To Barleycorn… King o’ Grain
11
Why this book?
13
Masterclass whisky
14
Ingredients
16
The malt whisky production process
23
The pot still
39
Smell and taste
43
Investing in whisky
48
Distilleries of single malt
50
whiskies of Scotland The whisky trail
52
Scotland, a cake full of cherries
57
18 distilleries in the picture
8
1 Edradour
65
2 Glenfiddich
81
3
The Glenlivet
97
4 Aberlour
113
5 Glenfarclas
123
6 Macallan
133
7 Dalmore
147
8 Glenmorangie
161
9
177
Highland Park
10 Tomatin
185
11
Ben Nevis
195
12 Talisker
211
13 Springbank
235
14 Auchentoshan
245
15 Bunnahabhain
261
16 Bowmore
269
17 Laphroaig
279
18 Ardbeg
289
Thanks
299
Bob Minnekeer
300
Andrew Verschetze
300
‘Floor malting’ has disappeared from all but a handful of Scottish whisky distilleries, to be replaced almost everywhere by more industrial applications. Here, drum or ‘mechanical’ malting.
The wet barley is poured from malt carts or blown in with compressed air.
A sample straight from the cask can be pretty strong. 58 to 60% vol. is no exception. Extra caution is advized. Usually, samples are checked by nose only. For tasting on the tongue, water can be added.
Butt (500 litres) – a former sherry cask.
An impressive series with different ages and vintages. All successful and soughtafter bottlings.
Between Inverness and Oban lies the Caledonian Canal, a succession of lochs connected by a landscaped canal.
The world famous railway bridge we recognize from the Harry Potter films.
18
ARDBEG THE ARDBEG DISTILLERY 1,000,000 litres a year
Kildalton Cross stands next
1 wash still and 1 spirit still
to the ruins of the Old Parish Church and is named after the Parish of Kildalton. As the
take place) and the old copper Port Ellen, Isle of Islay PA42 7EA Visitor centre 0044 (0)1496 302244
Scottish kil means a ‘place’,
www.ardbeg.com
Kildalton is thus ‘the place
Islay Single Malt
of Dalton. Also known as the
the big esplanade (where events still in front of the entrance. The Ardbeg logo is paved in tiles on the esplanade. As with the other distilleries
Loch Arinambeast, Loch Uigeadail
along the Islay coast, Ardbeg is
Kildalton High Cross or the
Owner: Glenmorangie Plc Louis Vuitton
surrounded by nature. A stroll
Kildalton Great Cross, the
Moët Hennessy
around the distillery, especially
Kildalton Cross is a Celtic cross
to the rear, leaves a deep
dating back to the eighth
impression. In good weather
century. Standing in the churchyard of Kildalton
you can see across to the Mull of Kintyre and even
Church, this monolith is 2.65 m high, 1.32 m wide
Ireland.
and 32 cm thick.
The distillery’s reception is impressive. The visitor
During its restoration the remains of a man and
centre with a shop, restaurant and coffee shop are
woman were found under the cross. Do these belong
housed in the former drying oven (kiln). The floor
to the last abbot, sacrificed by the Vikings under
has been removed so that you can look up into the
their blood eagle ritual?
rafters: impressive and unique.
The silence and the wonderful nature make this
Two very direct and sympathetic professionals,
a unique place to spot a herd of deer at nightfall.
distillery manager Michael Head and visitor centre
Somewhat closer to the Ardbeg Distillery is a bay
manager Jacky Thompson, pamper visitors during
where, when the tide is right, you will see many seals
the tour and other activities.
resting on the rocks or basking in the sun. The bay is
There can be no doubt that Ardbeg has Scotland’s
also a favourite for divers, going down to admire the
most beautiful mash tun. The rustic exterior has
underwater flora and fauna.
been retained, but inside it a modern stainless
The last of the three distilleries on the south coast of
steel tank has been installed, making it an easy-to-
Islay is Ardbeg. Upon arrival, you will be surprised by
maintain still. 289