whisky &#8211; Lannie's Food & Travel

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone. She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night! She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

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15 Whisky Advent Calendars – UK 2023 edition

Lannie — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 06:39:31 +0000

The holidays are coming, so let’s elevate the holiday season with a touch of sophistication and a dash of spirit with a delightful treat – the Whisky Advent Calendar. From single casks to independent bottlers to rare expressions, I’ve scoured the internet to deliver this amazing list of 15 whisky advent calendars (UK 2023). Each advent calendar is designed to deliver a daily dose of joy and excitement for whisky lovers. Whether you’re gifting someone else or treating yourself, these calendars provide the perfect opportunity to savor the holiday spirit, one dram at a time.

The below list ranges from 12 to 24 drams, and all come with 30 ml samples (except for SMWS, which has hefty 50 ml sampling bottles). Prices fluctuate with the number of drams included in the calendar, but the below list ranges from 50 GBP for a 12 day scotch whisky adventure, all the way to a 1000 GBP sampling of 24-Old and Rare Whiskies. Some advent calendars include a spoiler list on the page if you’re super curious, but not all of them!

Without further ado, here is the 2023 list of Whisky Advent Calendars for the UK!

1. SMWS Single Cask Whisky Advent Calendar – 149 GBP

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society puts out an advent calendar every year, and this year’s 12 drams of Christmas has a few surprises up its sleeves in celebration of SMWS’s 40th anniversary. For £149, you can expect:

12 exclusive single cask whiskies, in 50 mL bottles;
40 hidden prizes to discover;
the option to buy a full-size bottle of any of the whiskies.

Gift the advent calendar along with a SMWS membership for only 199 GBP! With special code 12DRAMS10, you can knock that down to 189 GBP!

For more information on joining Scotch Malt Whisky Society, check out my post highlighting the benefits of membership!

2. That Boutique-y Whisky Company Advent Calendar – 149.95 GBP

Embark on a global whisky journey with That Boutique-y Whisky Company. This exclusive selection features 24 meticulously chosen independent bottlings from around the world. Priced affordably at just £149.95, it’s the perfect gift to delight any whisky enthusiast.

3. Peaty Whisky Advent Calendar – 149.95 GBP

For lovers of smoky, peaty flavors, the Peaty Whisky Advent Calendar at £149.95 is a smouldering choice. Discover 24 drams that showcase the rich, earthy side of whisky.

4. World Whisky Advent Calendar – 149 GBP

Travel the globe sip by sip with the World Whisky Advent Calendar, priced at £149. Experience the diversity of whisky from different countries in 24 days, all within one calendar.

5. Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar – 247 GBP

Elevate your whisky journey with the Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar at £247. Immerse yourself in the exquisite flavors of Japan’s finest distilleries with 24 surprise drams.

6. Single Cask Whisky Advent Calendar – 149.95 GBP

Dive into the world of single cask expressions with this affordable option at £149.95. Each dram is a unique gem, showcasing the artistry of individual casks.

7. Whisky Advent Calendar (Irish, Scotch, and English whiskey) – 249.95 GBP

Enjoy the best of three worlds with this premium calendar at £249.95. Explore the distinctive flavors of Irish, Scotch, and English whiskies with 24 drams in 24 days.

8. Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar – 149 GBP

For those who cherish Scotch above all, the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar at £149 offers delightful discoveries of 24 drams from Scotland’s iconic distilleries and blenders.

9. 25 Whiskies of the World Advent Calendar – 145 GBP

At just £145, the 25 Whiskies of the World Advent Calendar is a fantastic value. Sample a diverse range of global whiskies without breaking the bank.

10. Old & Rare Whisky Advent Calendar – 999.95 GBP

Indulge in luxury with the Old & Rare Whisky Advent Calendar, priced at £999.95. Unearth exceptional and aged treasures in each of the 24 drams. THE luxury holiday gift for whisky lovers!

11. Whisky 12 Dram Advent Calendar – 79.95 GBP

A budget-friendly option at £79.95, the Whisky 12 Dram Advent Calendar delivers a dozen delightful surprises for whisky enthusiasts.

12. That Boutique-y Whisky Company 12 Dram Collection Tasting Set – 79.95 GBP

Indulge in a dozen distinct drams from That Boutique-y Whisky Company’s remarkable independent bottling collection. Discover this curated tasting set, priced affordably at just £79.95, which serves as the perfect introduction to their exceptional range of whiskies.

13. Really Good Whisky Company Scotch Whisky Sherry Cask Collection – 74.99 GBP

This one is for the sherry heads! This 12-day journey unveils a selection of meticulously crafted Scotch whiskies, each aged in sherry casks, resulting in a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you’re an Oloroso or PX fan, these sherry casks whiskies are for you!

14. 25 day Premium Scotch Whisky Collection – 199.99 GBP

True whisky fans know that age isn’t everything, but maybe you want to impress someone and seem fancy! This extraordinary calendar brings together a curated selection of 25 Scotch whiskies, each with age statements ranging from 15 years to an impressive 34 years old.

Browse the full collection!

If you’re looking for more luxurious 25-day whisky advent calendars, the Really Good Whisky Company also has a 25 day luxury scotch whisky collection for 399.99 GBP, where the scotch ranges from 21-34 years, and a 25 day old and rare scotch collection for 895 GBP which includes a 50-year single malt and a 55 year single grain!

15. 12 days of Scotch Whisky – 49.99 GBP

Elevate your holiday season without breaking the bank with the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 12 Day Selection Box. Priced affordably at £49.99, this selection box presents a delightful assortment of 12 Scotch whiskies, each housed in 3cl bottles with a reasonable 40.5% ABV. It’s the perfect way to explore the world of Scotch without a hefty price tag.

***Bonus: Christmas Cocktail Advent Calendar – 135 GBP

The NIO Cocktails Advent Calendar features 24 cocktails, two of each type, to enjoy during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. Share the excitement of opening each little door and discovering the cocktails of the day, from classics you love to new and delightful drinks. The Advent Calendar includes a variety of cocktail experiences, making it a fantastic way to share and celebrate together!

Conclusion

Hope you whisky enthusiasts found this list of dram advent calendars (and the bonus cocktail advent calendar!) to be useful for your 2023 holiday gifting! Remember to drink safely and have a fab boozy holiday season ahead!

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Dessert and Whisky Pairing at SMWS: London Edition

Lannie — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 11:06:03 +0000

My food and whisky pairing series comes to a spectacular close with none other than a dessert and whisky pairing! What a way to round off a dinner series, no? If this is the first post you’re reading in my whisky and food pairing series with Scotch Malt Whisky Society, perhaps you don’t want to jump right in with dessert. Maybe a 6 course (and 6 whisky) tasting menu to start? And then move onto a surf and turf and whisky pairing?

All three of these food and whisky pairings in this series has been graciously gifted by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, of which I am an affiliate of. That means that, if you decide to purchase anything via the links in green, I may earn a small commission for. All opinions on mouthwatering dessert and luscious whiskies are my own. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a members-only club for whisky and other single cask spirit enthusiasts. Click here to learn more about the membership benefits!

As someone who has an absolute sweet tooth and will always say yes to a dessert, I was so excited to hear that the food and whisky pairings extended beyond main courses and starters. Of the food and whisky pairings I’ve done, the ones with “sweets” often see chocolate paired with whisky. But a full dessert course? Never before. (well, in my limited and humble experience!)

1. Scotch Malt Whisky Society – Greville Street – London!

Unlike the other tasting I’ve done with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, this one coincided with a personal trip south of the border – to London, England! Home of the Queen, the Tower Bridge, and the Greville Street Member Room.

In true speakeasy style, the London Member Room wasn’t where Google Maps said it was – at least the entrance wasn’t. Perpendicular to Greville Street, down the Bleeding Heart Yard (alley), was a big wooden door and keypad, surrounded by pink columns. On the windows surrounding the door, an alphabetical listing of Scotch whisky distilleries, starting with Aberfeldy at the top, down to Tormore at the bottom.

Honestly, I’m sure there is a Scotch Malt Whisky Society sign somewhere, but sometimes I can be aloof, and maybe I overlooked it. The bottles of whisky in the window were a dead giveaway though!

The folks at Greville Street knew I was coming, and when I buzzed they let me up. I was greeted at the top of the stairs by their delightful team, who I would come to know better in the coming days. That’s the thing about whisky, you end up just chatting and befriending people.

I was so happy to be joined on this tasting with my friend B, who I hadn’t seen since pre-pandemic times. I met B on a Twins that Travel tour to Turkey back in 2019, and she’s her spirit is just full of fun and positivity – that great energy that you’d want around anywhere. So, thanks B for joining me and keeping up with the 5 whiskies we went through!!

2. Some charcuterie to start!

While the SMWS Greville Street doesn’t have a dedicated kitchen, they partner with the Bleeding Heart Bistro next door to offer nibbles, a handful of mains and some desserts. I had taken the train down from Glasgow that day, and needed to eat something before jumping into the world of dessert and whisky. So, the charcuterie platter it was! Jasmine, who works at SMWS, came to take our order and asked if we wanted a whisky to start out with prior to the tasting.

Well, I won’t turn down a good whisky.

The best thing to do, is to ask your SMWS Ambassador for a whisky recommendation. And Jasmine did not disappoint!!! Limitness Scrumptiousness, cask no. 39.218, which is categorized in the “sweet, fruity and mellow” profile. A 13 year old Speyside whisky, at 57% ABV. I have to say hands down, this is one of my favorite SMWS bottlings! Definitely, light and sweet and reminded me of lychees and other sweet deliciousness. Maybe I was just in the mood for something light and incredible to start the evening.

