Distillery tours in Scotland are awesome...and a good way to find what suits your taste best.
My first was at Glenfiddich, and while it tasted good it was just the start. I soon discovered far better IMHO.... Glenmorangie, and also eventually Glengoyne just outside of Glasgow.
The Speyside distillery's have a more beginner friendly nose and are easier to drink...whereas the Islay and outer western distillery's have more of the peat laden smokiness in their product. I'm not a big fan of the heavy smoke flavour and aroma.
My wife and I often stayed at a small 'Bed & Breakfast' place in Braemar called Callater Lodge.... I was able to try all sorts of whisky from around Scotland in the evenings. Braemar plays host to the only "Royal Highland Games" in Scotland, and tickets are usually booked out over a year in advance as is the accommodation. I spent my 30th birthday there and my parents came over for the trip....had a great time at the Games....and sampling whisky of course at the various Vendor caravans.
The games are held on the first Saturday of September. Royal Scottish Highland Games Association :: RSHGA
We had awesome seats only about 10 metres from the Royal Box.... with the Queen and Queen Mother in attendance. We even got a wave.
One day I will be able to transfer my video of the day into digital format for posting.
