Inverness - Capital of the Highlands
Until the mid-1980s Inverness had three operational distilleries but the industry was hit by a whisky slump at the beginning of that decade, Sales dropped and there was a huge surplus of whisky. All three Inverness distilleries closes as a result. Their buildings were demolished and they will never produce again. However, their names live on Glen Albyn, Glen Mhor and Millburn. If you are lucky you will find a bottle or two from these lost distilleries so you can try a dram yourself. And what better place to hunt them down than in Inverness itself
Explain that at one time Inverness had x distilleries operating but...
Whisky distilling returns to Inverness
Uilebheist Distillery & Brewery
@Glen2Glen
Hooray for the first distillery to be built in Inverness for over 130 years! And since the closure of the city's last distilleries in the 1980s the first to start producing whisky for nearly 40 years.
Uile-bheist, set alongside the River Ness, is not only an eco-sustainable craft distillery but a brewery and visitor centre.
We will have to wait for the malt whisky to mature but in the meantime, we can visit and find out about the distilling process and enjoy a dram of their new-make spirit or a craft beer. In an innovation that I wish other distilleries would introduce, they have an accessibility tour, to allow those with physical impairments to enjoy everything that is on offer. For the whisky connoisseur, you can join an exclusive tour that includes time with the Head Distiller.
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Fancy a tipple?
Try my recommended places for sampling a dram or two of Scottish whisky whilst enjoying a great atmosphere along with good company.Β
Black Isle Bar
@Glen2Glen
A popular place to eat because of the stone-fired pizzas using ingredients from their organic farm a few miles from Inverness. It's not just pizza on the menu with other great choices. And all of this can be washed down with a pint of their own organic beer brewed just over the water on the Black Isle.
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The Castle Tavern
@Glen2Glen
Just a stone's throw from Inverness Castle this is a popular pub serving real ale and classic pub grub. It's an award-winning family-run pub with a good seating area outside. And it's sat at the end of both the Great Glen Way and the North Coast 500 so you can toast the end of your travels.
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The Highlander
@Glen2Glen
Since bursting onto the live music scene, Inverness' newest live venue, has proved hugely popular. What's the reason? Great live music every evening! It claims to be the only venue in Scotland offering live music seven days a week with free entry every night. As a result, it's now styled as the home of traditional live music. My top tip is to try a dish of their tasty cranachan.
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Highland Malt Whisky Experience
@Glen2Glen
This is the perfect blend of malt whisky, Highland history and traditional music and an ideal evening's entertainment in Inverness. Let the experts take you on a themed journey around the Highlands tasting some local malts on the way. It is available on weekday evenings from April to October and requires pre-booking in advance.
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MacGregor's
@Glen2Glen
A winner of the best bar and best music bar in Scotland, Macgregor's is the closest you'll get to a Ceilidh House in the traditional sense. It's a gathering place to be with friends and make new friends; to share stories over a drink whilst enjoying the live music. I recommend booking a table in advance if you want to be sure of a place. It's also home to the Highland Malt Whisky Experience."
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The Malt Room
@Glen2Glen
The Malt Room is hidden away down a small alleyway off busy Church Street in Inverness. Many will pass by the entrance without realising that an Aladdin's cave of malt whisky is so close by. The Malt Room is tiny. It is a room after all!
This small whisky tasting venue was crowned Whisky Bar of the Year at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2021. And you will understand why when you experience the warm atmosphere and benefit from the expertise of the knowledgeable staff. My recommendation is to try one of the whisky flights accompanied by tasting notes describing the characteristics of each dram.
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The Piano and Whisky Bar Inverness
@Glen2Glen
Situated within the Glemoriston Town House Hotel on the River Ness this whisky bar has a contemporary style with Italian marble and dark wood. They claim to have 260 rare or unusual malts including a 1949 Glenlivet. If your wallet can't stretch to a rare dram their whisky ambassadors can provide helpful advice
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Scotch & Rye
@Glen2Glen
Described as a mix of "industrial prohibition with a splash of steampunk thrown in for good measure" Scotch and Rye is in essence a good burger joint with a decent selection of whisky. They also have a good cocktail menu if you wish to try something different.