3. Dessert and whisky – onto the main event!

Any time the main event is a dessert, you can be sure I’m a happy Lannie. Tonight’s main event would be two desserts and 5 whiskies. (FIVE WHISKIES? well – the Scotch Malt Whisky Society doesn’t mess around on a food and whisky pairing event… I think you must’ve figured that out by now! After five whiskies, you’ll be glad you started the evening with some charcuterie!) Each of these desserts were expertly paired by JP, the Venue Supervisor at Greville Street.

Having had a chat with JP during the tasting about the pairings, his whisky pairing style became clear. He believes that everything should be a balance of opposites. While you could have whiskies that always complement the food, in order to achieve equilibrium, there should be a negative to balance the positive. Not saying that he chose negative whiskies, but rather the less obvious choices – intentionally not pairing citrus with citrus, fruity with fruity. That kind of inverse balance.

So now, onto the dessert and whisky pairing!

3.1 White Chocolate Cheesecake with Poached Apricots

The first dessert we delighted in was a white chocolate cheesecake with poached apricots. Cheesecake is arguably one of the most classic desserts, and when you drizzle it with poached apricots, it takes the classic cheesecake to new heights!

The cheesecake was paired with Clementine Confit and Who’s Been in the Biscuit Tin?

The Clementine Confit, a 10 year blended Scotch, at 50% ABV, was a perfect pairing for the sweet, rich cheesecake. Aromas of coconuts, dark chocolates, oranges and other stone fruits, which is a lovely complementary taste to the apricots and white chocolate cheesecake.

Who’s Been in the Biscuit Tin? (cask no. 44.136) is a 16 year old Speyside, at 55.6% ABV, matured in a refill ex-bourbon barrel. The tasting notes on this one says that the nose has lavendar and apricots, and tomatoes with brazil nuts, with the taste of juicy fruits and biscuits.

If I were digging deep into what JP was saying, I could definitely see the Biscuit Tin being a little on the inverse complementary side. Of course, whisky is a very personal experience, but I felt like following a nibble of the cheesecake, going back to the Biscuit Tin was a “punchier” taste than before.

3.2 Lemon Tart with Verbena Sorbet

We were forewarned by Jasmine that this lemon tart was super lemony. My mouth puckered up and I immediately began salivating at the thought of a really citrusy lemon tart. Although sour desserts aren’t my favorite, I can definitely appreciate a really tart lemon tart (hehe) or a key lime pie or anything like that really. One does not discriminate with sweet or sour desserts. Man. Just thinking of this lemon tart has got me salivating again. The struggle is real.

With the verbena sorbet, this lemon tart was just tart on tart.. but in a good way! This absolutely mouth watering dessert was paired with 3 whiskies, which were meant to be drank from left to right. The last one, is JP’s negative or inverse pairing.

We started with Salad Undressing (cask no. 1.226). In case you’re curious, I’m still giggling at the name. Anyway, Salad Undressing is an 8 year old Speyside, at 58.4% ABV. Very flavorful with hints of cream soda, orange cocktail bitters, and then some earthy, nutty tones. The lemon tart gave this whisky a nice balance, and brought out more of its “nuttier” flavors, if that makes sense.

Next up, Funky Rhubarb, Rum Baba (cask no. 44.137) – 16 year Speyside whisky, at 52.1% ABV. As you can expect with the name, the taste of it was sweet and tart like a funky rhubarb. But on the nose and a bit of the finish, was woodsy, but still a little sweet and tart. The ironic thing is, before the lemon tart, you didn’t get as much of the woodsiness. But after, that was all I could taste. Interestingly enough, the tasting notes from the bottle say:”With some water, we took an axe and wandered into a forest on a hot autumn day to chop some wood.” If that doesn’t accurately describe it, I don’t know what will.

The last whisky of the night was When Life Gives you Lemons (cask no. 68.43), an 11 year Highland whisky, at 55.6% ABV. JP’s infamous negative pairing for balance. A little lemony, a little oaky spiciness. Honestly, this was my least favorite whisky before the lemon tart, and after, to me, it was just too much of a contrast. Personally, I thought that it brought out all the wrong flavors.

My friend, B, didn’t have as adverse a reaction as I did, but like I said – whisky tasting and food pairings are a personal experience, and everyone experiences something different and unique. This one wasn’t for me, and that’s ok. I was happy to abandon the whisky and go back to my mouthwatering lemon tart.

Parting Thoughts

I absolutely love the idea of desserts being paired with whisky. And honestly, what a wonderful evening at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society Greville Street! The staff there are so friendly and wonderful, my friend and I just had a fabulous time! Ok, so with my honest review, I didn’t like the last whisky and dessert pairing. But that’s ok! I want a food and whisky pairing to challenge my pre-existing notions of what works and what doesn’t work. I want it to expand my palate!

I love how innovative the Scotch Malt Whisky Society is with their food and whisky pairings. Let’s continue to challenge the notion of what can be paired with whisky. Let’s keep innovating and trying out new ideas and foods and whiskies!

A little closing note – as a huge foodie and newbie onto the whisky scene, the tastings and pairings that I did with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society were absolutely incredible. I enjoyed every single one of them! Just because August’s food and whisky pairing month is officially over, doesn’t mean you can’t head over to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society for some food and whisky pairings yourself. Staff and ambassadors there alike are always there to give advice on complementary or inverse pairings – whichever you’re in the mood for!

A huge thank you to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society for gifting me these food and whisky pairings! Hope you all enjoyed reading about the food and whisky pairing series as much as I did experiencing them!

If you’re planning to move on from London over to SMWS in Scotland, consider taking the Caledonian Sleeper – an overnight sleeper train to Glasgow, Edinburgh and others!

Until then, everyone stay safe and slainte mhath!

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Food and Whisky Pairing at SMWS: Surf & Turf, Glasgow Edition

Lannie — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 12:55:35 +0000

Tad is all dressed up and ready for food and whiskey pairings at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

Food and whisky pairing month at Scotch Malt Whisky Society continues in a spectacular fashion, with surf and turf and whisky! If you didn’t manage to read the first post in my food and whisky pairing series, I started out in Edinburgh with a tasting menu food pairing – decadent and wonderfully paired.

This time, we go back to Bath Street in Glasgow to see what they’ve been cooking up there, since we last visited. And I’ll tell you – it’s as exciting as ever – Surf and Turf and whisky. Bet you didn’t know that would be an amazing combination, did you?

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society generously gifted me these food and whisky pairings. I am also an affiliate, which means that if you make any purchases or become a member of the SMWS via the links in green or in the yellow boxes, I will earn a small commission from that. Otherwise, my opinions and experience are my own, and I’m happy to be able to taste this amazing food with incredible whisky!

I’ve written before that many people are surprised at the thought of whiskies during dinner, as opposed to a before or after dinner drink. But, everyone’s different. The whiskies here are individually paired with each starter and your main course. So, with 2 starters, 1 main meal, and a wee dessert, that puts the total for the evening up to 4 cask strength whiskies!

Before I begin, a big thank you to Anthony who hosted the tasting at SMWS Bath Street. I’ve known Anthony since the first day I walked into Bath Street a few months ago, and was excited to have my first tasting with him! He was a wonderful host and selected a beautiful selection of whiskies to go with the meals. So, thank you! Looking forward to coming back to Bath Street!

And now, onto the food!

1. Food and whisky pairing: the starters!

The surf and turf theme started out strong, with both, a “surf” starter, and a “turf” starter. With appropriately paired whiskies of course.

The first starter: a whisky cured salmon, with fennel and orange – with the whisky being a blend of Islay and Speyside whiskies. In case you’re looking for it, you’ll find the cask sitting on top of the bar. The salmon and orange was tart, with a creamy sauce, and crunchy toppings. It was a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

The salmon was paired with Cask No. 52.41 “Seahorse Ramen” (fitting for tonight’s theme), which had its flavor profile was “Oily and Coastal.” 52.41 is a 7 year Highland whisky, at 59.6% ABV. After nibbling the salmon, it smoothed out the heaviness of the whisky, but left much of the “sea salt in your face” oceanic tastes.

The second starter: a braised beef croquette, with a creamy mustard mayonnaise sauce inside.

The croquette was paired with Cask 10.199 “Norse & Hawaiian Mythology”, categorized as “Deep, Rich and Dried Fruits.” 10.199 is an Islay whisky, aged 10 years, at 59% ABV. The whisky was peppery and salty, but ironically for Islay, unpeated. Initially it was orangey on the nose, and following a bite of the braised beef croquette, turned fruitier.

Braised beef croquette and “Norse & Hawaiian Mythology”

This whisky was finished in a Pedro Ximenez sherry cask, which gave it its dark, delightful color. A quick note on the sherry cask finish… Whisky smells and tastes are a personal experience, with everyone experiencing something different and unique. One of the other guests said that sherry finishes “smell of the inside of a Wellington boot.” When he said that, what I wanted to say in return was:

If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
– a woman who loves a sherry cask finish, and does not think that it smells like a smelly boot.

2. Surf and Turf and whisky: the main event!

Here’s what I’ve been waiting for – the main event! A mouthwatering, expertly grilled ribeye steak with king prawns. Served with chips (or for this American, “fries”), roasted tomatoes and marrowbone butter. Boy oh boy, can the Scotch Malt Whisky Society do food!!

Ribeye steak and king prawns with “Massive Oak and Mighty Smoke!

The main course was paired with a peated whisky, from Cask no. 137.9, entitled “Massive oak and mighty smoke!” (exclamation point included). This whisky was interested – the peated malt was from either Laphroaig or Port Ellen Maltings (that was a little unclear), but then it was distilled south of the border in Norfolk England. At 65.2% ABV, it was a kicker. This whisky started the first year of its life in a charred new oak barrel, and then was moved for 7 years to an ex-bourbon barrel. Delightfully smoky and a little sweet, an amazing dram!

