Speyside is arguably the finest whisky-producing region in the world and a worthy place to devote yourself to a day of malt immersion.

By Anita Draycott

Speyside is arguably the finest whisky-producing region in the world and a worthy place to devote yourself to a day of malt immersion. On The Glenlivet tour, our guide informed us that Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Charles Dickens were all partial to their brand. After viewing the various interactive displays and stills, we were invited to a tasting culminating in a 25-year-old vintage.

“It’s the Sean Connery of whiskies,” our guide remarked while swirling the nectar in his glass, “mature, sexy, rich and debonair.”

We carried on to Glenfiddich near Dufftown, owned by William Grant and Sons and boasting the largest whisky output in the world. Their Connoisseurs’ Tour includes a tutored nosing and tasting of single malts ranging from 12 to 21 years in age. In the gift shop I picked up some mincemeat tarts and a 15-year-old vintage with my own personalized label. There were at least six more potential tours and tipples but I convinced my pals that we should save some for our next trip.