Spey Bay and the StrathIsla Distllery (Home of Chivas Regal)

We drove out to Spey Bay on the North Sea. This is a big dolphin watching area and we arrived in time to see them feeding off shore.  We were too early for the ice house tour, so we just took pictures and moved on.

Looking for dolphins

Beautiful place

This cute little garden was near the dolphin center

The old ice house

Art work in rocks done by local students and near the ice house

We decided we must go to at least one whiskey distillery and our host suggested StrathIsla because it is small and still retains its charm.  No big bus tours, so when we arrived there were only six of us.  Our party of four and two girls from northern France. 

 We were not permitted to take pictures inside the processing areas, unless our guide told us we could.  The kegs in the middle with cream colored ends is 12 year old Chivas.

The name StrathIsla comes from Strath (valley where it sits) and Isla (the river running next to it)  Another example is Glenlivet Distillery (Glen meaning mountains and valley surrounding it and again Livet for the river it is on).  The best part was the tasting. We were poured 4 different blends:

StrathIsla 12, Grain12 (not sold) just to taste a grain whiskey), Chivas Regal 12, and Chivas Regal 18

As I was the designated driver, my tasting was somewhat limited, but taste it I did.  The StrathIsla 12 had a real bite, but grows on you.  The Chivas 12 has been around since the 1800's, and is the largets selling blend in the 12 year olds. The Chivas 18 (distributed in 1997) was my favorite (very smooth sipping scotch).  No ice or water needed. All you need is a comfortable chair and a fire for a setting.  By the way, this runs 51 pounds or $85 dollars a bottle.

This little bottle was in my price range

 

I can't remember the last time I had a scotch, but this one could spur a whole new era of sipping scotch.

Lunch was required after sipping and before driving.  

Then we circled back up by the North Sea and followed the coast back down to our B&B.  Yikes we have to pack up again tonight.