Andy Gemmell
Glengoyne Distillery
Dumgoyne, Near Killearn,
History: The Glengoyne distillery is situated in a stunning part of the southern Highlands, about a 30-minute drive from Glasgow. The distillery takes its name from "Glen Guin" or glen of the wild geese and has been producing single malt whisky for nearly 200 years. It's one of the few to still be producing in this part of the country, and it's
always been under Scottish ownership, currently by Ian Macleod Distillers. Glengoyne is also unique as it produces the whisky in the Highlands and matures it in the Lowlands. The invisible Highland Line – the division between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland – runs through the Distillery.
The whisky: Glengoyne is a great whisky to get folks into the single malt category. From the light, fresh 10-year-old to the rich almost Christmas cake-like 21-year-old, there is something for everybody among these whiskies, which are flavoursome without those smoky peat aromas.
Favourite dram: I adore Glengoyne’s Teapot Dram range. The name comes from the the "three fingers" measurement of whisky, three times a day, that the workers of Glengoyne received daily for more than 150 years. Those were the good old days!
Why visit? This is one of the most beautiful distilleries in Scotland with a state-of-the-art visitors' centre staffed by knowledgeable, passionate guides to make sure you get the best experience on your visit. Go to http://www.glengoyne.com/our-distillery/explore-our-distillery/to book a visit.
Interesting fact: In the early 19th century, due to the heavy taxes on spirit production imposed by the government, many whisky producers were forced to operate illegally. The area around Glengoyne was full of hills and forests which provided excellent cover for the distillers. Records show that at least 18 illicit whisky stills were operating in the area.
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