This is quite a large distillery, with rooms and rooms of washback barrels. The washbacks are incredibly large - about 12 feet across and some of them are 15 feet high or more. We've decided that if/when we settle down we want to buy one of the used barrels and build a house in it! The useful lifespan on a barrel is 60 years or more, so it'll be well infused with wonderful whisky odors by the time we get it.
The stills at Glenfiddich, still the exact original size and shape of the very fisrt Glenfiddich stills. They say the shape of the still influences the particular flavor of the whisky, and naturally all distilleries are very proud of their unique still style. This tour was unusual in that they let us take pics at some of the inside locations. Most distilleries don't because of the alcohol fumes - they say the electronics of the camera could detonate the fumes.
Within about a mile of Glenfiddich is the Balvenie distillery! We didn't go to that one due to a shortage of time. We wanted to get to the town square so that we could witness the opening of the day's main event: The Glenfiddich Highland Games!
All the pipe bands march from the square to the site of the games, and it's impressive! Eleven local bands were there, all marching together. And all the drums! It was moving!
All the on-lookers tuck in behind the bands and march with them to the games. We were right behind the drums. Look at the picture above and see all the pipe drones? It was a forest of blackwood and tassels. Everyone marching behind was super gay, and all were excited to attend the games.
Several times during the day the bands all massed for a march around the field. More pipes!!
The Games was superb. There was something going on at every moment, and it was hard to take it all in. One of the most fun events to watch was the tug o' war (and notice you can hear the pipes in the background - that went on all day!)
And of course the caber toss!
It was great to take a day off and enjoy Highland Games in Scotland!
At the end of the day we went for a walk, just for a break from the bikes. We looked down on the Balvenie distillery, and made a promise to return for a tour and dram. Also you can see a train in the picture. It is running along the "Whisky Line", which is a 12 mile run from Dufftown to Keith. We'll have to take some time to do that, too!
The ruins of the Balvenie Castle. Built in the 1200's, it was highly coveted and fought over because of it's ideal location. Like many castles in Scotland, it has changed hands on numerous occasions, and subsequently was renovated (more than once!) to fit the needs of the era. It even served as a garrison during the Jacobite rebellion. Notable historic visitors include Mary Queen of Scots, King Edward I of England and Marquis of Montrose. Abandoned in 1720, it has sadly fallen into disrepair.
The Heihland Coo! Mom and baby. They look cuddly, but they're HUGE.
You know you're in Scotland when there's two bagpipers in the line behind you at the market. And they're buying more beer than you are...
This is where we camped - behind The Royal Oak Bar. The night before, after we survived "The Footpath From Hell" bike ride, we stopped here for a beer. We chatted with the owner a wee to ask if she knew of any camping spots in town for Saturday night. She offered the yard behind the bar!! Of course we took her up on it. THEN she told us there'd be a band on Saturday night! But we figured "What the heck?" and decided to do it anyway. Turns out that by the time we hit the sack about 11:00 we were soooo tired that we never heard a peep from the band because we were too wiped out!
Total miles for the day was 4.7.
Wow! Real Scots pipers in Scotland!! Whew! This is what I was waiting for! And real Highland Games in real Scottish highlands! Looks like we get it right over here, minus the accent. Loved the Balvenie Castle. Just finished watching Rob Roy not so long ago, so the Marquis of Montrose was a familiar name, being the bad guy.
ReplyDeleteAch aye Lad and Lassie that'll do! That's brill!
ReplyDelete