Three (More) Things I Learned In Scotland

The Craigellachie Hotel has one of the best whisky bars in the world. We stayed at this old (old–Est. 1893) Scotland country hotel and they house one of the best whisky bars I have ever been to: over 700 expression of whisky in one room. I drank a 1958 Highland Park that transcended both place and time. I was humbled not only by the selection but by the generosity of their staff and the kindness they showed to a bunch of rowdy Americans. We can all learn from the good people at Craigellachie Hotel.

Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie are stupendous distilleries. Not because I do part-time work for them, but because of the people they employ. We spent two days wandering around their inter-connected grounds, the still houses, the warehouse, the gift shops, the bar, the cooperage, the malt house, and every other nook and cranny I could get to; and the people who make these fine whiskies, which are enjoyed around the world, are some of the kindest, sweetest, funniest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Ian Miller, the global brand ambassador for Glenfiddich, shared with us some epic whiskies that defy description. Matthew showed me how to malt barley on the floor. Brian Webster has been employed by the company for over 40 years and made sure I worked my tail off and always made everyone around him laugh. The people who make these whiskies do it with a passion and a vigor that is rare to see.

I got to build a barrel that is now holding whisky. I got to work with my hands and got to see how hard it is to make a barrel, something we take for granted every day. It was particularly cool for me because my family, many moons ago, owned a cooperage in Missouri (part family myth, part truth; no one really knows). The point is: Watching these artisans at work is truly amazing, and to know that every barrel of whisky that is aging in their 47 warehouse, close to a million barrels, all were made on site.

The thank you list of people who were generous, hospitable, kind, open, and honest is long indeed. I know this: These brands and these whiskies will forever be near and dear to me after the time I spent there.