Whisky Forum - Need advice for solo female traveler visiting distilleries..

ehimw

Hello All,

I would very much appreciate advice on visiting Scotland/Distilleries tours. I very recently had a significant life change and have decided I will no longer put off the trip that I have always dreamed of - Scotland. I am an absolute lover of single malt scotch and figure this will likely be my only chance to visit Scotland by myself and really spend time visiting/tasting the scotch I love so much. Some of my favorites are Oban and Ardbeg (specifically Uigeadail is my go-to favorite), but I'm very open to trying anything at least once (and hopefully more than that).

I have no requirements and would love to hear what anyone believes would be the best way to spend two weeks traveling across Scotland and consuming scotch. I can pretty much go any time of year but will likely have to wait for at least a year from now to travel. I'm a planner so any help pointing me in the right direction regarding website, research would be very appreciated!

I am a 35 year old female and will be traveling by myself for this trip from Oregon, USA.

Thank you and hope you'll share your experience with me.

Best,

Carrie

Calder · Master Of Malts Joined: 13 Nov 2008 Posts: 688

I would suggest you head to Islay for 5 to 7 days of your trip, you can fly there from Glasgow airport and hire a car on Islay where you can take in Ardbeg. as well as all the other Islay distilleries. Fly back to Glasgow then you can take in the west coast distilleries such as Glengoyne, Deanston then perhaps on to Tullibardine before heading for Speyside where you will find the biggest concentration of distilleries.

As for time of year to visit there is an Islay Festival which lasts for 1 week, it is very popular so you have to book accommodation on the island far in advance. There is also a Speyside Festival which IMO is a great time to visit Speyside.

ehimw · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2016 9:44 pm Post subject:

Thank you Calder! This is very helpful and will allow me to start the planning process. Is it fairly easy to drive around Scotland?

Alexppp · Master Of Malts Joined: 16 Jul 2010 Posts: 1791

One thing to remember if you plan to drive is you won't be able to sample the whisky at the distilleries. Also, the roads to the distilleries will be significantly narrower than the ones you're used to in the USA, and combined with the fact that we drive on the other side of the road it may not be your idea of a relaxing drive! Just a thought...

IndianaBlues · Master Of Malts Joined: 16 Jul 2015 Posts: 457

Alexppp · Master Of Malts Joined: 16 Jul 2010 Posts: 1791

ehimw · Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2016 12:22 am Post subject:

Thank you so much to everyone for this information! I have a lot to think about and plan for now which is going to be a lot of fun. Seems like it would be worthwhile to budget for a driver so I can really enjoy the experience-

sorren · Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2016 3:47 pm Post subject:

I don't think you would have a problem with pouring your drama into a sample bottle, most distilleries expect it these days, drivers and of course the bloggers all want to take samples away, I'd look for small 2-3cl bottles, most offerings are 1-2 cl so a 5cl bottle is easily big enough.. If you visit speyside you could get accommodation central then you only need a taxi for the likes of Glenfiddich, aberlour, balvenie, Glenfarclas and a good few more.. If you fancy balvenie then ring well in advance to book your.. It is Â£35 but well worth it.. Don't overlook Tomintoul, this is a great tour and again needs to be booked.. I book the balvenie at least 2-3 months in advance.. Hope you get over and enjoy the trip ..