Il whisky is the gold of Scotland and there is no corner of the country, islands included, without a distillery. The crucial area is the Spey Valley, on the northeast side of the northern Highlands.
Here is based the consortium of the Malt Whisky Trail, the promotional union of some historic distilleries that, as the name suggests, have been practicing for centuries the “most Scottish” version of whisky, the undiluted one, with a particularly strong and smoky flavor, thanks to factors such as, for example, the peat used for the fire or the mineral-rich waters of the springs feeding the Spey river.
Malt Whisky Trail
In search of a very green and well-kept landscape, the signs of the distilleries that are part of the Malt Whisky Trail take care of that, offering a suggestive and intoxicating journey among stills, barrels, and bottles.
Glennfiddick
In Dufftown, for example, the doors of Glennfiddick open, the distillery founded by William Grant in 1886 and still belonging to the family. In 1969, it was the first to open its doors to visitors and today offers two types of tours: one free, suitable for everyone, and one for connoisseurs, paid, lasting about two hours and including a series of tastings. Reservation is strongly recommended.
Strathisla
Near Keith, nestled is Strathisla, the oldest distillery in Speyside (1786), with the characteristic pagoda roofs, built to promote good malt drying. Here is produced the renowned Chivas “royal,” since 1843, during the reign of Queen Victoria, it has been a supplier to Balmoral Castle.
Macallan
In Craigellachie, an ancient mansion has been restored to welcome visitors who want to know everything about Macallan, nicknamed the “Rolls-Royce of Malt“.
