Category Archives: Recreational Beverages

The Glengoyne Distillery

On a recent trip to Scotland I had the opportunity to take a trip to the Glengoyne Distillery.  Here are a few photos from that trip along with comments.

Getting There

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Cruise ships dock in Greenock since they cannot navigate the River Clyde all the way east to Glasgow. The nearest bridge is east and the bus driver took a circuitous route to avoid Glasgow traffic, pass historic sites (Mary Queen of Scots castle) and view scenery. There was a stop at Loch Lomond and then on to the Glengoyne Distillery, founded in 1833, via a very narrow road.

Fun in the Caribbean

Joan was enjoying the cruise while knitting with about 40 other passengers who had signed up for this special event aboard the Celebrity Reflection.  It was one of the nicest cruises we have taken, our stateroom was comfortable and the food and beverage service was very good.  Here I am enjoying myself on the veranda of our room enjoying a malt beverage.  Many brews in this part of the world use sugar for a portion of the recipe.

Goodbye, Whiskey Fest!

kiltThe nationally sponsored Whiskey Fest has been a staple of Chicago’s whiskey fans for more than a dozen years.  It has become very popular and takes place in the March/April time frame and is hosted at the Hyatt Regency downtown.  I’ve gone for many years.  With success comes problems.  The ticket prices have soared (increased demand), number of slots (supply) limited, and therefore a sellout in literally minutes after they go on sale.  Mind you it’s a really nice event with lots of beverages, good food, seminars, etc.  But all this comes at a price.

Binny’s, on the other hand, has a World of Whiskey event on the evening before Whiskey Fest and features many of the same vendors.  Their event is more focused on whiskey, and does not have vodkas, beers, etc., which has crept into the Fest event.  Also, the depth of products is actually greater at Binny’s.  The food is not as elaborate, the crowds are smaller, and the price is unbelievable (too low to print here).

I’m not sorry I couldn’t get a ticket to the Fest, but got to see the World instead.