Masterclass single malt whiskies of scotland

To Barleycorn… King o’ Grain

11

Why this book?

13

Masterclass whisky

14

Ingredients

16

The malt whisky production process

23

The pot still

39

Smell and taste

43

Investing in whisky

48

Distilleries of single malt

50

whiskies of Scotland The whisky trail

52

Scotland, a cake full of cherries

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18 distilleries in the picture

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1 Edradour

65

2 Glenfiddich

81

3

The Glenlivet

97

4 Aberlour

113

5 Glenfarclas

123

6 Macallan

133

7 Dalmore

147

8 Glenmorangie

161

9

177

Highland Park

10 Tomatin

185

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Ben Nevis

195

12 Talisker

211

13 Springbank

235

14 Auchentoshan

245

15 Bunnahabhain

261

16 Bowmore

269

17 Laphroaig

279

18 Ardbeg

289

Thanks

299

Bob Minnekeer

300

Andrew Verschetze

300

‘Floor malting’ has disappeared from all but a handful of Scottish whisky distilleries, to be replaced almost everywhere by more industrial applications. Here, drum or ‘mechanical’ malting.

The wet barley is poured from malt carts or blown in with compressed air.

A sample straight from the cask can be pretty strong. 58 to 60% vol. is no exception. Extra caution is advized. Usually, samples are checked by nose only. For tasting on the tongue, water can be added.

Butt (500 litres) – a former sherry cask.

An impressive series with different ages and vintages.

All successful and soughtafter bottlings.

Between Inverness and Oban lies the Caledonian Canal, a succession of lochs connected by a landscaped canal.

The world famous railway bridge we recognize from the Harry Potter films.

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ARDBEG THE ARDBEG DISTILLERY 1,000,000 litres a year

Kildalton Cross stands next

1 wash still and 1 spirit still

to the ruins of the Old Parish Church and is named after the Parish of Kildalton. As the

take place) and the old copper Port Ellen, Isle of Islay PA42 7EA Visitor centre 0044 (0)1496 302244

Scottish kil means a ‘place’,

www.ardbeg.com

Kildalton is thus ‘the place

Islay Single Malt

of Dalton. Also known as the

the big esplanade (where events still in front of the entrance.

The Ardbeg logo is paved in tiles on the esplanade.

As with the other distilleries

Loch Arinambeast, Loch Uigeadail

along the Islay coast, Ardbeg is

Kildalton High Cross or the

Owner: Glenmorangie Plc Louis Vuitton

surrounded by nature. A stroll

Kildalton Great Cross, the

Moët Hennessy

around the distillery, especially

Kildalton Cross is a Celtic cross

to the rear, leaves a deep

dating back to the eighth

impression. In good weather

century. Standing in the churchyard of Kildalton

you can see across to the Mull of Kintyre and even

Church, this monolith is 2.65 m high, 1.32 m wide

Ireland.

and 32 cm thick.

The distillery’s reception is impressive. The visitor

During its restoration the remains of a man and

centre with a shop, restaurant and coffee shop are

woman were found under the cross. Do these belong

housed in the former drying oven (kiln). The floor

to the last abbot, sacrificed by the Vikings under

has been removed so that you can look up into the

their blood eagle ritual?

rafters: impressive and unique.

The silence and the wonderful nature make this

Two very direct and sympathetic professionals,

a unique place to spot a herd of deer at nightfall.

distillery manager Michael Head and visitor centre

Somewhat closer to the Ardbeg Distillery is a bay

manager Jacky Thompson, pamper visitors during

where, when the tide is right, you will see many seals

the tour and other activities.

resting on the rocks or basking in the sun. The bay is

There can be no doubt that Ardbeg has Scotland’s

also a favourite for divers, going down to admire the

most beautiful mash tun. The rustic exterior has

underwater flora and fauna.

been retained, but inside it a modern stainless

The last of the three distilleries on the south coast of

steel tank has been installed, making it an easy-to-

Islay is Ardbeg. Upon arrival, you will be surprised by

maintain still.

289