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The Wee Bar
@Glen2Glen
The Wee Bar is a cosy hideaway hidden above a steak restaurant by the riverside. A lovely place to gaze out across the river to the castle on the other side. They serve small plates and nibbles. Try the oyster plate with six juicy oysters from Scottish waters, If you want to splash the cash and try some whisky rarities their "Ghost Malts" flight includes the lost distilleries of Inverness - Glen Mhor (1980), Glen Albyn (1976) and Millburn (1974).
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What's the craic
Β We're diving into a phrase that's as popular in the Scottish pub scene as haggis is to a traditional Scottish meal - "What's the craic?"
So, What's the Craic?
To start, let's get one thing clear: we're not talking about anything illegal here! In fact, "craic" (pronounced 'krak') is an Irish term that has found its way into Scottish vernacular, particularly when out meeting friends for drinks. It's a versatile phrase that essentially refers to news, gossip, fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation. So, when my friend plops down next to me at our favourite local pub with our drinks in hand and asks, "So, what's the craic?", they're essentially asking "Whatβs new?" or "Whatβs happening?".
A Bit of History
Despite its prevalence in Scotland now, it's worth noting that 'craic' has its roots firmly planted in Ireland. The term has been used there for centuries as a catch-all phrase describing an atmosphere of fun and fellowship. It was only around the mid-20th century that it started gaining popularity in Scotland. The cultural exchange between Ireland and Scotland over the years has led to 'craic' becoming an integral part of Scottish pub culture.
Craic in Social Context
When you're out for drinks with friends in Scotland, 'craic' is more than just a word; it's an experience. It encapsulates the warmth of Scottish hospitality, the joy of good company, and the pleasure of engaging in conversation. It's about sharing stories, jokes, and news with your friends and fellow pub-goers. So, when someone asks you "What's the craic?", they're inviting you to share in this communal experience.
Remember, travel isn't just about seeing new places; it's also about understanding and experiencing different cultures. Phrases like "What's the craic?" are tiny windows into those unique cultural experiences.Β Β
Stocking up?
You don't need to limit your whisky indulgence to drams enjoyed in an Inverness bar or restuarant. There are some good shops in the city centre where you can pick up a bottle or two take home with you. The staff in all of them are knowledgeable and will be delighted to help you make the right choice.Β
Highland Whisky Shop
@Glen2Glen
Head up Castle Street away from the town centre to discover this family-owned independent business. It is a lovely airy shop with a wide range of whisky, including some interesting special releases. And you can also stock with a variety of Scottish gins.
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Inverness Whisky
@Glen2Glen
This new independent whisky retailer opened in the summer of 2023 down the same little alleyway as The Malt Room. Both establishments are opposite each other! The small team are friendly and knowledgeable and will find a whisky that suits your taste. There is an excellent, ever-changing choice of independent bottlings. They offer their exclusive single-cask Glen Wyvis bottling. But hurry there were only 148 bottles available from this cask.
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The Whisky Shop
@Glen2Glen
Located in the city centre a stone's throw away from the river. Yes, this is part of a nationwide chain of stores but don't let that put you off. Their motto is 'Unlocking the mystery of whisky' and if you are a little unsure about whisky their advice is excellent.
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WoodWinters Wines & Whiskies
@Glen2Glen
Yes, it looks like a wine shop but don't let that fool you. Beyond the wine, you will find excellent single malts, and blended malts sourced directly from small independent bottlers, distilleries, or brand owners. Besides, not everyone is a whisky lover, so you can buy them a bottle of wine whilst you head for something a little stronger.
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Two nearby distilleries outside the city
If you are interested in visiting a coupe of Highland distilleries outside Inverness here are two that are less than a 25-minute drive from the city.Β
The Singleton Distillery
@Glen2Glen
Having re-opened after a multi-million-pound refurbishment the visitor centre provides a welcoming venue with lots of polished wood and copper piping. The focus is the central whisky bar where you can enjoy a whisky tasting or a light lunch.
