Whisky your dad away for a Father’s Day treat

If dad’s sock drawer is overflowing, his tie rack jam-packed, and he has more golf balls than he is ever likely to lose, then it may be time to reconsider this year’s father’s day present. For a truly special and more unusual gift experience, a visit to the west coast of Scotland could provide the perfect remedy for those looking to treat their father to a unique and unforgettable present this year.

With a high concentration of distilleries set amongst the glorious and dramatic scenery of the west coast, and a wealth of whisky-related products and experiences on offer, the area is a haven for any fan of the fine spirit.

Mark Reynier, Chairman of The Whisky Coast says, “The west coast of Scotland is an idyllic location for a father’s day getaway, with some of the most picturesque scenery and landscapes in the country. Several of The Whisky Coast distillery members offer visitors the exclusive gift experience of either bottling or blending their very own ‘water of life’, giving a real ‘hands on’ idea of how whisky is made, which any whisky-loving dad would be delighted to enjoy.”

The Isle of Arran Whisky Distillery, situated in the beautiful surroundings of Lochranza, is one of several distilleries on the west coast where visitors have the exclusive opportunity to create their own personalised label to adorn a bottle of the excellent single malt created at the distillery, allowing them to take home an exceptional gift. Arran, often described as ‘Scotland in miniature’ has a great variety of wildlife, aromas and activities to keep all the family entertained.

Further north, Bruichladdich Distillery on the peaceful Isle of Islay has an ‘Academy’ allowing whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to learn all about distilling single malt whisky – the Victorian way. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing 4 – night stay in the distillery manager’s house and learn all about the craft of milling, mashing, distilling, tasting and finally bottling the whisky. The Academy season runs from April to November at a cost of £795 per person.

Also situated on the stunning island of Islay, is the Kilchoman Distillery, which offers the exclusive experience of working for a week at the only distillery in Scotland that executes the whole process from growing the barley on the farm to bottling the malt whisky after maturation. From shadowing the distillery manager to getting involved in every facet of malt whisky production – from barley to bottling, a genuine practical and ‘hands on’ experience is provided. At the end of the week visitors are presented with a certificate presented and a miniature bottle of the new spirit creation to take home. The cost per person is £500, and the maximum number of people of each course it 2.

The Whisky Coast is a company formed through collaboration between sixteen distilleries, three tour companies, eighteen hotels, restaurants, golf courses and attractions on the West Coast of Scotland. The Whisky Coast aims to raise the profile of the West Coast as an area blessed with a high concentration of distilleries against the backdrop of a dramatic rugged coastline.

For more information on The Whisky Coast visit Whiskycoast.com.

To book a tour in the area visit Rabbies.com or Scotsell.com.