Pernod Ricard .... whisky

Many of the whisky distilleries are owned by bigger international groups, Pernod Richard is one of the biggest, owning many vineyards as well as distilleries worldwide.

During our tour of Scotland we visited three distilleries who are in the Pernod Ricard Group under Chivas Brothers; Glenlivet, Strathisla and Aberlour.

Our first visit was to Glenlivet. In 1822 in the remote Livet valley whisky was distilled without the knowledge of the Customs Officers. Hidden away George Smith distilled and perfected the Glenlivet whisky that is now known world wide. It was even requested by King George IV even though an illegal dram. 

In 1824 George travelled to Elgin where, because of a change in legalisation, he obtained a licence and became the first legal distller in Glenlivet parish. 

Hubby and I did not get the chance to visit this distillery in 2019 so we were very excited to fit in a trip this time. Stunned ... it just took my breathe away, the typical Scottish stonework outside did not prepare us for the amazing interior.

The array of whisky was vast, there were so many aged whiskies, so many variations on maturation as well as shiny gold, sparkling lights, comfy leather chairs - certainly a distillery that is high on my revisit list. A revisit with plenty of time to sit and enjoy the surroundings whilst enjoying a dram of this superb whisky .... but which one? 

Scotland is a zero tolerance country regarding alcohol and driving so it wasn't always possible to try any whisky. Hubby and I bought six Glenlivet miniatures so we can discover more here at home, probably on a dark winter's night with the fire on and if we're lucky snow outside.

Our second distillery in the group was Strathisla Distillery, an unexpected visit. We saw the sign and popped in, little did we know it is the Heart of Chivas Regal. Started in 1786 it is the oldest, and said to be prettiest distillery in the Highlands; it was certainly a beautiful setting.

I am always amazed at the vast variety of whisky in the distilleries. I guess it is similar to wine as in we only know what we see in the supermarkets and shops, our buying is controlled by the supermarket buyers. It's an education and delight to discovery much much more. Each distillery we visited had a vast selection of choice, Starthisla was no different with so many Chivas Regal whiskies all having a different and distinctive colour from the various casks used for maturation. 

Strathisla was certainly a hidden gem, Hubby discovered they also sell Glen Keith which is one he liked from a tasting elsewhere so we purchased a bottle to bring home. By signing up to their newsletter we were all given a Chivas glass and a Chivas Regal 18 miniature, one for another tasting at home. 

Aberlour was just down the road from our final stay in Dufftown, a small but prominent village with the main road running through and the fast flowing Spey river running nearby. Our third Pernod Rocard distillery was Aberlour founded in 1879 by James Fleming.

Here, with the backdrop of Ben Rinnes, the Lour burn flows into the Spey. The water used for Aberlour whisky comes from two high up burns with the Lour water used in the cooling process. 

Aberlour is a smaller, more intimate distillery and we very much enjoyed their 12 year old double cask single malt. Matured in Oloroso Sherry and American Oak barrels this whisky is quite complex in flavour. Full of citrus aromas with hints of apple, following on with rich fruit flavours with rich chocolate, finishing with sweet and spicy notes. As with all whiskies this really opens up when warmed, the Aberlour glass is perfect for caressing in your hands to warm the rich contents. 

Three superb distilleries, amazing whiskies which we will be enjoying at home with fond memories of our tour of Scotland. Glenlivet is certainly a place I'd love to revisit with time to savour.