The refurbishment also saw a rebranding with the distillery now renamed "The Singleton Distillery" although for many it is still Glen Ord Distillery.
There is an extensive shop with several distillery-exclusive bottlings. There's also an opportunity to bottle your own from a single cask.
The standard distillery tour includes a visit to a warehouse before sampling three drams.
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The Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre
@Glen2Glen
Nestled in the foothills of the Cairngorm mountains the distillery is set within the Highland countryside a short distance from the main A9 road.
If you don't have time for a full distillery tour you can sample a complimentary taste of the 12-year-old single malt.
However, I would recommend the two-hour 'Taste of Tomatin' Tour which includes a tutored tasting of six Tomatin whiskies for the great value price of Β£35.
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Useful information
Should I book a distillery tour in advance?
Β The short answer is - yes! While it's true that many distilleries welcome walk-ins, booking in advance guarantees your spot. Plus, it gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your whisky dreams won't be dashed by a "Sorry, we're full" sign at the door.
Now, if you're thinking "A full tour sounds great, but I'm just here for the whisky," then we have good news for you! Many Scottish distilleries offer whisky tastings as an alternative to the full tour. It's like getting a backstage pass straight to the star of the show.
During these tastings, you'll have the chance to sample 3-5 drams of their whisky. This is an excellent opportunity to truly savour and understand the unique flavour profiles that each distillery has to offer. And who knows? You might just discover a new favourite!
Β Most distilleries also boast fantastic gift shops where you can pick up some souvenirs for yourself or gifts for those less fortunate folks back home. What makes these shops special is that they often stock exclusive editions of their whiskies that you won't find anywhere else. So even if you're not usually one for shopping, this is one store you won't want to skip.
Scotland's Driving Laws
Scotland's drink-driving laws are much stricter compared to the rest of the United Kingdom and much of Europe. The legal alcohol limit here is 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath, compared to 35mg/100ml in the rest of the UK.
If you are convicted of drink-driving in Scotland, the penalties can be severe. You could face a minimum 12-month driving ban, a criminal record, a hefty fine, and even up to 6 months in prison. Not to mention, your car insurance could increase dramatically.
Many people are cautious and choose not to consume any alcohol at all before driving - however small a glass may be - it's just not worth it.
The safest option is always to have a designated driver for your visits to any distillery or whenever you're tempted by a wee dram.
Many distilleries offer sample bottles for drivers, or you can bring your own supply of 5cl bottles for any samples. This way, you can enjoy them when you are back at base. It's all about enjoying responsibly!
Remember, it's not worth the risk - stay safe out there!
Taking whisky back to my own country
Β First things first, it's essential to do your homework before packing that precious bottle in your suitcase. Each country has different regulations regarding the import of alcohol, so it's wise to check with your local customs authority or embassy to ensure a smooth journey home.
Here are a few general guidelines to keep in mind:
1. Duty-Free Allowances: Most countries have limits on the amount of alcohol you can bring back duty-free. These limits vary depending on where you're travelling from and your age. For example, US customs have a 5-litre limit but only the first litre is duty-free. So, make sure you know your limits to avoid any unwanted surprises at customs.
2. Packaging and Sealing: When purchasing whisky from a distillery or a reputable retailer, it will typically be sealed and packaged appropriately. It's crucial to keep this seal intact until you reach your destination as breaking it may raise questions at customs.
3. Transportation: Ensure your bottles are securely packed in your checked luggage and well-padded to prevent any unfortunate accidents. Remember, nobody wants a suitcase full of whisky-soaked clothes!
4. Declare or Not? While it may be tempting to sneak that extra bottle past customs without declaring it, we strongly advise against it. Honesty is always the best policy when crossing borders, and failing to declare could result in hefty fines or even the confiscation of your beloved whisky.
Remember, we're just scratching the surface here, and the rules can vary greatly depending on where you reside. So, do your due diligence and ensure a smooth return journey for your treasured whisky.Β Β
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