the drams, superb! The lads liked the hotel also, followed by a drink at the house of trousers, a distillery tour in Oban and watching the footy at the hotel bar. They did like the Famous Grouse tour and 5 drams there, enjoyed another footy game at Christies in Perth, where we had the bar to ourselves, barman Barry is still kicking himself for falling for Dave's jibes, nae bother Barry. I would say (maybe) the highlight of the tour was the day (and evening) in Edinburgh, where the guys had free time, followed by our whisky club, the Dome (best pub in the world according to them), Cafe Royal, Tiles and some great beers, ending the evening last in the place at KFC! It was a great wee tour, thanks to the boys for making it great fun; Paul McLean. 

"We had a great time with many happy memories- not surprising considering we spent every evening half cut..... but, to our credit, we were never hammered! I'd  like to take this opportunity to thank you for being a reliable, generous and most thoughtful guide . Your business will flourish if the level of service we enjoyed is your norm. I am glad you enjoyed our company I can assure you that the feeling is mutual. Sincere best wishes" Gareth

Monday 23 November; Arrive at Edinburgh airport where we will meet you and whisk you away into the heart of Scotland.Fantastic scenery en route will include a visit to the TULLIBARDINE DISTILLERY This tour takes approx. 1½ hours and gives you the full experience of the skill and effort that goes into creating The Tullibardine Single Malt Whisky. The tour will end in the tasting room, where you will nose and sample 3 Tullibardine Whiskies, before departing for the hotel; George, Inveraray. Tuesday 24; our first call will be OBAN distillery. Paul's place of birth (Oban, not the distillery!) holds much to see, superb seafood, pubs and restaurants, this is the major ferry port on the highland west coast. The remainder of the day will be spent touring locally some historic sites maybe? with a stop for refreshments on a wee isle south of Oban, returning to the hotel. Wednesday 25; today we head to Perth, on the way we will make a visit to the FAMOUS GROUSE distillery for a tour and a special  5 dram taste session! Ending the day in Perth, accommodation near to many local pubs, one of which is Paul's local and has a great selection of whisky, wine, spirits and beers, also food. Famous Grouse is at Glenturret Distillery, Crieff. As mentioned above, we take a special tour here tasting no less than five drams, just as well it's near the days end! Pictured below.

THE FOUNDRY BAR Perth, Paul's local bar. Many whiskies to choose from, in addition to many beers wines and other spirits. Haunt of the Friday Club with Paul and the grumpy old men (Paul, Willie, Ray & Doogie - sometimes Andy)! Thursday 26th; a day trip to Edinburgh today. Sample some more whisky at the Edinburgh Whisky Centre, where if you wish a tour and taste can be taken (own choice and entry fees apply)Free time here to see shops, castle, Royal Mile etc. Our visit will end as we pay a visit to our Private whisky club, spending maybe two hours here in this relaxing atmosphere - more like an old gentlemans club.  Please note; drinks can be purchased here at own expense from bar. Return to Perth. Friday 27; your final day, depending on flight time, we may be able to add in another distillery; Drop off at airport.

Oban 14 Year Old West Highland Malt, 43% vol. Appearence: Amber  Aroma: Medium pungency and rich overall. (Straight) Cognac-like, with some sulphur and a whiff of peat. Sulphur disappears, and the spirit becomes sweeter (icing sugar) with some acetone and seaside salt. (Dilute) These aromas remain when water is added, but reduced. Some bubblegum and a light hessian scent. Fresh and faintly floral (bog myrtle). Flavour: Medium mothfeel, smooth; easy to drink, with a good balance of primary flavours. Starts sweet, engages the whole palate and finishes dry, with faint but distinct peat- smoke in the finish. Development: Mulch, chicken mash.