The ribeye was a nice medium rare to medium – the perfect steak doneness if you ask me. Steak and whisky pairing is something that I had never done before. And the smokiness of the dram added more flavor to the chargrilled steak. Absolutely incredible!

And just another close up of the steak, because why not! It was delicious!!

3. A sweet treat and a dram

We finished off the evening with an “Illegal Gianduja” chocolate coin. Not sure what makes it illegal, but it’s pretty darn delicious! Gianduja is an Italian nougat, made from a mix of hazelnut and chocolate. Paired with cask G1.16, “Chardonnay flavoured white wine gums” – a single grain whisky (not single malt) hailing from the Lowlands. At 26 years, the oldest of our whiskies tonight, with still a heavy and respectable 61.9% ABV.

I’m a newbie to single grain whiskies. For those new to single grain whiskies, they hail from a single distillery (not a blend), and are made with barley and at least one other grain (usually wheat or corn). Because single grain whiskies are not made from malted barley, they’re typically a lighter bodied spirit. Perfect pairing, for say a dessert.

aaaand that’s it for my second food and whiskey pairing at Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

Parting Thoughts

I’m sure you can tell I had another incredible meal at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. The chef is amazing, and the food is phenomenal. I also love the creative thought that goes into the food and whisky pairings! All in all, it was a great tasting hosted by Anthony!

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society member rooms have lunch, dinner, and bar snacks available regulary to pair with your drink of choice. They also regularly host food and whisky pairing events for both members and non-members. If you’re not a member, I’d highly recommend checking out some of their non-member events to test the waters and sample a fabulous meal.

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If you enjoyed this post, here are some others you may like to read:

If you’re looking into Scotch Malt Whisky Society membership, I’ve explained all the fun and exclusive benefits to membership;
Get a jump on your tickets to The Gatherings at SMWS – a month long celebration of whisky and gatherings!
If you missed the first in this series and are looking for a drool-worthy meal, try a 6 course tasting menu, with 6 corresponding whiskies;
Curious about SMWS more experimental whisky casks?
Looking for inspiration to do your own SMWS virtual tasting in style?
What about a trip to Islay, Scotland’s whisky island;
A guide on how to get to Islay from Glasgow.

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My Three Distilleries Path Adventure, with Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Lannie — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 15:05:35 +0000

I’m so happy to be able to share my review of the SMWS April Tasting Pack, that I tasted while walking the Three Distilleries Path on Islay! Most people don’t know this yet, but I’ve recently made the Isle of Islay my principle place of residence. Islay, the Queen of the Hebrides, is an island off of the west coast of mainland Scotland, in the Inner Hebrides, known for its peated whisky. My new home coincided with an offer from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) to sample a SMWS Tasting Pack and share my tasting experience. What a way to welcome me to my new home! Scotland, I love you!

Disclaimer: I was gifted the SMWS April Tasting pack by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. (Thank you!) However, I am under no obligation to enjoy the whiskies. All the opinions contained in this post are my own. Additionally, I am an affiliate of the SMWS. Affiliate links in this post are in green, for which I may earn a small commission, if you choose to purchase from it.

Also, the April Tasting Pack is now sold out, but there are other virtual (and now in-person tastings!)

Although I’ve visited and done tours and tastings at four whisky distilleries around Scotland, that’s nothing compared to the hundreds that exist! I am in no way a whisky expert, but I’m enthusiastic and learning. This post is written for people like me – who have interest in whisky, but not necessarily the nose and experience to be considered a connoisseur.

So if you’re a whisky expert, this post is probably a little basic for you. But first, a brief intro.

1. Brief Introduction to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Ironically, in 2018, I did a whisky tasting and haggis pairing at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society member rooms in Edinburgh, so I’m not stranger to the organization.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is a membership organization or club for people who love… you guessed it! Single malt scotch whiskies. (Me!) They have member rooms in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London, as well as partner whisky bars globally.

Something that I find really interesting about SMWS whiskies is that the distilleries are anonymized. The spirits are bottled, labelled, and named into something different. Each whisky is identified by two numbers (corresponding to the distillery and the cask number), a color code for the taste profile, and a fun, sometimes cheeky, description. As an example, one of the whiskies we will taste is: 48.118 Trekking in the Jungle.

Wait, does Scotland have a jungle? Um, no. So, don’t take the names too seriously.

Not only that, all Scotch Malt Whisky Society whiskies are “bottled from a single cask, at cask strength with no water or colouring added and with no chill filtration.” (From the Scotch Malt Whisky Society website)

So, now that you’re all experts… onto the whiskies!

2. SMWS April Tasting Pack

The SMWS tasting pack came with 5 whiskies, with really fun names, as well as a little envelope containing cards with the tasting notes and details about the spirit itself.

The full SMWS April Tasting Pack

And now, onto the 5 whiskies.

48.118 Trekking in the jungle
82.31 Give free rein to the imagination
26.160 Fruit market – candy store
G8.17 Candles, kumquats and polished oak
42.52 Wood smoke through a porthole

3. The Three Distilleries Path on Islay

I decided a fun way to to get to know my new home and these 5 whiskies would be to do the tastings while walking along the Three Distilleries Walk on Islay. Arguably, it’s one of the best walks on Islay, with views of the sea and plenty of sheep to keep you company! For those cyclists, don’t worry – it’s also a cycle path, so biking along the path is allowed!

The Three Distilleries Pathway runs on the southern part of Islay, between Port Ellen and Ardbeg. Since I knew I would be drinking, I decided to take the bus to Ardbeg Distillery and walk back.

Some quick facts about the path:

The path is 6 miles, there and back (trail map);
It is a paved path, along the right side of the main road;
The 3 distilleries that you come across are (in the order I did it): Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig – hello peaty Islay whiskies, and world famous distilleries!
- If you have the time, you’re always welcome to stop off and do some distillery tours along the walk!
- Check the distilleries’ websites to confirm whether booking needs to be done in advance or whether they are running tours or tastings;
It’s a nice distance between each stop:
- Ardbeg to Lagavulin: 1 km / 0.6 mi
- Lagavulin to Laphroaig: 1.6 km / 1 mi
- Laphroaig to Port Ellen 1.6 km / 1 mi
It’s a one way path, so the return trip would obviously be double. Or, do what I did and take the bus for one way!

Somewhere, there’s 2 km missing if you add it up, but by the time 5 whiskies are down, I don’t think you’ll care. It’s an easy going walk, with nice paved pathways. And there are plenty of benches along the way to sit back, and enjoy the view (or a whisky). There is one small hill between Laphroaig and Port Ellen, but besides that, it’s relatively flat.

Get your bearings straight with an Ordnance Survey map of South Islay!

Do note that the three distilleries (Ardbeg Distillery, Lagavulin Distillery, and Laphroaig Distillery) are not affiliated with my SMWS tasting. But I love being able to do the walk and to visit the outside of these magical places!

4. Scotch whisky tasting along the Three Distilleries Path on Islay

Besides the tasting pack itself, I brought a pipette (and some water) and a Glencairn glass, to help bring out the flavors and aromas.

For the full play by play on my three distilleries, SWMS tasting adventure, I’ve included it in my Instagram highlights. Only people with an Instagram account can view.

quick selfie at Ardbeg

And then I was off!

4.1 Cask No. G8.17 Candles, Kumquats and Polished Oak.

The first of the SWMS April Tasting Pack I tried was Candles, Kumquats and Polished Oak. The tasting profile calls it “old and dignified.”

Region: Lowland
Cask: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Age: 31 years
ABV: 59.7%

Upon smelling it, that polished oak really comes through. It was almost a surprise how closely it smelled like polished oak. But on the taste, it was definitely sweet, some citrusy kumquats – maybe some honey. Tastes nice, but the smell wasn’t for me.

4.2 Cask No. 26.160 Fruit market – candy store

The second whisky I tasted was Fruit market – candy store. The tasting profile calls it “juicy, oak and vanilla.”

Region: Highland
Cask: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Age: 9 years
ABV: 56.7%

The tasting notes said the aroma was full of fruits (green apples, pineapple, gooseberries). The palate itself was definitely sweet. SMWS suggested tastes of honey, banoffee pie, nougat, orange pastilles – but with spice hints.

breathing in that sweet smell of a candy store.

Definitely, the smell was extremely fruity and sweet. But what was wild was the taste – it tasted like banana candy! You know that banana candy flavor. For the nostalgic Americans out there, it was like the Runts banana candy flavor. A little too sweet for my whisky palate, but interesting. Enjoyable.

Onward! To Lagavulin!

At Lagavulin, there is a nice wooden path that leads to a gazebo overlooking Lagavulin Bay. From there, you can catch views of the ruins of Dunyvaig Castle, which previously served as the naval base of the Lord of the Isles!

4.3 Cask No. 42.52 Wood smoke through a porthole

When I first opened the SMWS April Tasting Pack, and I saw the description of “wood smoke through a porthole,” I knew I was going to do this tasting at Laphroaig.

Laphroaig’s whiskies have often been described as super smoky and peaty. To take a direct quote off of their Opinions Welcome, 200 Anniversary Wall, it’s:

Like licking a peat stove’s ashtray, but less frowned upon.
Neel Van Hossel

So, with that roundabout introduction, Wood Smoke through a Port Hole. Tasting profile “Peated.”

Region: Highland
Cask: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Age: 13 years
ABV: 58.3%

This is my “OOF! This is smoky” face. (Actual reaction)

If you can still count at this point, we’ve done all three distilleries and 3 out of 5 whiskies!

4.4 Cask No. 82.31 Give free rein to the imagination

A “spicy and sweet” whisky for the 4th whisky, and my face getting redder and redder.

Region: Highland
Cask: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Age: 9 years
ABV: 61.9% !!!!!!!

