Planning a trip to Scotland? Wondering what activities to do where?
Wondering which Whisky and Water in Scotland you should try?
So if you are staying with us here at Blervie House you are either here to visit the 51 worlds famous Malt Whisky Distilleries that make up part of The Malt Whisky Trail on our doorstep and if you not you are bound to visit at least one of them.
Whisky and Water
Well, should you drink your Whisky with water? The purists would say definitely not. The experts would say yes to fully appreciate the taste of the amber nectar. Of course, at the end of the day like most things, it is a personal choice.
Like so much in life you do not get one without the other and to produce a true Single Malt each distillery needs a source of soft Scottish water to produce their whisky. For me this part of exploring the different blends viewing the source of the water resulted in the location of the distillery in the first place.
If you visit the Aberlour distillery set alongside the River Spey take the time to walk behind the distillery and view the Lour Burn before it joins the Spey. This sure supply of pure Spring water that flowed over the pink granite of Ben Rinnes is also a place rooted in ancient times and noted for its magical relationship with water.
Likewise, if you are visiting the Strathisla distillery the first thing you will notice as you arrive is lovingly revered Well that is the source of the natural spring water used in the production of Strathisla. The oldest working distillery sitting beside the River Isla is a tranquil setting encompassing the close relationship of Whisky and Water in Scotland.
And of course, if are not sure if you should drink your Whisky with water you can always spend time exploring your options by booking a tasting session either at the distillery or allow us to arrange a private tasting for you here at Blervie House.
Whisky and Water Continued
Scotland’s scenery, particularly it’s mountain ranges and rainfall produces not only stunning springs and burns that feed into the whisky distilleries but also produces the spectacular Rivers such as The Spey and The Dee that Scotland is famous for. One of these rivers is the River Findhorn deriving from the Monadhliath Mountains in the Highlands.
This beautiful River with its stunning pink gorges produces the best year-round whitewater rafting in the UK. With Grade 4/5 white water rafting and is the only river offering above Grade 3 all year. Not surprisingly considering Mountain snowmelt ideal conditions are in spring and autumn and after rainfall any other time of year when the whitewater rafting can give you a very special scenic view of the water in Scotland. If you are looking for an adventure then this is the trip for you.
The less adventurous can opt for the more leisurely experience of Rafting down quieter stretches of the River. Just absorbing the scenery, the quietness and the wildlife make this a really worthwhile day.
If you are less adventurous then settle for walking alongside the River or even try a day fishing on the River. There are beautiful walks above the gorges amazing views across the River. Visit Randolph’s leap where legend has it that Thomas Randolph, later Earl of Moray leapt over the River at it’s narrowest point. Alternatively, opt to wander further down to see the full width of the lower River.
However, you decide to explore Whisky and Water in Scotland there is no doubt they are both entwined. Enjoy your experience.