Whisky Tours Scotland

19/03/2025

A global whisky giant has unveiled a new visitor experience in Scotland with packages starting at £50,000

19/03/2025

ridiculous! I can tailor a bespoke package a lot less than this with an expert, excellent hotel and fabulous dinner, to include private driver too!

A global whisky giant has unveiled a new visitor experience in Scotland with packages starting at £50,000

19/03/2025

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW IT STARTED AND WHERE THE MEN DISTILLERY WORKERS?

https://lisburn-distillery.net/
Distillery Football Club was formed in November 1880 (before Celtic by the way!) with the club playing its first match on 20th November 1880 – a one-nil victory over Dundela – at Daisy Hill, Roden Street, Belfast. In 1882 it moved to a new ground at Broadway, Belfast and won its first trophy, the Irish Cup, in 1884 defeating Wellington Park 5-0 in the final. The club went on to win the Cup three times in a row and on 28th October 1887 achieved its highest ever victory, an 18-0 win over United Steamship. The club went on to establish itself as one of the Irish League’s top sides for the next few decades with success in both cup and league competitions. In 1963 it won the Irish League and its reward was a European League Champions Cup draw against former European champions Benfica. In a dramatic home game Distillery held its mighty opposition to a 3-3 draw before losing the second-leg in Lisbon.

Then in 1970 the club was rewarded for winning the Irish Cup with games against Barcelona in the European Cup Winners Cup. Sadly also in 1970, due to civil disturbances in Northern Ireland at the time, Distillery was forced to leave its home at Grosvenor Park and spent the next 10 years without a ground, having to to survive on the generosity of other clubs such as Crusaders, and Brantwood who let the Whites ground-share with them.

The club, founded in November 1880, originated in west Belfast, where it was based at Grosvenor Park at Distillery Street off the Grosvenor Road until 1971.

On 30 December 1952, at Distillery’s Grosvenor Park ground, the first full match played under floodlights, anywhere in Ireland, took place. The home side’s opposition were English team Burnley F.C.. The first officially approved competitive match under floodlights in the British Isles took place at Grosvenor Park on 25 March 1953 when Distillery Seconds played Ballymena United Reserves in the George Wilson Cup and the first floodlight league game in the British Isles took place at Grosvenor Park on the 24th December 1953 when Distillery played Coleraine.

After sharing Skegoneill Avenue (Brantwood) and Seaview (Crusaders) for some years, the club moved in 1980 to a permanent new home at New Grosvenor Stadium, Ballyskeagh, County Antrim, on the southern outskirts of Belfast. The main stand at New Grosvenor Park is named after legendary player Bertie McMinn.

The club was known simply as Distillery from its foundation until 1999, when it changed its official name to 'Lisburn Distillery' to associate itself more closely with its adopted borough (now city) of Lisburn. However, the club is still colloquially referred to as "Distillery". The club colour is white. A founder member of the Irish League in 1890, the club was relegated from the Premiership in May 2013.

Your club.. My Club.. Our Club

18/03/2025

away again soon, with my pal Ingvar Ronde. Hoping calmac play ball and dinnae mess about, we are off to Arran, Campbeltoon, Islay and Auld Reekie. We have quite a few distillery visits planned, meeting up with old friends - not as old as me - and let's see what happens.

18/03/2025

Mika Jansson
Best tours of Scotland, so glad our whisky association chose MCLEANSCOTLAND in 2011 as a tour operator! Since then our whisky association has had the good fortune of visiting Scotland more than a dozen times over the years, and each trip has been, simply put, perfect - thanks to MCLEANSCOTLAND. The Malt Whisky Association of Finland thanks you!!!

10/03/2025

Kythe Distillery Perthshire

The past four weeks have been, without question, the most exhilarating in the decade-long journey that has led us to this point. February brought with it a momentous milestone: the installation of our pot stills and worm tubs, crafted by the skilled hands at Speyside Copper Works, Forsyths, and Joseph Brown Vats. As with everything at Kythe, this was no simple task. Our wash still, which will be fired directly by a wood furnace, has an extra-heavy pot with it's 15mm thick base, and was set atop a bespoke brick refractory... an undertaking that posed its fair share of challenges. Yet, watching the team work you'd scarcely have known it.

Now, at last, the stills are in place, waiting for the distillery to come to life. In the coming months, the final pieces will fall into place. The interior construction will reach completion, and the intricate map of stainless steel piping will be carefully installed. If all goes to plan full installation will be wrapped up by the end of July, and production will begin soon after. We hope you share our excitement, though we suspect that no one is quite as excited as we are. We successfully installed our pair of copper pot stills, marking the first full scale direct wood-fired pot stills in Scotland. Unlike those seen in many modern distilleries, our stills will not be lacquered and have a raw, traditional appearance.

