Muir of Ord: Singleton Whisky Tour Review | Is It Worth It?
Right, have you thought about stepping away from just your regular sightseeing trip to do something a little different? Taking a peek into how that golden spirit they call whisky is crafted up in the Highlands maybe seems like an appealing choice. Should you decide to take a visit, the Singleton Distillery at Muir of Ord arguably is a place where you can certainly witness this liquid creation, plus, it has the added advantage of being a somewhat charming location, really.
First Impressions: A Warm Highland Welcome
So, as you roll up to the Singleton Distillery, that building has this cozy, almost homely vibe. Basically, it really does feel like popping over to visit an old friend who makes whisky as a very serious hobby. The staff are definitely beaming, plus are quick with their jolly welcomes which immediately helps to make you at ease.
For example, a little welcome chit-chat sets the scene just right, it paints an inviting doorway, maybe to understanding all the subtle secrets involved within the fine art of distilling scotch. Before the proper adventure really gets underway, arguably having such down-to-earth pleasantries will ease people new or inexperienced with distillery visits.
The Tour: From Grain to Glass
That distillery tour more or less shows you all you could need. That is to say, it really explains each tiny part within creating whisky. Starting with those big mash tuns, right through until those silent, darkened warehouses where wooden casks patiently improve their precious cargo.
Usually that guide that does the chat seemingly knows their stuff, that knowledge of theirs gives them this almost story-teller style. They can answer pretty much any question while not dropping into overly nerdy terms that can confuse people sometimes. So, instead you might find that those explanations are full of rich bits of information and perhaps even a couple lighthearted anecdotes.
In fact, seeing as whisky making might sound super technical, that simplicity more or less opens things up. So, for the complete beginner or any seasoned aficionado that place somehow makes whisky quite accessible. Making the full experience enjoyable by pretty much anybody. In addition to those clear descriptions of equipment and production, perhaps touching upon history along with specific traditions creates that depth of flavour.
Sensory Overload: Sight, Smell, and (of course) Taste
Often, the best piece is that dram they give you at the close of that adventure. Clearly with samples in hand, this really gives you that golden chance for seeing what you’ve spent an hour watching. All coming completely into one, very tasty whole. Usually it has those gentle honey notes with some bits of spice seemingly lingering afterwards making that whole process just top class. Typically it ends that visit by reinforcing that flavour along with skill inside each little sip. Just amazing!
I mean the chance you get for nosing too at those new-make spirits together along with older casks is something worth celebrating as well. I find getting to really drink things that gives some added levels relating to understanding. Giving insight into what differences years within selected oak add onto an enjoyable final single malt.
The Gift Shop: More Than Just Souvenirs
So, gift shops these days frequently can feel really disappointing plus like some bolted-on addition but here’s a gift shop offering those few exclusive bottles that maybe tempt avid collectors into whipping that wallet out once more! Right from miniatures through apparel down through engraved glasses this provides all avenues meaning no-one needs going away sad after having visited Muir of Ord itself! This provides any guest options meaning anyone seeking some treasure through a token must consider giving shop areas sometime prior departing.
A Personal Touch: Why This Tour Stands Out
Just because I can pick lots from visiting those countless distilleries means Muir of Ord could have some character which seems really inviting to visitors. As a matter of fact, that intimate smaller environment permits people at easily chat over everything regarding processes around manufacturing, whereas those warm staff provide that sense as almost meeting some kind folk that happen through manufacturing whisky, yet all contributes toward creating a uniquely enjoyable excursion overall!
For instance some personal moments through my trips are always most special by themselves then really leave that lasting effects once experiences are fully wrapped – Muir has one. It shows not by providing just textbook stuff on tours plus by really infusing trips having actual human relationships! Which will always become most crucial memories upon everything done across highlands for several decades actually. By including personality makes even more better at all instances.
