Scotch whisky – 2 great places to visit
Scotland is the undisputed homeland of whisky, a drink with roots stretching back centuries. From the misty highlands to the dramatic coastlines, you’ll find distilleries that have perfected the art of distilling “the water of life”—or “uisge beatha,” as it’s called in Gaelic. We’ve visited two different producers of scotch whisky on two separate occasions: the perhaps lesser-known Fettercairn and the very famous Glenfiddich. Even though the end product is “the same,” each has its own unique history and production methods.
What is Whisky?
For something to be called whisky at all, it must be aged for at least three years in casks. Then, whisky from different vintages is blended to create various expressions. The fact that a whisky house blends does not mean the whisky is “blended.”
“Blended” means that different types of whisky or unaged spirits are mixed with some high-quality wh
Skotch whisky versus irish whiskey
For those wondering about the difference between Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey (yes, there’s an extra ‘e’ in the Irish version), much of the answer lies in the production methods. Scotch whisky is usually distilled twice, while Irish whiskey is often distilled three times for a smoother taste. Additionally, the Scots use more peat smoke in the drying process of the malted barley, which gives a characteristic smoky flavor, especially in whiskies from the Islay region.
Another difference lies in the use of stills. Scotch whisky is typically made in pot stills, which give a more complex flavor profile, while Irish whiskey often uses column stills for a lighter style. When it comes to cask aging, the two traditions share many similarities, but Scotch whisky is more known for experimenting with different types of casks, such as sherry, bourbon, and even wine casks.
In Dublin, you can visit the famous Jameson Distillery and gain a deeper understanding of the differences between Scotch and Irish whisk(e)y.
Glenfiddich: The Family That Shaped Whisky History
Glenfiddich is one of the world’s most famous whisky brands and has been family-owned since its founding in 1887 by William Grant. The distillery is located in Dufftown, one of the most iconic whisky towns in the Speyside region. We drove here from Aberdeen, and the journey through the Scottish Highlands took just over an hour.
Glenfiddich was one of the first producers to actively market single malt whisky in the 1960s, which has made the brand one of the most successful globally.
One of the big differences with Glenfiddich is their experimental approach to aging and cask use. They have, among other things, launched their “Solera Vat” method, where whisky is aged in large vats that are never completely emptied, resulting in a continuously rich and balanced flavor. Glenfiddich has also been a pioneer in the use of rum and ice wine casks, giving the whisky a unique character.
In terms of taste, Glenfiddich is known for its fruitiness, often with notes of pear, apple, and vanilla. Their 12-year-old expression is one of the world’s best-selling single malt whiskies, while older variants like the 18-year-old and 21-year-old offer a deeper and more complex experience.
Fettercairn: Innovation and purity
Fettercairn Distillery, founded in 1824, is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands and has a very special approach to whisky production. It is one of the few distilleries in Scotland that malts its own grain and uses only grain grown within a 15-mile radius. The water comes from a local spring higher up in the mountains. In an effort to become even more local, the owners have planted an entire forest of oak trees, hoping to use them to produce their own oak casks in 80–100 years. Whisky production is truly long-term planning.
The distillery uses a unique system where the copper stills have a water-cooling ring that creates more condensation and produces a purer spirit with floral and fruity notes. This method is rare in the industry and is part of the reason why Fettercairn has such a distinct character.
Fettercairn’s whisky is often characterized by tropical fruits, honey, and spicy notes, and they offer a wide range of ages—from 12 to over 40 years old. The distillery has also taken a step further towards sustainable production and is constantly experimenting with new cask aging methods to develop exciting flavors.
As tourists usually visit these distilleries by car, Fettercairn has taken this into account. To ensure the driver doesn’t miss out on the tasting, we were given three small bottles and a tiny funnel so we could smell and just dip our tongue in the glass before pouring the rest into the bottles to take home. This thoughtful initiative was much appreciated.
Even I, who am not particularly fond of whisky, was allowed to take the rest of my tasting home, so the tasting could be resumed after the car was parked. A very nice touch.
Note that if you are traveling in Scotland with children, children of any age, even infants, are not allowed to visit distilleries.
Skotsk whisky – a living tradition
During a visit to Scotland, a visit to a distillery is more or less compulsory, just as we visit vineyards in Macedonia, Champagne in France or Italy. It’s always fun to visit local producers of food and beverages and people who are passionate about their traditions and products.
We met the same traditions and passion for local produce during our cider safari in Hardanger.
Even though I have visited several different distilleries, breweries, and wineries, there’s always something new to learn. And people with passion and dedication usually manage to convey this in an exciting and educational way.
A great way to discover Scotland is by train. It also makes it easier to sample the local specialties! If this sounds exciting, check out the website of Unike Reiser or contact me for questions about train tours in Scotland!
