Glen Melia, Sourcing Manager for the Single Malt Fund, picks his top three Scottish visits (and bottles) of 2021
Travelling to visit distilleries and meeting the people who make and market whisky is a big part of my job. Naturally, that was reduced a lot this year. The majority of my visits and meetings were virtual but I did get a safe window during the summer to return to Scotland and meet a small number of people face-to-face.
It was a wonderful experience to be on the road again and feel the vibrancy and innovation that drives the Scottish whisky industry first-hand. I also got to taste some incredible whisky. There were a lot of highlights packed into a short series of trips but these are three of my favourites – and one of them was virtual.
SPEYSIDE DISTILLERY VISITS
When it was safe to travel last summer, I was grateful to get back to Scotland and travel through scenic Speyside, visiting some of the region’s famous distilleries. From the towering vistas of Tormore distillery, to the hidden valley where I found Cragganmore, I was so impressed.
Meeting the staff at Glenallachie and hearing their passion for their brand was wonderful. Visiting the treasure trove that is Gordon & MacPhail’s shop in Elgin is something that every whisky lover should do.
However, seeing the spectacular distillery that is Macallan was a real highlight. I was lucky to sample several of their legendary drams, and to hear about their plans for the next few years. One of my favourites from them is the Macallan Enigma bottling, packed with sweet vanilla and fruit notes. Tasting this was a real highlight of my year.
JOHNNIE WALKER, EDINBURGH
Recently opened to much fanfare is the Johnnie Walker Experience in historic Edinburgh. I was taken on a high-tech sensory journey through the history and heritage of this famous brand, where four specific distilleries are highlighted to showcase their contribution and influence into the blend of Johnnie Walker whisky.
These distilleries, from the four corners of Scotland, are Caol Ila, Glenkinchie, Cylnelish and Cardhu.
The last of these is one of my favourite Speysiders, Cardhu. Without question, one of the finest releases from Cardhu is the Special Release from 2019 and an easy pick for one of my highlights of the year.
GLENFARCLAS 60-YEAR-OLD WHISKY TASTING
Being invited to a virtual tasting, live from the warehouses of Glenfarclas, is an event not to be missed. But when the invite was to a tasting of their astounding 60-year-old whisky, I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
My 60-year-old sample arrived just in time on the morning of the tasting and as I nosed this piece of whisky history, its depth and complexity was immediately apparent. Treacle and layers of Christmas cake came to mind, followed by a sumptuous, sweet taste that only such an old and intricately layered whisky could give.
A magnificent whisky. It was a real pleasure to be a part of something so wonderful. Thank you Glenfarclas.
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