Scotch Malt Whisky Society Tour 26th May – 4thJune 2009
An exclusive tour to Scotland for members of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society escorted by Andrew Derbidge
We have been waiting for a real whisky tour of Scotland for ages and here it is!
As you would expect, there will be plenty of distillery visits (each one with its own distinguishing feature) carefully mapped out by our Cellarmaster.
We also visit a cooperage to see how these very important vessels that contribute about 60% of the flavour to our inimitable single cask single malts are made.
The tour will see us cross the country up, down and sideways with visits to Speyside and Islay. Apart from all things Whisky and wonderful dining (Loch Fyne oysters at Loch Fyne), beautiful Scottish scenery will be in plentiful supply.
If you are not a member of the SMWS but would like to come, it’s easy to join. Go to www.smws.com.au or call Suzy Tawse at SMWS on 02) 9974 3046
Cousins TT Pty, Ltd, LIC 32699 PO Box 1314 Hawksburn, Victoria, 3142, Australia, PH +613 9827 2999 E [email protected] W www.cousinstt.com ABN 76 119 529
Tuesday 26th May
Meet for coffee and tour briefing in lobby of hotel Malmaison, Edinburgh.
Transfer to SMWS “Vaults” for tutored tasting and lunch.
Afternoon at leisure to explore the city of Edinburgh.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight Malmaison Hotel, Edinburgh.
Wednesday 27th May
Drive to Speyside
As well as possessing over half of Scotland's Malt Whisky distilleries, Speyside is the home of the World famous Malt Whisky Trail. The trail was established to promote a select group of the distilleries that were open to visitors
Visit Edradour distillery in Pitlochry en-route to Speyside. Edradour is the second smallest distillery in Scotland.
Afternoon: Visit Glenfiddich distillery.
Welcome dinner at hotel. Overnight Castle Hotel, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.
Thursday 28th May
Morning: Visit Speyside Cooperage, Scotland’s largest fully operational cask makers. Visit Glenfarclas distillery.
Lunch at The Craigellachie Hotel which has one of Scotland’s largest selections of Whisky behind the bar.
Afternoon: Visit Macallan and Aberlour distilleries.
Overnight Castle Hotel, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.
Cousins TT Pty, Ltd, LIC 32699 PO Box 1314 Hawksburn, Victoria, 3142, Australia, PH +613 9827 2999 E [email protected] W www.cousinstt.com ABN 76 119 529
Fri day 29th May
Drive to Tain through Inverness which is the capital of the highlands. En route to Tain visit Strathisla distillery.
Inverness is the Gateway to the Highlands of Scotland and the surrounding area, including famous Loch Ness.
Visit Glenmorangie distillery.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight Mansfield Castle Hotel, Tain.
Saturday 30th May
Day trip to Orkney including visit to Highland Park distillery.
Orkney, an archipelago of 70 or so islands, is located off the northern tip of Scotland where the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Orkney boasts some of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Europe, including Neolithic villages, burial tombs and impressive stone circles.
Overnight Mansfield Castle Hotel, Tain.
Sunday 31st May Day at leisure - golf, fishing or sightseeing.
There's plenty to see and do in and around Tain or Inverness. Browse city shops old and new, from the Victorian Market to the new award-winning shopping complex, Eastgate II. Take a trip to Inverness Castle, currently used as a courthouse, and St Andrew's Cathedral, which dominate the River Ness and what has been described as one of the most beautiful riverside settings in Britain .
Whisky matching dinner at hotel
Overnight Mansfield Castle Hotel, Tain.
Cousins TT Pty, Ltd, LIC 32699 PO Box 1314 Hawksburn, Victoria, 3142, Australia, PH +613 9827 2999 E [email protected] W www.cousinstt.com ABN 76 119 529
Monday 1st June
Coach transfer to Islay
Lunch at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar en route to Islay. Visit Loch Fyne Whisky Shop in Inverary en route to Islay. The BEST whisky shop in Scotland.
Around the middle of the 19th century, Islay boasted no less than a dozen distilleries. The tradition continues today with eight distilleries (Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, Caol Ila and Kilchoman), still producing some of the most popular and, certainly, most flavoursome malt whiskies in the world
Overnight Harbour Inn, Islay.
Tuesday 2nd June Visit Lagavulin, Bowmore and Bruichladdich distilleries.
Overnight Harbour Inn, Islay.
Wednesday 3rd June Transfer to Loch Lomond. Loch Lomond must be the world’s most famous Loch and has been much written about, both in song and verse. The area is renowned for its beauty and tranquillity and offers picture postcard views around every corner.
Visit Auchentoshan
Overnight Knockderry House.
Cousins TT Pty, Ltd, LIC 32699 PO Box 1314 Hawksburn, Victoria, 3142, Australia, PH +613 9827 2999 E [email protected] W www.cousinstt.com ABN 76 119 529
Thursday 4th June
Late morning transfer to Edinburgh
Farewell lunch at SMWS “vaults”.
Transfer to airport or rail station for departure
Tour cost $6,750 per person (twin share) land only Single supplement on application
Tour includes:
Exclusive tour for SMWS (Aust) members
Pre-tour information evening
Transfers in air-conditioned coach
9 nights accommodation and full Scottish breakfast daily
2 dinners and 3 lunches – alcohol not included
Tastings and tours as per itinerary
Fully escorted by Andrew Derbidge and a representative of Cousins Tours and Travel
Comprehensive trip notes and tasting guide
Maximum 10 people
To register your interest and for more information on airfares and additional tours and travel please contact Gina, Ingrid or Annie on 03 9827 2999 or email [email protected]
Cousins TT Pty, Ltd, LIC 32699 PO Box 1314 Hawksburn, Victoria, 3142, Australia, PH +613 9827 2999 E [email protected] W www.cousinstt.com ABN 76 119 529