The Highland Whisky expedition – Sunday 12th – Wednesday 15th September 2027
After following the wine trail through Burgundy, Tuscany and England, and countless other regions our next journey takes us somewhere rather different. We’re heading north, where the vineyards give way to glens and the tasting flight takes on a different meaning.
Over four days, Members will explore the Scottish Highlands through rare whiskies, private distillery visits, Highland dining and a series of experiences taking us deep into the Cairngorms.
Using The Fife Arms in Braemar as our base, the journey takes in historic distilleries, Blair Castle and a secluded Highland bothy, with a few exceptional drams along the way.
ACCOMMODATION
The base for our journey will be The Fife Arms, a five-star, two-Michelin-Key boutique hotel in the heart of the Highlands. Located just a few miles from the Balmoral Castle, the hotel is closely tied to Queen Victoria. Among its accolades, it is celebrated for its world-renowned art collection housing over 16,000 artworks, curios and antiques by renowned figures like Picasso and Lucien Freud. The hotel is also known for its Bertie’s Whisky bar featuring over 500 whiskies, making it the perfect spot for a night cap.
This Category B-listed building is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding Cairngorms.
YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1 – Sunday 12th September
- – Members will be collected from Edinburgh Airport by private transfer and driven to The Fife Arms in Braemar.
– Later that evening, the hotel will host a private wine-paired dinner with canapés, before finishing with a special dram of whisky – the perfect introduction to the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Monday 13th September
- – In the morning, guests will be transported to Glendronach for a private tour of the distillery, followed by a tasting of four single malts, including the 21-year-old and rare archive expressions. Held in the traditional dunnage warehouse, the tasting will explore Glendronach’s renowned use of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.
- – Later that day, we’ll continue towards the coast to Glenglassaugh, where a private tour begins at Sandend Bay before continuing to Craigmills Cottage for a tasting of four rare archive expressions, including whiskies dating back to 1967, followed by a locally sourced seafood lunch.
- – After lunch, we journey west to Benriach for a curated whisky and food pairing exploring the distillery’s approach to flavour and cask maturation. The tasting features five limited releases and single cask bottlings matured in a selection of sherry, port, Madeira and Marsala casks.
- – Throughout the day, we’ll stop at scenic viewpoints and hidden corners of the Cairngorms, while our tour guide showcases rare drams from his private collection, accompanied by stories of Scotland’s whisky heritage, local folklore and the history behind the whiskies being tasted.
- – After returning to The Fife Arms and freshening up, we’ll enjoy a three-course wine-paired dinner in The Clunie Room, the hotel’s fine-dining experience based on wood-fire cooking.
- – For Members who prefer to explore more of the Highlands rather than participate in the full whisky itinerary, alternative experiences can be arranged through The Fife Arms at an additional charge. Options include exploring the Cairngorms National Park, visiting Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns, wellness experiences, fishing, golf, clay pigeon shooting and horse riding.
Day 3 – Tuesday 14th September
- – The day will begin with a private visit and tour of Blair Castle, the historic ancestral home of the Clan Murray and the Duke of Atholl, followed by a leisurely pub lunch, with food included and drinks available at Members’ own expense.
- – Later, we’ll embark on an hour-long journey through Cairngorms National Park, travelling by 4×4 convoy deep into the Highlands. Our route takes us across remote moorland, past the sites of former illicit stills and long-abandoned villages, before arriving at a secluded luxury bothy, with spectacular mountain vistas along the way.
- – With no phone signal and little sign of civilisation, the bothy will provide an atmospheric setting for the evening. Guests will dine beside an open fire, accompanied by a glass of Louis Roederer and carefully selected wine pairings, before concluding the evening with a special rare dram of whisky. We will then return to base by 4×4, taking in the Highland landscape.
Day 4 – Wednesday 15th September
- – Guests will enjoy breakfast before a private transfer to Edinburgh Airport.
- – Members wishing to extend their stay in Edinburgh can do so with our team’s assistance.
MEET OUR HOST
Your trip’s host is yet to be announced. However, joining the group on Day 2 will be Gary Laud a highly respected whisky expert with extensive experience in the Scotch whisky industry and an outstanding reputation as one of Speyside’s leading specialists.
Currently working at one of the region’s independent distilleries, he combines in-depth knowledge and longstanding industry relationships with a genuine passion for Scotland’s whisky heritage. Known for his enthusiasm, humour and engaging approach, he will bring the region’s distilleries, traditions and stories to life, offering Members a deeper appreciation of Speyside’s whisky-making heritage and the craftsmanship behind its world-renowned spirits.
PRICE PER PERSON
Due to the limited availability of spaces on this trip, the price remains the same for both single and double occupancy at £6,995.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
– Accommodation as per itinerary, including three nights at The Fife Arms
– All meals, wine pairings and tastings as per itinerary
– Private transfer throughout the tour
– Guided visits and cultural experiences as per itinerary
– 67 Pall Mall wine expert guide
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
– Flights, travel insurance and baggage insurance
– Additional hotel nights in Edinburgh
– Hotel extras, including telephone calls, minibar and laundry
– Additional wines ordered at restaurants and drinks at the pub lunch on Day 3
– Tips for guides and driver
– Any private transfers not explicitly included in the itinerary
– Anything not specifically listed under ‘What’s included’
Due to the nature of this event, once payment has been received, tickets are non-refundable. We will, of course, endeavour to resell your ticket should a waitlist be in place.
Members are welcome to extend their time in Edinburgh before or after the trip. 67 Pall Mall can put Members in touch with the Gleneagles Townhouse, our reciprocal club, where a preferential rate may be available, subject to availability. For more details, please contact [email protected].