I can see why this is categorized in the spicy and sweet profile – it was both of those. Although, I’d probably say it was sweeter than spicy. The little hint of spice only came in at the finish. But, with this one being so high in alcohol (nearly 62%!!!!), and the fact that I was already tipsy from the others, the strong alcohol content was kind of a kick to the face! (More of a kick to the face than the Wood Fire through a Port Hole!) Intense!

I had to take a break following the 4th whisky. So let me just insert some random photos from along the way. Lots of gorgeous sea views, and of course, sheep.

4.5 Cask No. 48.118 Trekking in the jungle

The last dram in the SMWS April Tasting Pack is Trekking in the Jungle. By that time, I had already reached Port Ellen, the official end of the Three Distilleries Path, and also, my home village. I don’t think public consumption is allowed within the village itself (not 100% sure) so I decided to err on the side of caution and take the last whisky home!

So, Trekking in the Jungle had a taste profile of “young and spritely.” As someone who may or may not self-describe as “young(ish) and spritely” themselves, I was really excited to taste this one.

Region: Speyside
Cask: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Age: 7 years
ABV: 60.6%

I’m going to actually include the notes on the card, because it’s so… unique.

“We made cilantro mint chutney using Greek style natural yoghurt, fresh cilantro, ginger, jalapeno, garlic, mint and lemon juice to accompany our vegetable samosas. On the palate neat we had Kendal mint cake, that sugar-based confection flavoured with peppermint, popular among British climbers as a source of energy. In our case however they were laced with chilli flakes for an extra oomph. After the addition of water we imagined walking through mountain grassland, a cooling herbal, green, fresh breeze as we gathered strength for our ascent to a snow-capped mountain peak. Having reached the top we cooked on a tiny gas stove a delicious tom yam soup.”

I know what you’re thinking. All this, in a whisky?? Your skepticism is not unfounded. Everything as described as above… cilantro mint chutney, veggie samosas, tom yum soup. I’m all for it. But not in a whisky. I’m not sure if the description clouded my taste, or that the taste itself was not to my liking. Either way, this turned out to be my least favorite.

But maybe you like eating a savory meal in your whisky. Everyone is different, and that’s ok!

5. Parting thoughts on SMWS April Tasting Pack

All in all, the tasting pack was really fun! I loved the unique expressions, which came in all different flavors and aromas. Not only that, the difference in the ages ranged from a 7-year whisky to one aged 31-years. I’m not sure what the oldest whisky I’ve tried was, but it was nowhere near 31 years, until now.

Out of the 5 whiskies, there were 3 Highland whiskies, 1 Speyside, and 1 Lowland whisky. I guess since there are 5 whisky regions, with Campbeltown and Islay being the other two, I hoped for one dram from each region. So in that respect, I was a little disappointed that their peated selection came from the Highlands, and not Islay itself – which is renowned for their peated whiskies.

The heavy ABV content was kind of a surprise. Then again, all of them are undiluted cask strength whiskies. I didn’t drink the full tasting bottles for each whisky. But even then, after 5 tastings, I was definitely drunk.

Of course, there is the option not to drink the whiskies, but to spit it out. But, why would I do that? No, these are phenomenal whiskies. Too good to spit out.

As you can see, I had a really fun time on the Three Distilleries Path with my SMWS April Tasting Pack. If anyone is looking for something fun to do, maybe you want to try your own whisky tasting from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

And hope you all enjoyed seeing a little bit of my new home through the Three Distilleries Path on Islay! Until next time, stay safe, and Slàinte Mhath!

Last tasting selfie, fully red and sitting at the warmth of my radiator.

6. Info on ordering your own SMWS April Tasting Pack

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society regularly hosts virtual and in-person whisky tastings for its members. In case you’re curious about membership, I’ve detailed all the ins and outs of memberships, here.

For information on ordering your SMWS tasting or joining as a member:

Tasting Pack costs: 30 – 35£ – click to order a different tasting pack!
SMWS Annual Membership (UK): 85£ – click to join!

For more ideas on your travel to Islay:

consider staying at Glenegedale House, recently voted Scotland’s most hospitable B&B;
or the Port Charlotte Hotel, which has a famous whisky bar and delicious food in their restaurant;
my post on the best things to do on Islay!
Looking for another whisky walk? Try the Bruichladdich / Loch Indaal Way! You’ll pass by Bruichladdich Distillery along the way 🙂
Or perhaps, take a guided small group tour to Islay, and relax the whole way!

Need directions to Islay? I’ve broken it down in these two posts:

How to get to Islay from Glasgow – using the bus and the ferry!
Or, if you’re coming from Northern Ireland, there are seasonal sailings from Ballycastle to Port Ellen. Doable as a day trip from Belfast!

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Visit Islay for the Scotch, Stay for Everything Else

Lannie — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 05:30:00 +0000

Islay whisky is famous for their peatiness. The island, pronounced EYE-lah, is home to 9 active distilleries, and… me! In March 2021, I bought a wee flat on Islay and made it my little sanctuary. So, maybe you could call me an expert on the best things to do in Islay – but I’ll let you decide that for yourself.

To introduce you to my beloved island off of the west coast of Scotland, located in the Inner Hebrides, Islay is one of Scotland’s famous whisky distilling regions. The other whisky regions being: Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside and Campbeltown. (Sometimes “the Islands”, i.e. Skye, Jura, Arran, Orkney, Mull, are also a separate whisky region, but not technically according to regulation…) Each whisky region has its own set of unique characteristics that impact the taste and flavors of the whisky.

Visit Islay and all of its delightful distilleries.

Before I get into the meat of the article, which extends beyond Islay whisky, let me lay some groundwork on Scotch Whisky. I’ll then pay some homage to Islay whisky and its culture of peaty whiskies.

1. Scotch Whisky

Well, first of all, Scotch Whisky is protected by law – set forth by the 2009 Scotch Whisky Regulation. To be designated as a whisky from Scotland, or a Scotch, it must adhere to the following requirements:

Made in Scotland from only cereals, water and yeast
Matured for a minimum of 3 years in oak casks
Bottled at a minimum strength of 40% abv
Distilled below 94.8% abv so that it retains the flavour and aroma derived from its raw materials
No flavouring or sweetening is permitted

– From the Scotch Whisky Association

Bowmore Cask Strength should be part of your Islay holday.

According to the Scotch Whisky Association, to be defined as a Single Malt Scotch Whisky, “the whisky must be distilled at a single distillery from water and malted barley without the addition of any other cereals, and by batch distillation in copper pot stills. Single Malt Scotch Whisky must be bottled in Scotland.”

2. What makes Islay whisky special?

2.1 Peaty Islay Whisky? Blame it on the weather!

Allow me to clarify that I am not an expert in whisky, Islay, or Islay whisky. Obviously, there are better sources out there. I’ll share what I know and what I’ve found out. So, grab your wellies and rain coat, much of the peaty history of Islay whisky is owed to the island’s climate.

Islay is so wet the island never really dries. Throughout the year, like much of Scotland, the abundant grasses, mosses and shrubs live and die in perpetual bog. Over centuries, the resultant decaying matter creates a dense black substance. (*Lannie clarification – this is peat.)

But on Islay, seaweed and the wind-blown sea salt give the peat unique characteristics. Once cut and dried on firmer ground, the peat can then be burnt in a manner similar to coal.
Peat, bog and world-class whisky – why Islay remains the jewel in Scotland’s single-malt crown

A barrel of peat, at Kilchoman Distillery

Say what? Peat is decayed vegetation? Well sure, why not. Is that weird? I mean, weird things are kinda the best. Above is a picture of peat, that have been hand cut into squares. I imagined peat to be dense and heavy, but it’s surprisingly light. And it doesn’t smell “peaty.” I guess that only comes when you burn it.

Why would I want to visit if there’s decayed vegetation in their whiskies? Keep reading to find out!

2.2 Peat and Smokiness

If you were to break down the steps of producing a single-malt whisky, it’d be:

Malting the barley
Fermentation
Distillation
Filling the casks
Maturation in the casks
Bottling

Peat is “inserted” into the barley grains in the malting process, when you dry the damp malt over peat-heated fire. The level of smokiness depends on how long the malt is dried over peat-heated fire. The process of drying the malt over fire usually takes about 30 hours. Laphroaig, as a prime example of Islay whisky, uses peat in about 17 of the 30 hours, which gives it a rich peatiness, or what they call ‘peat reek’.

So now you know, why Islay whiskies are peaty. Because the island is covered in a damp, peat bog, and they use these hundreds or thousands of year old decaying plant life to fuel the fire that dries the malt. And the longer the peated fire dries the malt, the smokier it becomes. Voila! Islay whisky = peaty, smokiness. Mini whisky lesson achieved!

2.3 Visit Islay’s Whisky Distilleries

No one really knows when whisky distillation began. The first official record of malt distillation went back to 1494 when King James IV of Scotland was sent 500 bottles of spirit. Following a malt tax levied in 1725, many of the early whisky distilleries went “underground” to hide from the tax man. Underground is a loose term. On Islay, many illicit stills were hiding out in the caves that bend and curve around our island. By 1823, the Excise Act was passed that legalized distillation for a fee.

Here is a list of all of the Islay whisky distilleries in alphabetical order (including local pronunciations):

Ardbeg – (ard-BEG)
Ardnahoe – (ARD-na-hoe)
Bowmore – (b’MORE)
Bruichladdich (BROOK-laddie)
Bunnahabhain (BUN-a-HAV-en)
Caol Ila – (cull-EE-la)
Kilchoman (kil-HO-man)
Lagavulin – (LAG-a-VU-lin)
Laphroiag – (La-FROIG)

If you’re determined to visit all of the distilleries when you visit Islay, be sure to check out their websites for the most up to date opening information!

