Description

The word whisky is derived from the Latin word 'aqua vitae' which translates as the 'Water of Life'. As it is Scotland's national spirit it is part of our culture and history. On this private day tour from Glasgow we will take you on a journey to discover a few diverse whisky distilleries. There are 5 different whisky regions each with there own unique flavour, colour, methods and history. On this tour you will have a chance to sample a lowland malt, a highland malt and one that is stuck in the middle!

Departing from Glasgow we will drive by the banks of the River Clyde. Hear the story of Clydebank from its epic shipbuilding, to its World War 2 Blitz disaster, to its regeneration.

The first stop is at Auchentoshan Distillery. Unique because it is Triple Distilled rather than the traditional two. A lowland malt with a distinct orange peel like flavour and light smooth taste. These types of whisky are referred to as a 'Breakfast Whisky', fit for the time of day.

After we continue our tour, we drive past Dumbarton. Another town with maritime and shipbuilding heritage, it was home to a number of factories, much which do not survive today. One of these industries being whisky, on the side of the road are the old bonded warehouse of Balentines that were guarded by 'Geese'.

We will pass through Balloch and have a glimpse of Loch Lomond before continuing to the next destination. Balloch is home to the headquarters of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. 

Then we will go to the Trossachs; meaning 'bristly country. Renowned for its natural beauty, peaceful lochs and dramatic mountains, often called Scotland in Miniature. The area holds many stories of both folklore and historic value. The park has a loch named Loch Drunkie where it is said illicit distillers dumped their whisky so they would not be caught by the excisemen when there was a Malt Tax during the 19th century.

The next stop of the day is at Deanston Distillery which is another Highland Malt. Originally an 18th century cotton mill set on the River Teith it was converted into a distillery in the 1960s. Most recently it was also featured in the film 'Angels Share'. A term used for when the whisky is aged in barrels it is said that a portion of the spirit is evaporated during this process.

Our last distillery stop of the day is at Glengoyne. A distillery sitting on the edge of the highland boundary fault line. It is technically a Highland Malt because it is distilled in the Highlands, but the warehouses are just beyond the lowlands border. The slowest distillation process in Scotland. Six years spent preparing the perfect oak casks before they receive their first drop of spirit. Barley dried by air, never peat. 

Finally we begin our return to Glasgow passing buy the mighty Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument.

Private Whisky Tour from Glasgow