2024 Scotland Trip

I am going to Scotland again this spring! This post is our organizer for the trip but if anyone reading this happens to be at the same place at the same time come and say Hi and enjoy a dram with us!  I'll be the short bald guy with glasses and a beard standing next to a tall guy in jeans and a polo.  

Wednesday, 10 April

Afternoon - arrive in Glasgow, rent a car.  Drive 2.5 hours.  Pete's flight lands at 12:05; Rob's at 12:10.

17:30 Arrive in Kennecraig for the 18:10 ferry to Port Ellen, arriving at 20:20

Lodging: Port Charlotte Hotel

Thursday, 11 April

11:30 Bruichladdich Warehouse Tour - Booked - Sample 3 unique expressions straight from the cask (Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte & Octomore). Each has been hand selected by our head distiller Adam Hannett. Complimentary glass and sample bottles are included to allow you to take some or all of your drams away to enjoy at your leisure.

Drive 30 minutes.

14:30 Bunnahabhain Warehouse 9 Tour - Booked - The Warehouse 9 tasting at Bunnahabhain is one of our most popular experiences at the distillery and a must visit while on Islay for whisky lovers. Behind the No9 black door our converted floor maltings are now home to our Bunnahabhain whisky maturing in the very best American and European oak casks.  Surrounded by our maturing inventory you will be able to enjoy an exclusive tasting of unpeated and peated (Moine) Bunnahabhain – straight from the cask. Tasting Details: 4 Drams; 4 x 25ml drams of cask strength whisky straight from the cask.

There will be an opportunity at the end of the tasting to purchase a 20cl bottle from your favourite casks in our distillery shop.  These will be hand filled and labelled by a member of the team.

16:00 - Ad-hoc tour at Kilchoman, Bowmore, or other sightseeing

Lodging: Port Charlotte Hotel

Friday, 12 April

11:00-12:15 Ardbeg Warehouse Tasting - Booked - "Take the padlock off the dunnage warehouse and grab a valinch – we’re taking you into the famous Warehouse 3. Surrounded by barrels, butts and barriques you’ll sample some incredible whiskies straight from the cask. Taste and compare how aging in different casks affect maturation. An intimate and atmospheric tasting, visits to Warehouse 3 always fill up in advance." Time: 11:00, Cost, 50 pounds.

Walk 25 minutes to Lagavulin

14:00 - 16:00 Lagavulin -  Distillery Exclusive Tour - Booked - "Your experience will begin with a visit to our iconic still house where your guide will tell you a little about the history of Lagavulin. You will then make your way to the Mackie Lounge to be taken through the journey from spirit to whisky, focusing on the importance of the maturation process – enjoy a tutored tasting starting with new make spirit followed by five of our whiskies which showcase the character of Lagavulin. To conclude this outstanding experience, you will hand fill a 20cl bottle of a single cask whisky." Cost: 105 pounds.  

16:30 - 17:30 Laphroaig Distillery - Walk to our plots 

19:50 Ferry from Port Askaig to Kennecraig, arriving 22:20 and drive 45 minutes to Campbeltown

Lodging: Royal Mile Hotel

Saturday, 13 April 

11:00 - 12:00 Cadenhead's Warehouse Tasting - Booked - During the Cadenhead’s Warehouse Tasting, you’ll have the opportunity to sample 6 of the finest Cadenhead’s whiskies from various distilleries in one of our traditional warehouses in Campbeltown. You can also take home a Cadenhead’s glass with our compliments. After enjoying these 6 drams, you will have the opportunity to head down to the Tasting Room bar where you can select a 7th whisky to try. A soft drink alternative will be available if desired, too.

Lunch at The Washback Bar and optional, trying some Springbank

13:00 - 14:00 Springbank Tour - Booked -  On the Springbank Tour you’ll have the opportunity to journey through our historic distillery which has been on the same site since 1828.

As the only distillery in Scotland to complete 100% of the process on site, you’ll have the chance to see each step of the whisky making process before enjoying a dram of one of our core range whiskies and taking away a glass and miniature to enjoy at home.

Drive 3.25 hours to Glasgow.  No ferries available.

19:30 - 22:00 Dinner and drinks at Scotch Malt Whisky Society house in Glasgow. Booked

Stay at AC Glasgow Marriott

Sunday, 14 April

Fly out of Glasgow - Pete's flight leaves @12:50; Rob's @13:35