We arrived to Scotland yesterday after a long trip. The flight from Detroit left Friday night, around 10pm and arrived to London the next morning. After a long layover and short flight to Glasgow we didn't have much energy to explore the city. We did manage to walk to a place for dinner named Gamba. The food was excellent. Local fish, and fine scotch. I ordered Sole, prepared only with lemon and butter, yet it was some of the best fish I have tasted.
With a long day on Friday/Saturday, and Business/travel on Monday, we had little time to explore Scotland. However we did get out on Saturday for a bit. The city itself is quite nice. Smaller, kinda like Grand Rapids, with a varied, hilly landscape like San Francisco. The city is quite clean, and very walkable. Weather is the only limiting factor for getting around by foot. During our stay it was rainy and cloudy most of the time. Our cab driver on Saturday explained July is the best time of the year to visit, because that is the best weather of the year. It is June 10th today. I can't expect the weather getting much better in the next two weeks. However I don't remember Ireland being a tropical paradise in September either, so it is all relative. I think the best you get in Scotland is comparable to an early spring in Michigan.
Being in Scotland for a day meant we had to pick our battles (or adventures). We decided on a whiskey distillery. You learn quick in Scotland, they don't call it Scotch. It is whiskey. They call their Scotch whiskey, things like Jamson "Irish whiskey," and things like JD "crap." The distillery we choose was Glengoyne. Glengoyne produces a smooth, single malt, lowland whiskey. They have been doing so since long before it was legal to produce alcohol. The tour was fascinating. You learn quickly how Scotch is made, what makes Scotch great, and why other whiskeys are different. The best part of the tour might have been the end. Stacy, Saylor, and I were able to make and record our own blend. Making your own blend is quite unique. You are given samples from all over Scotland (Highland, Lowland, Islands, etc..) and explained their unique qualities. After that you are encouraged to test, sample, and blend. Your unique blend is to be measured and recorded. It's like a science experiment with booze (and a great deal of tasting). When all is said and done your blend is recorded in their records, and you are sent home with a sample of your very own. In the process you learn a ton about what kind of Scotches you like, where they are made, and the features you find appealing. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Scotland.
One thing we did not get to do, but sampled on the drive to and from the distillery was the countryside. It is most breath taking. Given extra time, I would spend a few days exploring the country, playing golf, and sampling more whiskey.
Glengoyne Distillary
Sunday ended with another great Scottish meal (fish), and more whiskey sampling in the hotel bar. Monday brought morning meetings, and a plane ride to Norway.
Scotland is one of the few places I think I must go back to. One day is not enough for this country. I've always said I want to bring Annie back to Ireland. I think I would add a Scotland trip as well.
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