Glengoyne Whisky Distillery

Glengoyne Whisky

Glengoyne Whisky Distillery advertises itself as Scotland's most scenic although I am sure that there are plenty of other distilleries which are prepared to argue the point.

Glengoyne Distillery History

The distillery has been established for nearly 200 hundred years and has never gone out of production. Illegal stills were all over the Highlands in the early days but with the advent of the Excise act of 1823 that all changed and Glengoyne became a fully legal producer in 1833. The Glengoyne whisky distillery was built by George Connell and he also built the surrounding warehouses which are all still in use. It was then acquired by the Lang brothers from Glasgow and by the Edrington Group in the 1960s. Finally it is now owned by Ian MacCleod Disillers Ltd so Glengoyne Distillery has never been out of Scottish ownership.

The Glengoyne Whisky

The Glengoyne Whisky Distillery boasts that its whisky is distilled slower than any other distillery and that this produces to quote their website "This creates a more subtle, complex whisky in which all of the delicate flavours are freely allowed to express themselves." The malted barley is air dried so there are none of the peaty undertones associated with some whiskies. This is something that will suit a lot of people who find heavily peated whiskies too much for them. Personally I love the strong peaty whiskies but I also really appreciate something a bit more subtle from time to time. Slow seems to be the catchphrase for them from slow malting to slow storing and drinking to appreciate the flavour. Even the barrels used are described as slow maturing in the Spanish sun before being used for Oloroso Sherry before finally ending up slow storing (with slow rolling from place to place) of the Glengoyne Whisky (I think you get the idea).

The Area

Glengoyne Whisky Distillery is in one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland, within relatively easy reach of Glasgow, Eninburgh and Loch Lomond. There is visitors centre where there are a whole range of activities advertised, with tasting events and courses to suit any palate and pocket. There are short tours, long tours and even complete weekends with full tasting and courses on the whisky makers art. They can be contacted at Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne, Near Killearn, Glasgow G63 9LB. Loch Lomond is a very busy area because it is so accesible from Glasgow. I suggest that if you want to see more of Scotland and escape the crowds it is well worth exploring further afield. We tend to pass through this are on our way north to the beautiful Isle of Skye, home to the Talisker Ditillery where peatiness is a virtue. Whatever your taste then do enjoy!