Dumfriesshire might not be widely recognised as a go-to destination for whisky enthusiasts but if so they’d be missing a trick.
In fact only 15 miles up the road – just outside Annan – is the Annandale Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. Founded in 1836 it has a fascinating history. Bought by Johnnie Walker in 1893 it was then closed down in 1924 though not destroyed. Eighty years later it was bought by Annandale Distillery Company owned by David Thomson and Teresa Church who lovingly restored it at enormous expense. It reopened in 2014 as a working distillery and now crafts both peated Man O’Sword and unpeated Man O’Words single malt whiskies paying homage to two iconic Scottish figures: Robert the Bruce and Robert Burns.
Tours run daily and give you the chance to discover the art of whisky-making amongst the glorious copper stills. Tours end with a tasting of the award-winning whiskies. “Slange”.
But before you leave call in to The Maltings Coffee Shop. Here’s what a recent visitor had to say:
Stopped off at the cafe after the distillery tour and so glad we did! Lovely premises and friendly staff. I had the soup and sausage roll combo and both were delicious. Husband had the burger which was one of the best he has ever had. Definitely worth coming here even if you aren’t going on the distillery tour (which is very interesting).
And then there’s TB Watson’s the most amazing Wine and Spirits shop in English Street, Dumfries, although perhaps best known for its huge selection of whiskies. One of the current directors, Brian Gibson, is a ‘Keeper of the Quaich’, a prestigious award given to those who dedicate themselves and their time to the promotion of Scotch Whisky.
TB Watson’s also host the Annual Whisky Festival in Dumfries on the last day of November. The event has gone from strength to strength since it began in 2011 and now over 750 enthusiasts descend on the town every year – with over 200 product choices from over 40 different suppliers to sample. There is a large shop at the event where you can purchase your favourites of the day. Rob and son Adam (who also is a whisky lover) went many years ago and had a great time – very carefully pacing themselves and drinking lots of water with regular breaks outside!
So why not come and stay in Glencaple and sample some of the best.
“Uisge Beatha”.
Check out the Flat’s availability and rates and call Sue on 01387 770348 or email us at sue_greig@yahoo.co.uk if you’d like to book. You can also find us on the Vrbo website if you’d prefer to instantly book on-line.
