Whisky & Food Touring
As the novelist Raymond Chandler once said “There is no bad whisky. There are only some whiskies that aren’t as good as others.”
We love whisky and we love providing whisky lovers and those who are perhaps new to the wonders of the amber spirit, the opportunity to learn from the best distilleries, their blenders and taste the finest whiskies in the world. Scotland has 140 distilleries at my last count and at Skye Luxury Touring we focus on those maritime distilleries based on the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides and also the great Speyside and Highland malts too.
Skye and Raasay
Talisker opened its doors in 1830 and was the only distillery on the island for nearly 200 years, until 2017 when Torabhaig opened its doors on the Sleat Peninsula. This followed a considerable project restoring and developing a 19th century building steeped in the island’s history on the West Coast. The third distillery is Raasay, not surprisingly on the Island of the same name and just a short ferry crossing from Sconser on Skye. Raasay again, is a newcomer and brings a different style of whisky to this Hebridean trio.
West Highlands and Argyll Whisky Tour
This is a fantastic tour taking in the magnificent Springbank and Glengyle in Campbeltown, home of the Mitchell family since the mid 1600’s and both distilleries still remain under the family ownership. We then take the ferry to Islay and become immersed in this Islands whisky heritage and visit as many of the nine distilleries as you wish. We are then off on the ferry again to the Oban distillery, in existence since 1794 and we take time out here to enjoy this lovely town before visiting the Island of Mull and the Tobermory distillery.
Hebridean island hopping Whisky Tour
This really is a whisky lover’s dream, not only for the delights of what you see and taste in the glass, it’s the whole island experience, history, culture and the way of life that these independent communities embrace and of course enjoying their fabulous hospitality too.
There are several ways that we can build an itinerary with you, depending on group numbers, travel logistics and duration, and we can accommodate those who may not be so fond of whisky too! Distillery options include on the Outer Hebrides, Abhainn Dearg on Lewis and the Harris distillery. On the Inner Hebrides we take in Jura, Raasay Torabhaig on Skye, Tobermory on Mull and finally on to Islay. There are nine working distilleries on Islay and they’ve been distilling here since Bowmore opened in 1779 with Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman and Ardnahoe.
The Very Best of the West Highlands Natural Larder
Much has been written about Scotland’s natural larder from those that know a thing or two about quality foods. Outstanding fish, the finest shellfish in the world, beef, lamb, venison, wild shot game, cheeses and soft fruits to name but a few. We have a wonderful climate with rich land, oceans and seas that support the finest habitats for rearing, maturing and growing the very finest produce.
We love food and from our many years involved in Michelin fine dining touring around the world with our sister company www.vxotouring.com we know what to look for when we check out the best restaurants, brasseries and bistros. Whether that’s for a Michelin restaurant, a few oysters or langoustines by the sea, traditional Scottish pub food with a few beers, a local brasserie or a table to celebrate something special, we have touring options to suit every palate and occasion.
Great Food on the Islands & Highlands
On Skye there are many great eateries with the Loch Bay Restaurant holding the islands only Michelin star, The Three Chimneys and Edinbane Lodge, all providing highly skilled modern cuisine. We also love the Oyster Shed at Carbost, stopping in for a few oysters or lobster and chips after a dip in the Fairy Pools or a walk on the ridge.
To the north from Skye on the West Highlands coastal route over the Bealach na Bà, lies the Inn at Applecross. Sitting outside with a plate of langoustines and a few king scallops on a glorious day, looking out over to the Isle of Raasay, it really doesn’t get much better than this – unless the midges appear and it’s time for a sharp exit indoors!!
There are also several excellent hotels with exceptional dining, including The Torridon, Shieldaig Lodge and Inverlochy Castle.
We regularly combine both food and whisky into our itineraries.
"It’s not often that I write back to a holiday company about my experience, but just had to tell you what a blast we had with Craig… so much knowledge of Scottish History … Dale and I are sipping Bowmore now and no ice! We will be back and we want to see those Northern lights"
Chrissy & Dale – Long Island USA – June 2022