Every distillery needs to stand out, especially when competing with legends like Glenlivet. Benriach has created its own unique twist by offering visitors a hands-on cocktail-making experience that adds a memorable personal touch to their visit.
The experience begins with the presentation of a cocktail kit, including a special muddler stick to crush fresh ginger and mint, setting the stage for the creation of the "Benriach Long and Spicy" cocktail. This cocktail showcases Benriach’s "The Original Ten" whisky, emphasizing the distillery's distinctive flavors through a rich and spicy blend.
Here’s the simplified recipe: - 50ml Benriach The Original Ten - 5ml allspice liqueur - 5ml lemon juice - 5ml sugar syrup - 140ml ginger beer
To prepare, simply build the ingredients in a highball glass, top with ginger beer, and gently stir. The drink is garnished with a lemon leaf, ginger spear, and star anise, offering a delightful mix of spicy and citrusy notes. The result is a delicious cocktail that not only highlights Benriach's whisky but also provides an engaging and enjoyable experience for visitors.
A Day-Long Road Trip Through Scotland's History, Whisky, and Coastal Beauty
Embark on a journey that weaves together Scotland’s rich history, world-renowned whisky heritage, and breathtaking coastal landscapes, all in a single, unforgettable day.
Morning: The Battle of Culloden Begin your day with a visit to the Culloden Battlefield, located near Inverness. This haunting site marks the end of the Jacobite Rising and, tragically, the last pitched battle fought on the British mainland.
Midday: Speyside and Its Legendary Distilleries From Culloden, drive south into the heart of Speyside, Scotland’s premier whisky-producing region. Speyside is home to some of the most famous distilleries in the world, where you can savor the true spirit of Scotland. Visit the Glenlivet Distillery, known for its smooth, floral whisky, and BenRiach, which prides itself on innovation and tradition. Of course, no whisky tour would be complete without a stop at Cardhu Distillery, the first distillery to be officially pioneered by a woman.
Afternoon: The Beauty of Cullen and the Northern Coast After indulging in Speyside’s finest, head northeast towards the coast to the charming village of Cullen. This area is not only known for its stunning seaside views but also for Cullen Skink, a traditional Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. Enjoy a bowl of this hearty dish before exploring the nearby Findlater Castle ruins. Perched dramatically on a cliff edge overlooking the Moray Firth, these ruins offer a glimpse into Scotland’s medieval past and provide spectacular views of the surrounding coast.
Evening: Bow Fiddle Rock and the Moray Firth Conclude your day with a visit to Bow Fiddle Rock, a natural sea arch that resembles the tip of a fiddle bow, located near the village of Portknockie. This iconic rock formation is a favorite among photographers and nature lovers, especially during sunset, when the play of light on the rock and the surrounding sea creates a magical atmosphere.
This day trip not only immerses you in the rich history and culture of Scotland but also showcases the stunning natural beauty that defines this land. From the tragic end of the Highland clans at Culloden to the serene beauty of Bow Fiddle Rock, this journey is a perfect blend of history, whisky, and coastal wonder.
