Today, we commenced our tour from Edinburgh. We had to fight our way out through the maze of roadworks due to the on-going construction of a tramway system which itself is of dubious long term value and has been subject of much criticism.We duly arrived at our first stop at Tullibardine, near Stirling but were denied the standard distillery tour due to prior booking of a large tour group. As a consolation we were provided with a tasting experience (see image below).This was OK but a tad disappointing as Tullibardine tours are usually good value.We then drove on north up to Pitlochry where we toured two distilleries, namely Blair Atholl and Edradour:Blair Atholl is part of the Diageo global drinks empire and produces a single malt for use in Bells whisky blends. The malt can only be purchased from the distillery or specialized whisky outlets. At time of our visit the distillery was in a 'silent' period when maintenance work is undertaken notwithstanding which the tour was of good standard and afforded a useful insight into the distilling process.Edradour is totally different: it is very small (smallest in Scotland) and privately owned. The tour we joined was of usual high standard, aided by enthusiasm of the tour guide. This distillery produces a wide range of malts supplemented by a selection of rare and unusual malts from other distilleries. This is an excellent tour experience and one on which I regularly receive positive feedback from guests-it is also free!After Edradour we headed north to Grantown-on-Spey (about 90 mins from Pitlochry) to our lodgings for the night (An Cala Guest House) in readiness for our Speyside distillery tour tomorrow which includes Glenfiddich.Guests dined at speciality restaurant Craggan Mill at Grantown which has a high culinary repution and known for its whisky themed meals. Feedback was very positive.Tomorrow we plan to do a little sight seeing in the morning (including a castle) and then at least two distilleries in the afternoon. Weather forecast is positive, so we should have a good day.
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