FUN-video – The UK & Whisky Festival – Movie Trailer
June 19, 2017 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on FUN-video – The UK & Whisky Festival – Movie Trailer
At 16 days, this was the shortest international trip we have taken since Chris retired in 2009. And it was great to travel with only a carry on bag. Enjoy!
FUN-photos: UK – Scotland
June 19, 2017 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on FUN-photos: UK – Scotland
The whole reason for taking this trip was to experience Fèis Ìle…The Islay Festival of Music and Malt!
- Whisky tasting is a whole lot like wine tasting. Swirl, smell, sip, swallow…and then the taste… …soft & subtle…or strong… smoky, spicy, salty, sweet?
After spending the night in Paisley, the town next to the Glasgow airport, and a short 45 minute flight we arrived in Islay at 9:15. That gave us 3 full days on the island, where we made it to 7 of the 8 distilleries, and tasted a record 35 different single malt whiskies!
- Our last two days were spent in Oban on the west coast and southern part of the Scottish Highlands. We took the ferry to Kennacraig where Alex & Barbara awaited us for the scenic 2 hour drive back to their home. We met them on our “Slow Boat to Singapore Cruise” in 2016. We had a lovely time exploring the sights, which included a tour of the Oban Distillery, and of course drinking more whisky!
By the end of our 5 days in Scotland, we had tasted a grand total of 45 single malt whiskies…plus 2 rhubarb gins (one with ginger added) & 2 liqueurs…mind you they were wee little tastes…
…some just a wee little bit bigger!
FUN-travel: Islay to Oban, Scotland
June 16, 2017 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Islay to Oban, Scotland
- Caught the 9:45 ferry to Kennacraig…
…where Alex & Barbara awaited us…
Alex, Barbara & Us on Pulpit Hill
…for the scenic 2 hour drive…
…back to their home.
- Met them on our “Slow Boat to Singapore Cruise” in 2016!
Our View From Alex’s Backyard
- Oban is on the west coast…
…and southern part of the Scottish Highlands.
- Had a lovely time exploring the sights…
built to look like the coliseum in Rome &…
…Pulpit Hill …
…with it’s panoramic views of the city & bay…
…and of course we had to check out the local pub!
FUN-fact – McCaig’s Tower, a folly and prominent local landmark, was constructed between 1897 and 1902.His intention was to provide a lasting monument to his family, and provide work for the local stonemasons during the winter months.
FUN-travel: Islay, Scotland – Fèis Ìle – Day 3
June 15, 2017 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Islay, Scotland – Fèis Ìle – Day 3
Got lucky again…
…boys from Sydney have car…
…for our morning tasting tour.
1st stop – Bruichladdich – 10 am
…only to find out…
…no tastings before 11…so on to…
2nd stop – Kilchoman – one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland…
…and the only independently owned one on Islay…
…one of only a handful still practicing floor malting…
…barley is also grown on the farm…
…making Kilchoman the only distillery to…
…complete all parts of the whisky making process on site.
Bowmore
3rd stop – back to Bruichladdich…for our tastings…
Bowmore Church
…and my big surprise as they also make…
…The Botanist…one of my favorite gins…
…22 hand-foraged local botanicals…
…delicately augment 9 berries, barks, seeds & peels…
…during an achingly slow distillation…
…and the first and only Islay Dry Gin.
4th stop – Bowmore …
…only a hop, skip & a jump…
…from where we are staying…
…oldest continual operating distillery founded in 1779…
…but rumor has it…
….they were making whisky long before that.
FUN-fact – Fèis Ìle runs 8 days and there are 8 distilleries. So each day one is the featured music & malt festival hot spot.
More FF – Bowmore’s famous round church was built “with no corners for the devil to hide in.”
Our Lovely View From Room at The Bowmore House
FUN-travel: England & Scotland – 16 Days – Stay Tuned!
May 23, 2017 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on FUN-travel: England & Scotland – 16 Days – Stay Tuned!
Heading out for parts of England and Scotland we have never seen. But MOSTLY for the Whisky Festival on the island of Islay!
This trip also marks a milestone for me as I am only taking carry on and not checking luggage on an international flight! No more BIG FAT vacations. YEAH!
