One of the many reasons travellers make their way to Britain’s most northern city, Aberdeen, is to take the Scottish whisky trail. Scotland is renowned the world over for its varied and flavoursome whisky production and Aberdeen is an area rich in distilling history.
The production of a good whisky needs a perfect landscape, one with clear, fresh springs and rich fertile soil for barley growing. So it is ever likely that Aberdeenshire and Speyside provide an area that is not only great for tourism but also responsible for the production of some very tasty malts.
Whisky tour
A tour of the area will take you around the great Glen Garioch and Glen Dronach stills, this is the region where you will find them producing Aberlour and Strathisla whisky in abundance. Visitors to the area during the summer months will also have the excitement of experiencing some of the many whisky festivals that are held throughout the region and also get the chance to stock up on rare malts, polo shirts and etched tumblers.
Travel a little further north of Aberdeen into Speyside and you reach the lands famous for the production of Glen Moray, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet.
You will be able to book onto tours around the distilleries of Glen Grant, Dallas Dhu and Benromach too. There is also the age-old tradition of coopering that can be appreciated at the Speyside Cooperage.
Whisky distilleries
Royal Lochnagar is the distillery that provides the Royal residence at Balmoral with whisky and then there is the sweet, bold blended whisky of Chivas Regal or the distinctive Cardhu distillery, the only one to be started by a woman.
When you’ve drunk your fill and fancy some bracing fresh air to clear your head the wild and rugged landscape beyond Aberdeen’s borders is ideal for a bracing walk or facing a challenging round of golf. The area is also steeped in history and there are a great number of castles and landmarks to take in.
Following the whisky trail around the fringes of Aberdeen will fill you with tales and bottles to keep you going long into the night and through the winter chill. A magical tour that will stick long in the memory.
Aberdeen hotels
The Park Inn Hotel in Aberdeen makes an excellent point from where you are able to travel out and sample the whisky delights to be found in the area. The hotel has 185 rooms with views of the harbour or city centre and access to the RBG Restaurant with its wide-ranging selection of meals. For those feeling guilty about their calorie intake whilst away, there is also a well kitted out fitness room to burn off your excesses.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find abundant opportunities for salmon fishing along the Don and Dee rivers. In the valley known as Royal Deeside, visitors may tour several castles, including Balmoral, a favorite retreat of the British royal family.
