[MM-MALTS-L] Pilgrimage to Islay

[Harry Pulley]

>From my trip the Port Charlotte Hotel was definitely the best restaurant.
Went there a few times.  The Loch Gruinart oysters are divine as is the
whole baked sea bream.  The lamb was very good too.  Whisky selection is
excellent.  Other nice pubs out and about are the Lochside in Bowmore and
the little pub right on the shore in Portnahaven which has a nice selection
of Islay brewed beers and ales in addition to a good malt selection and some
decent food.

At Ardbeg you can do better for 200 quid.  I think the Lord of the Isles is
way overpriced, even at 150 though old Ardbeg is becoming very dear indeed.
Personally I'd suggest you get others not available in Canada like Airigh
Nam Beist, Almost There, Still Young and if you're a member of the committee
then check your mailbox as I got something in the mail yesterday...  If you
aren't a committee member then sign up before you go!  The clootie dumpling
is a must have and is great 'stomach lining' for a day of drams to follow.
Great tour at Ardbeg, no need to book ahead I think just mention it in the
shop.

Bruichladdich distillery has TONs of bottling you can't get here and you can
bottle your own valinch too which is kind of fun.  Great tour at
Bruichladdich too, book ahead.

Laphroaig's tour wasn't bad as they have maltings but there isn't much in
the gift shop though with only QC in Canada now I suppose a dram of 10yo or
15yo isn't bad.  Too bad they stopped printing new members' registers years
ago as it was fun for older members to find themself in the register.  The
stillroom is grand.

Was nice to see Bunnahabhain though they were putting a new boiler in so no
tours at the time.  I didn't get into Bowmore, Kilchman, Caol Ila or
Lagavulin (always next time).

Just walking around Port Ellen was a lot of fun.  A few pubs and restaurants
but be warned that pretty much everything but the pubs are closed very early
so there is much else but pubs or walks to do in the evening.  You can walk
out to the Oa but the people are so friendly they'll be offering you rides
all the time!

There are several ruins around so lots of non-whisky stuff to see.  The
sheep and cattle all about are fun to see.  Wonderful landscapes.  Lots of
sea and shorebirds, seals.  It is a beautiful place.  I had marvelous
weather for my trip, some wicked rain on my first day but sunny otherwise --
I hope your luck is as good.

I had a great time.  You'll love it!  I want to go back this year and hope I
can swing it.

Harry
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