Our copper worm tubs. These traditional copper coil condensers, submerged in large vats of flowing cold water, contribute to a heavier and more robust spirit character.

09/03/2025

I don't smoke ci**rs, but this dram gets me every time, beautiful, a special dram from the cabinet tonight

08/03/2025

Just an important update for those who don't know. MCLEANSCOTLAND is now planning tours for 2025 and beyond. Paul; "I have to say we are busy with many tours already booked in and many fully paid, I'd like to stress that my fingerprints are on every tour designed. From last year, Liz is no longer with us, she has decided to leave MCLEANSCOTLAND. So it is back to how it all started, you get myself planning your tour, 3 star or complete luxury, my hands, head and feet all combine to plan the best tour possible". MCLEAN is in control folks!

08/03/2025

“Irish Distillers can confirm that Midleton Distillery is adjusting its production schedule for a routine, periodic review. This review demonstrates our ability to be agile with our production cycles and has been enabled through improved operational efficiency and state-of-the-art production facilities. The distillery will temporarily pause production in early April 2025 and will recommence in the summer to support the sustainable global growth of its portfolio of Irish whiskeys. We remain fully committed to the production of Irish whiskey at Midleton Distillery and have communicated this adjustment to our staff, suppliers, customers and contractors to enable forward business planning.”

The move means Pernod Ricard has joined Diageo and Brown-Forman in pausing whisky production, with Diageo doing so at one of its Kentucky distilleries yesterday (7 March), and Brown-Forman mothballing Scotch distillery Glenglassaugh earlier this year.

Although both Pernod Ricard and Diageo cited an increase in production efficiency as the reason for the halt, the pauses seem to suggest supply is exceeding demand across spirits firms in all three major whisky nations.

Irish Distillers hopes to lead ultra-premium whiskey growth around the world, according to its international marketing director Joao Rozario. The arm is led by Nodjame Fouad, who took on the role in 2022. The pause hasn’t stopped Irish Distillers’ brand Jameson from releasing new expressions and launching partnerships. Jameson, the world’s biggest Irish whiskey brand, saw its volumes rise by 3% but net sales were flat during the first half of Pernod Ricard’s 2025 financial year (July-December 2024).

Ireland’s whiskey exports surpassed €1 billion (US$1.04bn) in 2024.

The Midleton distillery recently refurbished its visitor experience

06/03/2025

how did I get this? you may well ask. I tell you, I was lucky enough to be with my pal Ingvar, I was driving, he was drinking, we were with Stephen at G&M in Elgin, a few years back I must own up, good man so he is he poured a dram for me to take away, I downed this later. Can I say, it was one of the best drams I've ever had, like drinking velvet. I also had a Glen Grant similar age, just as good. This was before those Macallans brought out the 82 year old, so we reckoned we had drank the worlds oldest whisky that day. I've no had anything this old since. Over to you Ingvar.

05/03/2025

FREE TO ENTER PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION WIN A WEEKEND IN OBAN 20 – 22 December 2025

Landscape (Amateur) Photograph of the Year. Closes 30 September 2025. Entry free. You’ll need to work hard but winning this competition may be the start of a new career. What are we looking for? Simply take your best shot anywhere in Scotland, mainland or the Isles. We are wanting a standout image we can use in our marketing, the winner will be named online. All entries must be original, no photoshop, never seen before. Maximum of 3 images per person. Judges decision final. MCLEANSCOTLAND is an award winning tour company, specialising in whisky tours.
www.mcleanscotland.com www.whiskytours.scot The winning photograph must be relevant.

Knipoch House 4 Star Hotel. Double Room. Garden view. Cooked Breakfast. Featuring free toiletries, this room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The room features a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, heating as well as garden views. Overlooking Loch Feochan with panoramic views of rugged mountains and tranquil islands, Knipoch House Hotel is just a short drive from Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland and a gateway to the Isles. This historic 4 star hotel dates back hundreds of years, and retains original oak-panelled walls and open fires. There is free Wi-Fi and free parking on site. With a fine selection of wines, local malts and hand crafted gins, cosy wood panelled bar is a haven for relaxation at the end of the evening.

THIS PRIZE IS FOR TWO PERSONS SHARING DOUBLE ROOM. There is no cash equivalent. Prize must be taken on dates shown. The winning image will become the property of MCLEANSCOTLAND and will be used in our marketing worldwide. Send your entry to [email protected] We apologise photos cannot be returned. You will need to reach and depart Oban/hotel under your own steam.

With over thirty years-experience and our extensive contacts in the whisky industry, we ensure you enjoy the best of Scottish hospitality, from the moment you

25/02/2025

Angels visiting again, here for their share

25/02/2025

For those seeking Luxury in a simply glorious setting.

