People visit Scotland for an array of different reasons. Some choose to go and see the breathtaking mountains and lochs, others for the myths and legends that the country is said to hold, and many more for the exciting towns and cities across the country that offer so much in the way of food, shopping, sights and attractions: Edinburgh Castle, The Charles Rennie Mackintosh tearooms, Loch Ness and the Great Highland Way to name just a few.
And of course, no visit would be completed without exploring the world of Scotland’s most famous and accomplished export – whisky, and the area known as its birthlplace – the unsung gem of Moray.
The Home of Whisky
Known as the true, historical home of Scottish whisky, Moray is located in the north east of Scotland and is bordered by Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, both extremely popular parts of the country.
Home to an array of distilleries, the area’s relationship with Scottish whisky dates back centuries, to the days when many distilleries were squirreled away in hidden locations amongst Scottish glens to produce illicit whisky so the owners could avoid taxation.
Moray Distilleries
Obviously following a legal process today, the distilleries in Moray have blossomed over the years into some of the most famed in the world, shipping their goods right across the globe.
Take the Glen Moray whisky as an example. Produced by the Glen Moray distillery in Elgin, Glen Moray is said to be a ‘classic Speyside single malt’, is distilled in various formats (from a classic through to a 1962 vintage) and is offered right around the world by Glenmorangie.
Glenfarclas
Whilst many of Moray’s distilleries focus purely on the production of their products, there are some that aim to give an insight into the production, and one of the most notable is the Glenfarclas distillery.
Having its own dedicated visitor’s centre since 1973, you can take a tour of the distillery (which has been owned by the same family for five generations since 1836). If you’re looking to sample some of the produce, you can also go on a dedicated connoisseur’s tour and tasting session, giving you an insight into several of the distillery’s Brand Ambassadors’ favourite whiskies produced on the site.
When people think of a visit to Scotland, their first thoughts often aren’t of Moray. They may look to the west coast or the famous Highlands, but although these areas are definitely worthy of a visit, if Scottish whisky is your thing - from its history through to its modern day production then it’s Moray that will really will be able to satisfy your needs.
When in Scotland stay at the Cottages and Castles, which offers accommodation for holiday cottages in Moray.