Ardbeg Distillery

Ardnahoe Distillery

Bowmore Distillery

Bruichladdich Distillery

Bunnahabhain Distillery

Caol Ila Distillery

Kilchoman Distillery

Lagavulin Distillery

Laphroaig Distillery

Visit Islay and photograph every distillery. Obviously..

For those who are superbly detail oriented, you’ll notice 10 distilleries in the first photo showing Islay whisky distilleries, and only 9 of them named above. The missing one from the list is – Port Ellen Maltings (POR-tellen). The distillery was founded in 1825, but ceased distilling in 1929. However, the maltings and warehousing operations continued.

To this day, Port Ellen Maltings supplies the malt to most of Islay’s distilleries, to each distillery’s secret specifications. But get excited, Islay whisky lovers! In 2017, Diageo announced that Port Ellen Distillery will begin distilling again in 2020. Not sure how covid has affected these plans. But let’s just say the old Port Ellen Whiskies are highly sought after, so there is something to look forward to!

Diageo is no stranger to whisky, holding such brands like Caol Ila and Lagavulin (and now Port Ellen) on Islay, and others like Royal Lochnagar, Talisker, and Oban.

Port Ellen Maltings

2.4 Can I visit Islay without being a whisky fan?

I get asked this question a lot. The answer is YES. Being a whisky fan is not a requirement to visit Islay. However, you might surprise yourself!

Prior to 2019, I had only tasted whisky on my Edinburgh food tour and visited one distillery. But I liked the idea of whisky as a hobby and was excited to learn more.

Since then, I’ve spent more time in both Speyside and Islay embracing this whisky culture. With each new expression, I was drawn in.

But fear not – you can still have an incredible Islay holiday, even if you’re not partaking in the Scotch! Hopefully, my post will introduce you to more of Islay than just its whisky.

3. How to get to Islay

Well, considering it is an island, there’s really only a few ways to visit Islay. For me, since I was already on a road trip, it involved my trusty rental car and a ferry reservation. But for those who don’t want to do that, you can also arrive by air.

Get your bearings straight before you visit Islay. If you love maps like I do, the Ordnance Survey map of Islay is perfect purchase for the travel planner and inner cartographer! Maps covering the full island, North Islay, and South Islay.

3.1 By Air

You can fly into Islay, domestically, non-stop from Glasgow on Loganair’s daily, nonstop return from – 160 – 200 GBP.

If you fly, I’d still recommend you rent a car after you arrive. So, instead of that, why not just take the ferry with your rental car and visit Islay from the mainland?

3.2 By Sea

Roundtrip ferry fares to and from Islay (one person, with a car) is about 80 GBP. You can also board the ferry as a single, foot passenger, or with a bicycle, as I saw many people do. But that still requires you to make your way to Kennacraig on the mainland. For additional help, see: How to get to Islay, using public transport from Glasgow.

CalMac Ferries run several daily ferries from mainland Scotland (Kennecraig) to either Port Ellen or Port Askaig on Islay. The ferry ride is very simple, and my ride to Port Askaig took around 2 hours.

You can also arrive to Islay on a seasonal, passenger ferry from Ballycastle in Northern Ireland. I’ve included step-by-step instructions on how to get to Islay from Belfast in this post.

3.3 By Tour

For those wanting a guided tour of Islay and the Whisky Isles (which means you can drink without arranging taxis or having to worry about a designated driver), Rabbie’s comes highly recommended! Starting at 335£ for a 4 day tour!

4. The 2 best places to stay for your Islay holiday

My first time on Islay, I stayed on the island for one week. I decided to break it up and stay in 2 different places on different parts of the island:

Glenegedale House in the south,
Port Charlotte Hotel in the Rinns of Islay, on the western part of the island.

Personally, this was a great idea. Glenegedale was quiet, homey and everything that I wanted. Port Charlotte Hotel sits inside the village of Port Charlotte, and is home to an award winning Whisky Pub. This gives it a lively atmosphere, even given physical distancing. Both have world class hospitality and are known for their amazing food. All the things that I wanted on my trip!

Visit the detailed posts on both accommodations, The Port Charlotte Hotel and Glenegedale House, and their food!

4.1 Glenegedale House

I was the first guest to Glenegedale House after lockdown lifted in July 2020. You may think that made me apprehensive, but their genuine, warm hospitality made me feel right at home! They were ready to operate in a post-covid world, and made sure their guests felt comfortable during their post-lockdown stay.

I stayed in Room 2 at Glenegedale – a beautifully designed double room. Laying in bed, I had a view of the sea. It was glorious. Every morning, I woke up and turned onto my side, toward the window to watch the sea. In all my days there, I never took a photo out that window, but you’ll just have to take my word for it.

Not only is Glenegedale known for their beautiful hospitality, they are also known for their food! Their breakfasts were absolutely stunning.

Experience Islay hospitaly when you visit Islay

During my stay at Glenegedale, I was introduced to (now, one of my favorites) porridge with whisky. Is this a tourist gimmick? Actually not. Locals will take their porridge (oatmeal for us Americans) with:

brown sugar,
whisky (in my case, a 10 year Laphroaig),
and some heavy cream.

Sound intense? It’s actually really wonderful. The brown sugar offsets any of the intensity of the scotch, and you’re left with this smoky, creamy oatmeal. There are two ways to eat this – one where you mix it all together, and the other where you eat it bit by bit. I’ll let you guess which one I did.

Did I get drunk off of this? Actually, no! And it was so delicious, I had it with breakfast every single morning. It paired beautifully with their selection of home-poached fruit!

Lastly, Glenegedale House is located right next to the airport and within a 10 minute drive to Port Ellen. It is ideally located to visit the three (heavily peaty) distilleries in the south – Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig!

A big thank you to the Glenegedale House!
For my full review, click here!

*I should mention that there are hand sanitizing stations located throughout public spaces. Face shields are worn at meal and face masks at welcome. Don’t worry about it!

4.2 The Port Charlotte Hotel

Port Charlotte, a beautiful village on the western peninsula of Islay, is home to an equally beautiful namesake hotel – the Port Charlotte Hotel. Even before I arrived at the Port Charlotte Hotel, I heard about the fun whisky bar and its amazing restaurant. This trip was all about soaking up the local whisky culture, the food scene, and Islay’s delicious hospitality. And the Port Charlotte Hotel did not disappoint on any front!

Experiencing hospitality in the age of covid-19 is odd in itself, let’s be real. I knew I was in good hands at the Port Charlotte Hotel. They updated their reception area with a screen, to create space between the guest and host. But it didn’t feel unfriendly or impersonal. Each time I walked by, I was greeted with a friendly smile, and (even in July) the warmth of a roaring fire in the sitting room.

I stayed in Room 1, a double room, with a luscious sea view you could enjoy straight from bed. I don’t have any good photos of that view, because those moments that I spent in bed were particularly rainy. When the rain cleared, you could see across to the Loch Indaal House (lighthouse).

Before I arrived in Port Charlotte, I had heard tales of how amazing the food was here. And let me tell you – the breakfasts and dinners at the Port Charlotte Hotel were phenomenal! The food was so delicious and extremely fresh and high quality! When you visit Islay, there are no excuses for eating a subpar meal when you have food like this!

The beauty of a full Scottish Breakfast

From Port Charlotte, it’s easy to swing by Kilchoman Distillery and Bruichladdich Distillery, which are also located on the western peninsula. Check the distillery websites for the most up to date information on opening times and COVID-19 measures!

A big thank you to the Port Charlotte Hotel!
For my full review, click here.

*Along with hand sanitizing stations throughout, and the screen at reception, face masks are worn by servers in the restaurant.

5. Things to do in Islay – its Historical Sites

It’s easy to get starstuck with its gorgeous whiskies and hospitality when you visit Islay. But this island offers a rich history with interesting sites to see!

5.1 Finlaggan Castle

On the isle of Eilean Mór on Loch Finlaggan, is Finlaggan Castle. (Say that again? A castle on an island, in a lake, on an island…)

Well, technically, the ruins of Finlaggan Castle – once the seat of power for the Lord of the Isles, and the stronghold of Clan Donald. The Lord of the Isles controlled the Isle of Man, the Hebrides, Knoydart, Ardnamurchan, and the Kintyre Peninsula, as well as the Glens of Antrim across the sea in Northern Ireland. At the height of their power, Clan Donald was the greatest landowner and one of the most powerful lords in Britain, after the Kings of England and Scotland themselves.

In medieval times, there were more than 20 structures on the island, including homes, workshops, and storehouses, which were made of both wood and stone. The above photo is of the Great Hall and is one of a few structures still standing.

The castle and accompanying chapel were likely built in the 13th century. Clan Donald held Finlaggan Castle and the Lordship of the Isles until in 1493. The end of the MacDonald Lords came when King James IV of Scotland seized all their ancestral homelands, estates, and titles.

Currently, the title of the Lord of the Isles still exists! The title of Lord of the Isles is held by the Duke of Rothesay (the equivalent of the Prince of Wales in Scotland), better known to the rest of us as Prince William.

Marshy land on the way to Finlaggan Castle.
This marshy, boggy land is perfect for peat cultivation.

Today, the Finlaggan Trust runs a visitor center and maintains the wooden jetty across Loch Finlaggan to the ruins. Without the jetty, the isle and castle ruins would be cut off from visitors. It is a short, but lovely walk from the visitor center and car park to the jetty. Don’t miss the honesty box for donations to help the upkeep and maintenance!

5.2 Dunyvaig Castle

Located on the shores of Lagavulin Bay is the ruins of Dunyvaig Castle. The castle was once the naval base of the Lord of the Isles. It was held by the chiefs of the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg, a branch of Clan Donald.

