Last day on Islay comes to an end...

CAPTIONS:

• Bunnahabhian's traditional Oregon Pine Washback
• They use the old style traditional revolving rakes, not the lauter system
• Inside Caol Ila's washbacks, you can see the froth being created from the yeast added to the wash
• More fermentation
• Caol Ila's very traditional Malt Mill
• Caol Ila's operating panel (quite old school, compared to the computers others use)
• Caol lla's famous Still House
• Pouring a dram straight from the cask (Aged 4 years in Bourbon cask , 35ppm, 58%alc)
• Lagavulin's Spirit safe
  
  
  

This morning I was picked up by Andrew and taken on 'lil drive to Bunnahabhain (most northerly distillery on Islay)Silent season here, but a very interesting experience! To be honest I did spend most of the time trying to understand his very intense Scottish accent. But got some useful bits out for sure! Unlike the rest of Islays distilleries, they peat their core range barley to only 1ppm! Compared to Laphroaig and Ardbeg folks: 55-60 ppm, that's nothing!Oh and they have released a peaty one, peated to 35ppm... Bascule, its on its way! Then to Caol Ila, stunning spot nestled in a wee bay, view from the Still Room is breath taking. Tour was good, but not 100% memorable. They send 90% of new make spirit, straight to the mainland to be matured and blended into Johnnie Walker blends mainly. Only 10% goes into the famous Caol Ila malt (not really matured on site either, quite sad to realise...)
Then onto the famous Lagavulin. Was taken around by a very knowledgeable young women, who has worked there since 2006. Gave me the guided tour, and I got to taste the wash, straight from the washback , warm, smokey beer really... Great to experience though!!
Now all checked into my little B&B in the village of Bowmore, yes folks, its not just a distillery... @ the Lochside hotel and pub now, grabbing a bite to eat.
I'll upload a pic of my view, phenomenal. I have my faithful Laphroaig Quarter Cask as my pre-drink, will let you know what the dinner is like... Slainte!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device