What a view as we made our way to the American Monument!
Greetings Fellow Baggers!
Having just returned from a fantastic trip to Islay, I thought I would share a few moments from the tour with you.
Due to the pesky Icelandic volcano (Eyjafjallajökull), this tour had somewhat depleted numbers. In fact, it ended up only having 2 people on it! (I will save the blushes of my guests by not mentioning them by name) Some may see this as a disaster but, after much weeping and refunding, it turned out to be one of the best tours of the year.
When I picked them up on Thursday morning, the lovely Swedish couple informed me that this trip was a 50th birthday present for the male half of the duo. Initially I was a wee bit surprised, as he looked like he was in his late 30′s!
Anyway, after getting over their initial shock that, instead of a small group, it was just the 2 of them. We started to get on royally. By the time we got to Stirling Castle, the banter was already flying and there had been plenty of laughter. I won’t bore you with the details of the 1st day but, suffice to say, by the time we arrived at the ferry terminal at Kennacraig I was already planning my trip to Sweden to visit.
While we waited for the ferry to arrive, I whipped out the picnic hamper; rustled up 3 coffees; and a bottle of Highland Park. My male guest was more than happy to sample the Orkney amber nectar, as he had nevr tried it before. His wife declined the offer, informing me that she was not a whisky drinker and, in fact, dod not enjoy the uisge beatha at all. I promised her that I would find her an Islay dram that would change her mind and open up a whole new world of wonder… she laughed and wished me luck.
After a restful night in Bowmore, we made our way to the Kildalton Cross (for a bit of history before the dramming began in earnest). Then it was off to Lagavulin for our first tour of the day. This, I had been informed on numerous times the day before, was the dram of choice for my new found friend. Mrs. Lagavulin drinker was happy to go on the tour, but would donate her taste to her husband. I mentioned that she should give it a go, and suggested she may prefer the double matured Distillers Edition.
After the tour, I met them both in the tasting room where, to my satisfaction, both members of the duo were smiling happily at each other as they imbibed the peaty spirit of Islay. I enquired if she was now converted to whisky and was told that, “…this one is good, but maybe we should try some others.” With a quick jibe of “I told you so”, we headed for the shop and then onto Ardbeg for lunch.
For the next few days, we visited (bagged if you will) Kilchoman, Bruichladdich, Laphroaig and Bowmore. Whether it was a tour, or just a taste, the enjoyment from my guests was plain to see. Not only did Mr. Lagavulin drinker get to make a pilgimage to his whisky Mecca, but now his wife was a convert to the finest spirit in the world as well.
Not only was the whisky going down well, but Islay was putting on it’s finest show for us as well. The sun shone for the entire trip; we saw seals, deer, pheasants, lambs, Hairy Coos, rabbits, choughs, oystercatchers, curlews, goats, geese, swans, buzzards and more…; we walked along Machir Bay; we visited Finlaggan; we saw Ireland from the American Monument on the Mull of Oa; we…. sorry, getting a bit carried away!
I know I am am rambling a bit BUT, when your job is to show people the Scotland of their dreams and Scotland delivers, there is no finer feeling in the world.
As we caught the ferry back to the mainland yesterday morning, there was an air of sadness in the car. Words like: Paradise, Perfect Trip, We will come back, Stunning place, Wonderful people and I thin ki will name my boat Lagavulin floated in the still Islay air as we departed Port Ellen.
Not wanting the tour to end, we went up to Oban via Kilmartin Glen and Dunadd. We stopped for a great lunch and a beer in the museum cafe and then headed for Edinburgh. After hugs, thank you’s (from me as well) and “see you again for my 60th” I left 2 happy Swedes to enjoy their last night in Edinburgh. One had achieved a dream to visit the home of his favourite dram, but had also discovered an island paradise. The other had achieved a moment of serendipity, and was now a fully paid up member of the ‘I am a whisky drinker’ club.
Islay had done us proud and I can’t wait to go back for more. If you fancy a wee trip with us, check out http://www.scottishroutes.com/4-day-islay-whisky-adventure-tour.aspx
Happy Bagging,
Will
Will Stockham