Sunday, September 14, 2014

Scotland trip with Jean


May 2014 Trip to Islay and Makers of the “Water of Life”

In May 2014 Ira took an excursion to Islay, Scotland with his good friend Jean Boyd Molly.  Goal:  To visit the many distilleries and sample on site the wonderful peaty scotch whiskies they love to share!

Islay is the southernmost island of the Hebrides of Scotland – just 25 miles north of Ireland.  Of the 8 distilleries on the island, they were able to visit 7 including Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Lagavulin and Laphroaig.  The unique character of Islay scotches comes from malted barley that is flavored by the smoke of hand-cut peat that is abundant on the island.  First time tasters beware!  Islay scotches may not initially appeal to your liking.  It takes time to acquire an appreciation for the most richly flavored of all scotch whiskies.



Highlights of the trip include the journey itself: Flight from Geneva to London, flight connection to Glasgow, then a puddle-jumper to Port Ellen where they stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast for three nights.  Here’s a view of the town and the small harbor the inhabitants of 
Port Ellen call home.



On our toes!  Can't be too careful as a guest in another country...




The highlight of the distillery tour was the visit to Laphroaig.  Earlier in the year, Ira submitted an application for a lifetime lease on a numbered square foot of land next to the Laphroaig water source – the Kilbride stream.



Here Ira is, in the process of printing his authentic certificate of ownership at 
the Laphroaig welcome center.




The search is on – Ira uses GPS coordinates and an iPhone to help locate 
the exact spot of his Scottish territory.


Success!  Plot of land located and dedicated with the U.S. flag.



Other distilleries visited - Lagavulin.


Caol Ila.


Bunnahabhain.



Ardbeg.



Bruichladdich.



Bowmore.


Philosophical statement: Bowmore.



An example of the tastings that were offered at the various distilleries, 
directed by an expert in the field! 



Something interesting learned on the trip.  Most barrels used in the aging process for scotch whiskey comes from used bourbon barrels from the United States.  Yep – these barrels come from U.S. bourbon distilleries that are allowed to use their barrels only once! 



One of the historical sites on the island is the Kildalton Cross, most likely carved during the 8th century and considered to be one of the finest surviving Celtic crosses in Scotland.  Ira and Jean were amazed at how well preserved the cross was, especially compared to the roofless medieval church 
it sits next to.





Ruins of the church.


After a great day of sampling various peaty scotch whiskeys, might as well enjoy a national culinary delight – fish and chips by the sea!
Sláinte Bha!


























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