I read some of the reviews on this place and I guess I see where they are coming from but I'm never one to over estimate a place. I pretty much try and expect just what is stated and not more.\n\nSo anyway, my dad and I checked this place out one weekday afternoon. We're both whisky fans and a shopkeeper suggested we check it out. We signed on for the Silver Tour which turned out to be a good deal.\n\nIt does start out as a ride of sorts. I didn't find it cheesy but I'm an easy going guy. I think if I'd done this before visiting any distilleries this part would have been very informative. As it happened, this was at the end of my trip to Scotland so I had been to just a few distilleries. By few, I mean about 10... Ahem. Anyway, I still found it a cool little touch to the tour. Once you're taken through the malt's eye view of distillation, the group gathers and the actual guided part of the tour begins.\n\nIt's essentially a mini class on what constitutes a scotch whisky and an explanation of the different sources of flavor and color a whisky can have. The approach here is that you know very little of whisky and may not even have ever tasted one. I think for someone brand new to this drink, it would be quite helpful. For myself, I already know what I like but I still enjoyed it. This part ends with you picking a scent/flavor note and being given a whisky from that selection.\n\nFrom here you and your chosen whisky move into the next area which is the largest collection of whisky bottles I've ever seen. It actually was an individual's private collection which had been donated. I don't know, I like it. There were some really old and really interesting bottles. I enjoyed this part as well. \n\nFrom there you move into the final area which also has a bar. My silver tour included 4 additional tastings which were quite tasty. Don't fear, I was walking and not driving. I walked away from my tour with a Glencairn glass and warm insides. Definitely think it was a good value given the four additional tastings.\n\nAlso, throughout the tour (excepting the collection room) they have some theme for kids. Just after the ride, they have a cat character on the walls meant to entertain young children. In the final area, there are some interactive play areas with the cat as well.\n\nOne final thing I should note is that in addition to the tour, they have a downstairs gift shop, bar and restaurant. I did have a sandwich here and it was actually good. I wasn't expecting much but the food I had was a nice surprise. I don't know if I'd make it a point to go there just to eat but if you're waiting for your tour to start and want a bite, you'd do well.\n\nI'd recommend this place to visitors. Shout out to Garry our tour guide. Well done!
places reviews