Though it’s possible to get to the castle itself (I didn’t), I understand that it’s a little precarious, due to some rocks. You can, but be careful!

5.3 Kildalton Cross

The Kildalton Cross is monolithic high cross in the form of a cross, located in the churchyard of a former parish church of Kildalton (pronounced Kil-DAL-ton).

Let’s break down that description a bit,

monolithic means it was formed by a singular, large block of stone;
the term high cross describes a free-standing Christian cross, which is often highly decorated;
a Celtic cross describes a Christian cross, with a ring, which was popularized in the early Middle Ages.

What makes the Kildalton Cross so special is that it was carved in the early 8th century AD, and (according to Wikipedia) is considered the finest surviving Celtic cross in Scotland, and “one of the most perfect monuments of its date to survive on Western Europe.”

It is an incredible site to see!!

Gorgeous deer with stunning eyelashes on my way to Kildaton Cross. Same deer, different lens.

5.4 Museum of Islay Life

To get the most out of your Islay trip, a visit to the Museum of Islay Life up in Port Charlotte is a must. It’s a walk back in time, from when the island was first settled (from prehistoric times) to present day. It also has so many artifacts collected over the years from real Ileachs (pronounced EE-lokh, and meaning a person who comes from Islay). A wonderfully curated collection!

Some of the really fun “old things” that I enjoyed seeing (in complete random order), a pre-electric iron, old photographs, butter molds (with thistle designs and everything!), an original sodastream machine from ages ago! There was a huge variety of things, but also easy for you to walk through and take it all in!

And of course, the history of Islay whisky and its illicit stills. I won’t entirely give it away, but the story has to do with the tax man (excise tax) and the need to have to hide their whisky from the tax man. Hide it in caves, hide it in coffins, you name it – there was whisky hiding. I absolutely loved seeing the old photos of the distilleries and the workers, as well as the peat tools you see above! A walk back into time!

Located within walking distance of the Port Charlotte Hotel. So, if you’re staying there, pop on over. If you’re staying elsewhere, definitely stop by for a meal before or after!

5.5 Islay Woolen Mill

Hidden among the Bridgend Woods, The Islay Woolen Mill was first established in 1883. Using two restored Dobcross looms from the 1920s, the Covell family have been working together since 1981 to weave luscious cloth. The old looms are definitely a sight to see! You might recognize some of the designs, as their cloth designs have featured in Braveheart and Forrest Gump to name a few. Commemorate your visit to Islay with an official distillery tartan scarf or throw!

6. Best outdoor things to do in Islay

6.1 Beaches

Most people wouldn’t think it, but one of the best things to do in Islay is to visit the beautiful beaches! There are more beaches that I haven’t gone to yet, but here are some you should put on your list when you visit Islay.

6.1.1 Machir Bay

Located near the Kilchoman Distillery, Machir Bay is a beautiful sand beach. During low tide, you can see remnants of a shipwreck. Maybe you want to stop by Kilchoman on the way to Machir Bay, so that you can enjoy a Machir Bay Whisky at Machir Bay.

6.1.2 Saligo Bay

Visit Islay for its beaches!

Saligo Bay is generally considered Islay’s most beautiful beach! It is absolutely stunning, with large rock formations around. As you can see from the photo below, it wasn’t beautifully sunny the day that I went, but I still enjoyed a long walk along the beach.

6.1.3 White Hart Beach

Watch this video on YouTube.

The White Hart Beach is located right when you enter the Port Ellen, just opposite the hotel at No. 1 Charlotte Street. This is a favorite of mine, with views of Port Ellen Maltings and the village of Port Ellen itself. Sometimes you’ll find me beachcombing for sea glass.

6.1.4 Claggain Bay

Unlike all of the above, the beach at Claggain Bay is a pebble beach, not sand. It’s perfect to stop by following a visit to the Kildalton Cross. It’s kind of out there, but beautiful and well worth it! From my conversations with locals, this is often their favorite!

6.2 Best Walks on Islay

There are a number of incredible walks and hikes for your Islay trip. Even though you can get your steps in, you better be prepared with the right clothes! Chances are, it may rain, but prepare your wellies! You may step into some mud or peat bog.

These walks are kind of a must when you visit Islay – to see the views, yes, but also to make some room for more delicious food!

6.2.1 American Monument

The American Monument, built in 1920 on the Mull of Oa, commemorates the loss of two American troop ships in 1918, bound for WWI. It sits on the edge of some cliffs on the southern part of Islay.

The Tuscania, carrying over 2,000 soldiers and 300 crew, sank 7 miles off the coast of Islay. A German UB-77 submarine torpedoed the Tuscania, resulting in a direct hit. Eight months later, closer to Machir Bay, the HMS Otranto collided with HMS Kashmir during a heavy storm. Over 400 British and American troops were lost. Many are buried in the Kilchoman military cemetary.

It’s a really nice walk up to the American Monument. Part of the way includes wooden planks, because of the (surely) wet and boggy lands.

For more trails, download AllTrails+

You’re guaranteed to see hilly coos on the way to the American Monument

6.2.2 Around Portnahaven

Everyone in Islay will tell you Portnahaven is a delightful fishing village on that side of the island. And it’s true – I definitely agree. I would even put it as one of the must-see places when you visit Islay.

I spent a few hours walking around the village and the next village over, Port Wemyss. Just off the coast, on Orsay, is the Rinns of Islay Lighthouse.

If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see some seals lounging around in the Portnahaven harbor. Or, if you have a massive zoom lens like I now do, you’ll see them lounging at the base of the lighthouse.

Hi there!

This is how far away I actually was, taken with my iPhone. Seal circled in yellow.

Curious what lens I used for this? My new Sigma 150-600mm. The seal was shot at 600mm. I have to admit that I absolutely love it. (Even if it does weigh almost 4.5 pounds, and is super ginormous…)

6.2.3 Three Distilleries Path

The Three Distilleries Path is arguably my favorite walk on Islay and probably one of the best walks on Islay. It is a one way walk from Port Ellen to Ardbeg Distillery, passing Laphroaig and Lagavulin along the way. It’s about 6 km in total and is a one way trip. For me, I like to take the bus from Port Ellen (for 2£) down to Ardbeg, and walk back. Feel free to read all about my walk along the Three Distilleries Path when I did a whisky tasting along the way.

For those who love the purple blanket of bluebells, there are lots between Ardbeg and Lagavulin, and Lagavulin and Laphroaig! But if bluebells are your thing…

6.2.4 Bridgend Woods

Bluebells. An incredibly beautiful reason to visit Islay!

Located just opposite Islay House Square, bridgend woods is just off of the main road between Port Askaig and Bridgend. However, don’t let that bustling road traffic fool you. Within seconds, you’re in the quiet sanctuary or what feels like an ancient forest. There are lots of walking path options within the woods, and I’ve really only done a fraction of it!

But, between May and June, Bridgend Woods is the place on Islay for bluebells. They blanket the whole forest floor, and really, everywhere you go! But don’t go frolocking in the fields and take those stereotypial flower field instagram photos. Bluebells are extremely delicate and will die off if trampled upon!

6.2.5 Bruichladdich Walking Path

The newest walking path on Islay is surely becoming one of my favorites. The Bruichladdich Walking Path connects the villages of Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte, via a paved coastal path. Go down to the secret beach at Port Ban and admire the Bruichladdich Islay-grown barley waving to you in the wind. The path is great for cyclists and walkers of all ages.

I’ve added the Bruichladdich Walking Path to AllTrails because it’s such a great walk. Download AllTrails Pro download offline maps, find nearby trails, and more!

6.3 Boat adventures

Islay Sea Adventures has the great tours for adults and families alike. Recently shortlisted for the Highlands and Islands Tourism Award for Best Outdoor/Adventure Activity, and having been on several of their boat trips, going on a boat with Islay Sea Adventures is definitely one of the best things to do in Islay!

During the tourist season, they have daily sailings for wildlife tours, fishing trips, seafood trips, and sunset boat trips! I’ve been on several of Islay Sea Adventures trips – the most popular being the wildlife trip. Most trips begin from Port Ellen and sail the southern tip, with views of the southern Islay distilleries, and then on over to a special area of conservation for more seal and deer spotting!

Those who are seafood-obsessed, you have to go on their Seafood Special Tour! The seafood special to includes a special stop in a bay. Captain Harold then takes to the gas grill with some hand dived scallops, butter and herbs. The smell alone is intoxicating. Inside, there’s lobster and crab, salad and some bread waiting for you. An absolute feast on the seas!!

7. My favorite MUST VISIT Islay small businesses

7.1 Sea Salt in Port Ellen

Sea Salt is a delightful bistro that comes highly recommended for an amazing meal. It’s one of those places that is so good, maybe you visit twice during your first trip! Ok, that is exactly what I did.

I ate at Sea Salt on my first night in Islay, upon the recommendation of Emma from Glenegedale. What I ordered set off a chain reaction of “wooo, what’s she eating?” To which I happily replied, “The seafood linguini. You won’t regret it!”

Visit Islay for its whisky, but stay for its food!!

The second time I visited Sea Salt, I had an amazing fish and chips. The fish was super fresh, with light and crispy batter. I honestly thought about having the seafood linguini again, but that would be silly. And sometimes, you just wanna go for the classics!

At this point, I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve eaten at Sea Salt, for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

7.2 Spirited Soaps in Bowmore

One of the shops I came across in Islay is Spirited Soaps, which became a pillar of the community during a hand sanitizer shortage on the island. Along with Bruichladdich Distillery, Spirited Soaps addressed the community shortage on the island by creating Islay Hand Sanitiser, which you can find sprinkled everywhere a hand sanitizing station is needed on Islay.