Day 1. This three day tour takes you to the scenic west coast of Scotland, driving through stunning scenery. Starting from Glasgow, we drive via Loch Lomond and Glencoe, reaching the hotel approx. six hours later. With stops en route and time for lunch, we arrive relaxed and looking forward to a first night of luxury.

Day 2. After breakfast we drive north via Kinlochewe, Lochdrum, Lochbroom to Ullapool. What a scenic drive that was! Ullapool, more scenic sights, Further north into Assynt, you are surrounded by world famous mountains and beautiful lochs. Maybe take in the ruined castle of Ardvreck and visit Lochinver - regarded as some of the finest dining in the world. Established in 2014, Peet’s has built an enviable reputation for great service, located near the harbour, popular dishes include traditional favourites such as cullen skink tart, fresh scallops, chicken & haggis with mash, beer battered haddock & chips, local venison sausages and fresh creel caught langoustines. Lobster Thermidor and Monkfish Risotto are regulars on the menu. Returning to Torridon for a wee bit of relaxation before, the Torridon's Whisky Bar - exudes quality and cosiness. Sink into a sofa and delve deep into the origins and history of your drams, with an expert for a nosing and sample tasting. Tasting sessions are in the Library. Overnight.

Day 3. Must we leave? Och aye, we drive to Glasgow via Inverness, Kingussie, Pitlochry, Perth and finally Glasgow. This is where your tour ends … or does it? We can add on any more days you wish, stay elsewhere than Glasgow, simply tell Paul what you wish.

Your Hotel; The Torridon is a five-star resort set against the stunning backdrop of the Torridon hills on Scotland’s west coast. The hotel boasts recent awards such as Cateys 2018 Independent Hotel of the Year Award, 3 AA Rosettes and AA 5 stars. World-famous whisky bar with 365 malt whiskies. Seafood and fish caught on the doorstep.

Experience cost; For two adults sharing a double deluxe room, en suite for two nights, two breakfasts, whisky tasting for t wo, driver, car, fuel for three days, driver b&b two nights. From £3800 depending on dates and month of the year. Excludes meals other than shown, this gives more flexibility to our guests. contact [email protected]

25/02/2025

We use a copper valinch to take samples from our casks as they mature. It lets us nose and taste to see how the spirit is maturing.

Here’s David, our Distillery Manager, showing us how it’s done!

24/02/2025

excellent read and information

21/02/2025

21/02/2025

happy drams with a beer chaser

20/02/2025

A few happy people from last years whisky tours...
ALL BOOKED WITH MCLEANSCOTLAND WHISKY TOURS.

In July 2024, several of my friends and I celebrated our 50th birthdays by taking a whisky tour of Scotland. What better way to celebrate our love of scotch and our more than 30 years of friendship? After experiencing our nine day whisky tour, we also made a new friend, our tour guide, extremely skilled and knowledgeable about multiple distilleries and sites throughout Scotland. He fit right in with our group, and I truly feel as though I’ve made a new friend in Scotland. The tour was very organized. We told them a few distilleries that were on our must-see list, and they did the rest! The schedule was flexible and allowed us enough time to relax, enjoy the drams, and not feel rushed. The hotels and inns in which we stayed were clean with friendly service and close enough to the distilleries where travel time wasn’t too long. With 65 different whiskies, over a thousand pictures (I take a lot of pictures), and countless memories, the tour exceeded my expectations. Whether you’re new to learning and enjoying scotch whisky or you’re a seasoned veteran, I would trust and highly recommend MCLEANSCOTLAND for your party to have a memorable and unforgettable experience. Richard Orlando, USA................................

I was looking for a custom whisky tour for my birthday. I reached out to a few companies and MCLEANSCOTLAND worked with me to put together a great week in Scotland, touring whisky distilleries and capping it off with my favorite distillery on my birthday. We enjoyed the many whisky flights that we purchased from Islay, to Speyside, and the Highlands.

A driver was absolutely necessary for all 5 of us to enjoy all of the drams, all week. Great job MCLEANSCOTLAND on our customized trip. I would definitely recommend them and hope to repeat this trip in the future. Thanks for providing a fabulous trip. Jeff
Florida, USA............................

Our group of seven guys who have known each other for over 40 years decided the time was right to do a whisky tour of Scotland. We all enjoy whisky but had only glancing knowledge of what goes into making it, along with how to appreciate the different types. Also, we were keen to tour Scotland a little. MCLEANSCOTLAND were absolutely brilliant in helping us decide where and what to do as well as setting up the whisky tours. Their tours are all custom/bespoke, so they were willing to take us wherever we wanted to go. In the end, we went with most of their suggestions since they know the distilleries well and which ones offer tastings and which also offer tours. I can’t say enough good things about this trip. MCLEANSCOTLAND were so easy to work with. Anyone thinking of doing a whisky tour or, I suspect, any tour of Scotland should look no further. Allen Boston, USA