For a limited time, whisky lovers from across London can experience Scotland’s smallest Scotch-producing region, Campbeltown thanks to Glen Scotia Grand Tour, an interactive pop-up event taking place in the Wine Pantry in Borough Market from 15 – 17 March
The Glen Scotia Grand Tour lets you taste and experience the distinctive whisky region without having to leave your London bubble.
This interactive pop-up event did a fantastic job or reproducing the sights of the Glen Scotia distillery and the surrounding seaside town, complete with TV screens as windows displaying the view out to sea.
This 60-minute experience began with whisky-based cocktails and canapes, these were inspired by local producers, in what turned out to be a Victorian themed Distillery Manager’s office. I’d recommend the Proud Mary cocktail, especially if you’re a fan of an Old Fashioned.
Next we had the pleaure of experiencing the Glen Scotia’s dunnage warehouse, where we got to taste a variety of different whiskys, including a very special one that is exclusive to the Glen Scotia Grand Tour.
In the dunnage warehouse themed room we were treated to original whisky barrels from the Glen Scotia Distillery, and my favourite part, we had rare pleasure of the sampling a dram straight from the cask.
They really did a great job of transporting the Glen Scotia distillery, which has a history dating back to 1832, is located in Campbeltown, on the Kintyre Peninsula to London, after a while and after few whiskys I almost forgot I was in London.
It also turns out that, during the Victorian age, Campbeltown which is also the smallest and one of the most remote of Scotland’s five Scotch whisky producing regions, was known as the ‘whisky capital of the world’ and home to more than 30 distilleries.
Sadly today Glen Scotia is one of just three surviving local distilleries. That said, its full of award-winning whiskies and are well known for their distinctive maritime influence and the traditional Campbeltown character.
Iain McAlister, Distillery Manager at Glen Scotia, said: “We are the first to admit that Campbeltown isn’t the easiest to get to, but when whisky fans visit Glen Scotia they are deeply impressed by our whiskies and the unique character of the region. The Glen Scotia Grand Tour gives whisky lovers a chance to share that sense of discovery and experience the lure of Campbeltown for themselves.
“It was wonderful to bring a taste of the region to whisky lovers in London, and our aim is to deliver the experience to audiences around the world. The first international stop for the Glen Scotia Grand Tour is the USA, where we will be heading in a few months.”
We absolutely loved our time at the Grand Tour and if you’re a whisky fan get a ticket while you can.
For more information on the Glen Scotia Distillery and to book tickets visit their website