Spirited Soaps happily marries Islay’s whisky tradition with soap and personal care products. Although I may be simplifying this, all soaps contain some alcohol. So, why not use the alcohol that the island is famous for? They’ve interestingly used parts of the malted barley of all 9 Islay distilleries (and Lussa Gin and Jura Distillery on neighboring Jura) to create unique, beautiful soaps of different scents and smells. Islay whisky soap? Lussa Gin soap? Count me in! These soaps don’t necessarily smell like your traditional, peated Islay whisky or alcoholic spirits!

When I visited Bowmore, I had a lovely chat with Gemma, the new proprietress of Spirited Soaps. She happened to be cutting small soap bars from a giant block when I entered the shop.

I looked in awe at all of the different soaps and lotions and creams. In pre-covid times, I would be opening up each jar, smelling them, testing out samples…the whole nine yards. That day, I hesitated and told Gemma of that hesitation. She said that since I sanitized my hands (with Islay Hand Sanitiser, made by Spirited Soaps) when I first walked in the shop, it was alright to open, smell and test anything.

The thing that I found super interesting, was most distilleries did not want their soaps to smell like their spirits. For example, Laphroaig specifically did not – instead, their soap smells like peppermint! Also, there’s grist in Kilchoman’s soaps! I picked up a few bars of soaps as gifts and for myself. A Laphroaig bar for my dear friend who loves their peaty whiskies, and a Lussa Gin bar to pair with the bottle I’d buy for another friend as a gift!

Last but not least, they’ve recently changed their soap packaging to be plastic free! Printed by It’s a Wrap UK, in a carbon neutral factory, the inks are made from soya-based vegetable oils, on environmentally friendly, biodegradable and recyclable materials! Local Islay-made soaps, eco-friendly packaging… what more could you ask for?

So, stop by when you’re in Bowmore! You’ll be sure to pick up some things for yourself and for friends!

Spirited Soaps is also available for purchase in their online shop, located here.

7.3 Peatzeria in Bowmore

Pizza. Not your first reason to visit Islay, but definitely a good reason to!

Besides the absolutely delightful name (who doesn’t love a pun?), their pizzas are incredible as is their dessert! To give you an idea of what their pizza toppings … my first time at Peatzeria, I was sitting outside on their terrace, enjoying a view of the sea. A delivery man walked by, holding a crate of fresh lobsters, and proceeded to walk into the kitchen. “I like what you got there,” I said to him, in the least creepy, most seafood-excited way. I think he politely looked at me like I was insane.

Besides lobster being on pizza (which I haven’t tried), they have a variety of local seafood favorites – including the one I have tried – scallops and parma ham. If seafood isn’t your thing, there are more traditional pizzas. I’ve tried the black and red, which has incredible black pudding, caramelized red onion chutney, and goats cheese. Hello incredible Scottish flavors!

While they can always give you a box to take away leftovers (they are still delicious the next day), be sure to save some room for dessert. You won’t regret it!

7.4 Lussa Gin (ok, on Jura but still!)

My search for amazing spirits and great stories brought me to Islay’s neighboring island, Jura. Jura is the home to only 220 people, and is a place where red deer outnumber humans 30 to 1. Only a quick 6 minute ferry ride from Port Askaig to Feolin, and suddenly you’re in a completely different world.

Visit Islay and then go to Jura!

You know that I love my remote places, but the drive up to Ardlussa, home of Lussa Gin, was one of the most remote drives I’ve been on. From the ferry, it’s 25 miles along a single track road, with the most stunning views to offer.

The story of Lussa Gin begins with 3 friends – Alicia, Claire, and Georgina. All three were doing other things in life, until one night in 2015 they decided to come together and make gin. Through some trial and error, and with their first 10 litre copper, alembic still named “Jim”, what resulted was a gin crafted with local botanicals. 15 different ones, to be exact. I know you’re curious which ones, so here is a little excerpt from their brochure:

“The flavour of Lussa Gin is led by juniper (1) with a citrus nose from the lemon thyme (2). It has an aromatic depth of flavour with notes of water mint (3), bog myrtle (4) and Scots pine (5), balanced with a savoury kick from the ground elder (6) and sea lettuce (7). Honeysuckle (8) and elderflower (9) add sweetness and finally, rose petals (10) and rosehip (11) give the gin a smoothness and length of finish.”

The remaining 4 are lighter, but nonetheless critical: coriander seed, lemon balm, orris root, lime tree flowers. 15! To keep things local to Jura, each flower and herb are grown, gathered or foraged in Ardlussa or nearby the estate on Jura.

I was happy to have met Alicia and Georgina when I visited Lussa Gin. Even though their distillery tour is currently not operating due to covid-19, you are allowed to visit (only 2 people allowed at a time). Gotta make sure there’s social distance between the humans, little “Jim” and now his big (200 litre) brother, “Hamish”.

One of the things I loved learning about Lussa Gin, is that the gin is distilled, bottled and labeled by hand, by these three women. A strip of tweed also adorns each bottle. What’s the significance? It is the estate tweed for Ardlussa (where the gin is made), but with an extra green stripe to signify the botanicals. Love the attention to detail!

Come and visit Jura and hear the story of Lussa Gin from the ladies themselves. The story telling goes hand in hand with a sample gin tasting.

The gin was so fresh and aromatic. I tasted it with Walters Gregors, a lovely light tonic from Aberdeenshire – Scotland’s first tonic water! This is Lussa’s tonic pairing of choice. If you’re feeling fancy during those summer months, don’t forget lots of ice, and maybe a wedge of frozen lemon and a spring of mint, lemon thyme, lemon balm, or rose petal!

Be sure to stop by their distillery on Jura for a visit. It’s a beautiful drive, with a beautiful gin at the end of it!

Lussa Gin is available to purchase here!

7.5 Other Islay small businesses

Port Ellen – Some other small businesses that I love supporting are:

Campbell’s SPAR – in Port Ellen. My local shop, always good for a laugh and some curry pasta from the deli;
The Copper Still Coffee – right at Port Ellen pier, open a few days a week for coffees, quiches, sausage rolls and sweet delights!
Little Charlotte Cafe – a lovely wee cafe next to the White Hart Beach, for luches, coffees and cakes!
Balaclava Byre – located just outside of Port Ellen (on your way from the airport), the Balaclava Byre is Port Ellen’s newest restaurant and farm shop! Stop there for your Sunday roasts and local produce;
The Blue Letter Box – cute wee shop (and post office) in Port Ellen, with Arran ice cream in the summers, and locally made gifts for you to fawn over.

Bowmore:

Lynn Labels – a delightful coffee shop and diner with toasties, scones, and gifts. The scones in the window will make you do a double take!
Celtic House – a local bookstore and gift shop, with all the Islay and whisky-related books you can ask for! Don’t forget to check out the cafe upstairs, known by me for their milkshakes!

8. My Islay Whisky Tour (so far)

I wanted to show you that Islay is much more than just its whisky. But when you visit Islay, you can’t overlook their whisky entirely. So here we go!

8.1 Kilchoman Distillery

Of course you can’t visit Islay without visiting a distillery. Let me introduce you to Kilchoman, or “Islay’s Farm Distillery.” Kilchoman Distillery prides themselves as growing most of their own barley on their farmlands and being one of the few distilleries on Scotland to practice traditional floor malting. Kilchoman was established in 2005, and was the first distillery to be built on Islay in 124 years!

Be sure to try their 100% Islay whisky, where everything from the barley to the distilling to the warehousing and bottling is 100% completed on Islay!

Kilchoman and their traditional malting floor

So far, I’ve managed to do two Kilchoman tastings in person:

one amazing tasting on the beach in Machir Bay,
and a tour (plus tasting bottles to go!) in their farm distillery.

Social distanced whisky tasting on the beach, especially with amazing weather, is highly recommended!

Whisky tasting on the beach? SIGN ME UP!

Thanks @Kilchomanwhisky for the fun tasting yesterday. Drinkin’ a Machir Bay in Machir Bay! ☀️🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😎

Couldn’t have asked for a more gorgeous day to pair with 4 lovely whiskies!

(last photo not mine 😄)@IslayandJura @VisitScotland pic.twitter.com/rbBSi5nz0b
— Lannie Travels (@lannietravels) July 22, 2020

If you have some extra time, you should definitely grab a cullen skink and a toastie from the cafe at Kilchoman. It’s definitely one of my favorite cullen skinks, and not to be missed!

As a little side story, after my first trip to Islay, I brought some tasting packs of the 4 core range Kilchoman whiskies to Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier, over in Pitlochry. Iain, a Master Chocolatier, spent an afternoon with me to do a whisky and chocolate pairing. It’s incredible how the flavors of the chocolate bring out the flavors in the whisky!

8.2 Ardbeg Distillery

Ardbeg Distillery is one of my favorite distilleries to visit on Islay. So much so that it was the first stop on my 40th birthday friends tour of Islay! Look at us all enjoying ourselves on the Ardbeg pier with a crackin, peaty dram.

Ardbeg is quite peaty. Technically their minimum peat-smoking level at 55 ppm is one of the highest in the whisky industry. And who doesn’t love a peaty whisky?! The Ardbeg 10 is a classic, and Corryvreckan is probably one of my favorites!

Take a tour to take a peak at their new stills, housed in a new still house! You’ll have to take a tour to take a peek at the views the stills have into the bay.

Andddd, if it’s a sunny day during high season, you have to eat at the ARDstream food truck!

For me, it was a wild mushroom bao – and it was delicious as it sounds. They have both hot options on the griddle, and lighter fare like sandwiches and scones. During the winter, the Old Kiln Cafe is open for lunch inside, and their food is literally exquisite! One of the best distillery meals I’ve ever had!

Pop into the distillery shop, which is quirky and fun in itself! You can purchase different types of tasting packs and some Ardbeg cocktails, to enjoy outside on the picnic tables or at home.

