I wanted to give you an insight into a tour I did recently with an international group of whisky connoisseurs who came all the way to Orkney to sample our locally distilled whisky.
They say every day is a school day and this day was no different! I had the privilege of witnessing their whisky tasting experience at a local distillery and I watched on with keen interest as everyone in the group carefully savoured and discussed the finer points of their samples using terminology and language that I could only guess the meaning of. What I could understand and relate to was their passion and it really was a joy to behold.
We left the distillery in 'high spirits' and the rest of the day was spent taking in some of the most important ancient sites of Orkney such as Skara Brae and the Broch of Gurness in very windy conditions which just seemed to deepen the sense of drama of touring these windswept shores on a cold, spring day in March.
What better way to round of this whisky pilgramage than to visit the site of the former Stromness Distillery and latterly the home of one of Orkney's most revered poets, George MacKay Brown. I had a feeling when planning the tour that I could introduce my wedding cog* at this point and I am so glad I did as the gesture went 'down well' with everyone in the tour group.
A perfect end to a special day.
Interested in your own personalised whisky and archaeology tour? Contact Graham's Orkney tours
an Orkney wedding cog is simply a circular drinking vessel traditionally passed throughout the wedding hall and drunk by guests.
