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 are 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 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 genuine Single Malt, each distillery needs a source of soft Scottish water to produce their whisky. For me, this part of exploring the different blends and viewing the water source resulted in the distillery’s location 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, the source of the natural spring water used in producing Strathisla. The oldest working distillery beside the River Isla is a tranquil setting encompassing the close relationship of Whisky and Water in Scotland.
And, of course, if you are not sure if you should drink your Whisky with water, you can always explore your options by booking a tasting session at the distillery or allowing us to arrange a private tasting for you here at Blervie House.
Whisky and Water Continued
Scotland’s scenery, particularly its 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.
With its stunning pink gorges, this beautiful River 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 whitewater rafting can give you a very special scenic view of the water in Scotland. If you are looking for an adventure, this trip is 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 worthwhile day.
If you are less adventurous, settle for walking alongside the River or even try a day fishing there. There are beautiful walks above the gorges and 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 its narrowest point. Alternatively, wander further down to see the entire width of the lower River.
However, if you decide to explore Whisky and Water in Scotland, there is no doubt they are both entwined. Enjoy your experience.