[MM-MALTS-L] Pilgrimage to Islay

[Kraaijeveld A.R.]

Hi George

 

Difficult to say what you have missed, if we don't know what's on your list already!

 

OK, few things that pop in my mind and may very well be on your list already:

 

* ruins of Port Ellen - don't know what's still left at this very moment, but when I was there a few years ago, two of the three pagodas were still standing (though barely!). Sad to wander around the ruins .....

 

* clootie dumpling at the Ardbeg visitor centre. If you plan it well, you save on your food bill, as you won't have to eat anything for a couple of days afterwards (;o) Don't get me wrong, it's very good!

 

* Islay brewery - wasn't yet established when I was there, but if I were to be on Islay now, I'd definitely check it out.

 

* Kilchoman distillery - I assume that's on your list, but just in case it isn't ...

 

* Oa peninsula - see http://www.celticmalts.com/journal.asp?cat=80&hierarchy=0  for reason

 

 

I'm sure others will chime in with other items for your pilgrimage!

 

 

In any case, enjoy and kiss the Islay soil for me (;o)

Lex

 

 

 

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Fly, you greatest fool
Why can't you say what they want you to
Why can't you do what they taught you
And show what they wanted of you      
       
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Rivers of milk are running dry

Can't you hear the dolphins crying?

 

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Dr Alex R Kraaijeveld

Lecturer

School of Biological Sciences

University of Southampton

Building 62, Room 4127, Boldrewood Campus

Southampton SO16 7PX

Tel: +44(0)23 80593436

Fax: +44(0)23 80594459

Email: arkraa at soton.ac.uk

Website: www.sbs.soton.ac.uk/staff/ark/ark.php

School Website: www.southampton.ac.uk/biosci

 

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________________________________

From: mm-malts-l-bounces at grsnet.net [mailto:mm-malts-l-bounces at grsnet.net] On Behalf Of George Smith
Sent: 10 April 2008 02:42
To: Malts-L List
Subject: [MM-MALTS-L] Pilgrimage to Islay

 

Hello, Malts-L:

 

After some two decades of drinking single malts and almost that long (mostly) lurking on this list, I am finally making a pilgrimage to Islay, the birthplace of most of my favourites. I will be there, April 20 to 24. I have things fairly well researched but I'm hoping the members of the list can help me with a few suggestions:

 

1) Are there any "not to be missed" things that may have escaped my notice?

 

2) Might there be any special "behind the counter" offerings at any of the distilleries that I should ask for?

 

3) My wife will be joining me on April 23 and I want to take her to the best restaurant on the Isle. My research suggests this is at the Port Charlotte Hotel, where I would have stayed if they had been able to accommodate me for the whole period. Any other suggestions?

 

4) Based on poking around the net, it appears that Islay is not the best place to buy Islay malts. My "splurge" bottle will probably be an Ardbeg "Lord of the Isles", although I would welcome other suggestions for a good Port Ellen or Ardbeg that could be had for less than £200. Both Milroy's and Vintage in London list "Lord of the Isles" online for £150. (Sadly, the archaic liquor laws in Canada preclude me from buying online.) On Islay, Islaywhiskyshop.com has it for £215 and it is £195 at Ardbeg itself. Is there anything I should buy on Islay, or should I wait until we're in London on the following weekend?

 

Thanks for any advice on or off list.

 

Geo

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