8.3 Bunnahabhain Distillery

Bunnahabhain Distillery is an interesting Islay whisky, in that it mostly produces unpeated spirit! Their style is unpeated, sherry whiskies, which is a delicious combination in my humble opinion. One of my favorite whisky tastings on Islay has to be the Warehouse 9 tasting, often hosted by Islay whisky legend, David Brodie.

In fact, it was another stop on my 40th birthday friends tour around Islay!

The Warehouse 9 tasting will keep you entertained as you learn about the different sherry types of sherry that Bunnahabhain casks used to hold, and how that affects the taste of their whiskies. If you’re lucky, a certain someone may serenade you with a guitar and a song.

Click to Book your W9 tasting 🥃

8.4 Ardnahoe Distillery

The newest member of the Islay whisky distillery club is Ardnahoe Distillery. Ardnahoe only opened in April 2019. However, before the distillery opened, Ardnahoe had already begun filling casks back in 2018. Now, we wait, as they mature. For those who are eager beavers, casks are available for purchase on their website. Their whiskies will be heavily peated (with roughly the same PPM as average Laphroaig whiskies), with notes of tropical fruit and earthy cereal. Sounds great to me!

Besides distilling their own whiskies at Ardnahoe, they also independently bottle whiskies. Want to go down this rabbit hole with me? That means that they buy spirits from different distilleries and select their own casks for maturation. Some independent bottlers blend together their spirits to make an entirely new whisky. This whisky world is complicated, no?

I didn’t manage a tour the first time, but I had a quick look around their shop and had a stunningly delicious lemon coconut drizzle cake in their beautiful restaurant & cafe. You don’t want to miss the views of the Paps of Jura from the gorgeous terrace either!

The paps of Jura, as seen from Ardnahoe Distillery

My second time at Ardnahoe, I popped by for a whisky and food pairing. Being a ridiculous foodie, and someone who is loving whisky more and more, food and whisky together are my kryptonite. The pairings change, but that day, we had:

Scarabus (bottled from the same company that owns Ardnahoe) – paired with a blue cheese mouse on oat cakes,
(a palette cleanser of tomatoes, cucumbers, and dill)
a smokey Isle of Skye Talisker 8 years old, paired with a venison sausage roll,
(a palette cleanser of strawberry and melon with basil)
and Laphroaig 12 years old, matured in a Sherry cask, paired with a chocolate, orange tart.

I absolutely loved this experience! I’m always amazed how the smell and flavor of whisky changes before and after food! Such a complicated spirit.

Even though I already had nibbles during the food and whisky tasting, I needed to sober up before driving home – ahh the downfalls of solo activities. However, the restaurant in Ardnahoe (called the Illicit Still hehe) has incredible food. One lobster garlic noodles for me!

Do you see how whisky isn’t the only reason to visit Islay? But the food too! The food can hold its own!

Parting Thoughts

When you visit Islay, you’re enveloped in this magical blanket of warmth and hospitality. I hope I was able to convey a bit of that in this post along with sharing some ideas on the best things to do in Islay.

I had an absolutely amazing time during my first trip to Islay. It was only 7 days, but it left such an impression on me that I made it my home nine months later!! It’s such a special place – magical even. Everyone was so friendly and lovely to talk to, which continues to this day. The community on Islay welcomed me with open arms, as they will you too!

Not only has Islay enchanted me, but so did neighboring Jura! I’d love to spend more time on Jura.

To stay or simply to have a meal at the Jura Hotel, famous for their Jura venison and some Lussa Gin ice cream to wrap up the meal.
To visit the Jura Distillery – their “Jura: The Sound” whisky was the last thing I bought at the Dubai Duty Free airport before lockdown. It was a welcome companion during lockdown days.
Properly see the island and some wildlife, with Jura Island Tours.
Find someone to go hiking with, because this wild land needs to be hiked and the remoteness of the island genuinely makes me want to be with someone who knows where they’re going.

Did my determination to photograph all the distilleries extend to Jura? Of course it did.

So as you can see, even though I am not a whisky connoisseur, I’ve had a very fulfilling experience both on my first visit, and now, living there. Islay whisky is world renowned, but hopefully you can see that there’s so much more to the island than just the whisky.

Until next time, hope everyone is staying socially distant and safe. Be well, and find some Islay whisky or Lussa Gin to drink responsibly, friends!

Map for your things to do in Islay

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Rob Roy Chicken and Cocktail: Dinner and Drinks inspired by an Outlaw

Lannie — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 09:52:57 +0000

In my previous post, I went on an adventure in the Scottish countryside looking for an elusive cave hideout of Rob Roy MacGregor. Rob Roy was a rebel, outlaw, and Jacobite supporter during the early 1700s. With a price on his head for banditry and treason, old Rob spent years on the run hiding out in a series of caves in the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs area of Scotland. The romanticized folklore that emerged from Rob Roy’s tales turned him into a folk hero. Not only was he an inspiration in literature, Rob Roy was an inspiration to both local cuisine and cocktails.

Mild disclaimer: this post is probably not the best for vegetarians or vegans,

as it has quite a “significant [amount] meat”.

Life in the time of covid requires a certain level of self amusement, that which my friend and I are rarely short of. Following our hunt for Rob Roy’s cave near Loch Ard, she casually mentioned, “We should get a Rob Roy Chicken sometime.” Woah, woah, woah… no one told me he had a chicken!

1. Introducing the Rob Roy Chicken

Ok, so that was a little misleading, but amusing. While I’m sure Rob Roy may have owned chickens at one point in his pre-outlaw days, this is in fact not what I am referring to.

A turducken is a boneless chicken stuffed into a boneless duck stuffed into a boneless turkey.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Rob Roy Chicken is a turducken-like meat dish. Similar to the turducken, the Rob Roy Chicken comprises of three layers of meat. And it is a hearty dish! Haggis stuffed into a chicken breast, then wrapped in two pieces of back bacon. Broken down by animal, it is sheep offals (haggis), wrapped in chicken, wrapped in pork (bacon). So, while this post is not intended for vegans, vegetarians, or the faint of heart, the Rob Roy Chicken is similarly not intended for people who don’t just absolutely love meat. And me? Guilty, as charged.

One of my favorite highlights of living in Scotland are the local butchers. In a village, they are the source for deliciously fresh cuts of meat. But also, they continuously supply me with local Scottish delights, such as amazing haggis or black pudding.

The Aberfoyle Delicatessen & Trossachs Butcher

For my friend’s birthday, she decided on the Rob Roy Chicken for her birthday dinner. When we walked into the butcher shop, maintaining a socially responsible distance from the counter, we asked the butcher if we should buy one or two Rob Roy Chickens. And in case he didn’t know, it should feed the both of us. His response was, “I can easily eat one by myself.” We both looked at each other… two it is.

Your burning Rob Roy Chicken questions answered

How did we cook it? Wrapped in aluminum foil, in the oven.
How long did we cook it for? Well, 180°C / approx 360°F… maybe 20 – 40 minutes. Unfortunately, we hit a snafu and the oven shut off half-way through. Therefore, I can only give you a guestimate.
Was the whisky cream sauce necessary? Yes. We made the sauce, initially fearing the chicken would turn out dry. However, with bacon juices seeping into the chicken, that may not have been the case. Trust me though, the sauce was great!
Was it an extremely heavy meal? YES.
Was it absolutely delicious? ABSOLUTELY YES.
Would we eat it again? OF COURSE.

And now, for your drink pairing…

2. The Rob Roy Cocktail

Created in 1894, by a bartender at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan and obviously named in honor of the outlaw rebel that we now all know and love, Rob Roy continues to delight people to this day. Why was the cocktail created? For the New York opening of the Rob Roy operetta, of course! (Composed by Reginald De Koven and lyrics by Harry B. Smith). In case you’re wondering, New York Times review called it, “a thoroughly good operetta … clean, frank, manly, bright, and winsome … a right good comedy”.

For this section, I would like to introduce you to Kevin from Cocktails and Carry-Ons®, who enthusiastically answered my call on Twitter to make this cocktail pairing for my post.

🥃🍸🍹🥃🍸🍹 pic.twitter.com/spNKAil9pA
— Kevin | Cocktails and Carry-Ons® (@CocktailCarryOn) April 19, 2020

Thank you for this fun collaboration!

Without further ado…

Introducing Cocktails and Carry-Ons®

Be sure to visit their blog!

While quarantined in our Swiss apartment for the past forty days, we have been testing out classic cocktails and firming up our ‘house recipes.’ As we make our way through familiar classics, we have been eager to learn about a few more of which we are less familiar.

When Lannie’s Food & Travel mentioned an upcoming article on Rob Roy, we were thrilled to participate in the fun! Lovers of a classic Manhattan or Old Fashioned are assured to enjoy this delicious cocktail!

The Usual Recipe

2oz / 60ml Scotch
1oz / 30ml Sweet Vermouth
2-3 dash Angostura Bitters
Cherry, for garnish

Cocktails and Carry-Ons® Recipe

2oz / 60ml Aberfeldy 16yr Single Malt Scotch
3/4oz / 22ml Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes Angostura Bitters
2 Cherries, for garnish

Preparation: Add scotch, sweet vermouth, and bitters over a large ice cube in a mixing glass and stir for 20 seconds or until very cold. Strain with a Hawthorne strainer into a cocktail glass and garnish with cherries.

Enjoy and Drink Responsibly.

Parting Thoughts

Hope you enjoyed my dinner and drink pairing for this outlaw adventure. Life in the time of corona can be strange, but themed dinners may be one way of having a little fun in life! For anyone looking for some at-home cocktails to add to their own themed night, Nio Cocktails have the best ones! I always keep a few around, just in case I want a little cocktail!

Until next time, stay safe and cheers!

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