The 8 day tour does two whiskey distilleries in two days. I think one is more than enough. I am not a drinker and pretty sure I can get all the appreciation out of seeing this once. Is it bad to just bow out and go my own way?
Posted by
Atlanta
5235 posts
You should be able to opt out of any of the planned group events. Have seen it done on many RS Tours. Depending on the time alloted, you may be able to do your own thing. Or if it's a short time, just have a coffee or a short walk. Just be sure to let the trip leader and bus buddy(ies) know your plans
Posted by
San Francisco area
1891 posts
Are you referring to the RS Scotland tours? If so then yes everything on the tour is optional. Yes let your guide and tour buddy know that you will not be attending.
I looked at the tour itinerary for both tours. It appears that one day you stop at a cooperage to learn about barrel making and probably it’s purpose and importance in whisky making. The next day you visit an actual distillery. So not quite 2 distilleries.
Posted by
OP
Central Valley California
40 posts
OK so a cooperage and distillery- still just not interested. I do not drink at all so it is wasted on me. I think you really need only one of those since they are so closely related.
Posted by
Peterborough, ON, Canada
1637 posts
If it is the cooperage in Craigellachie, its a top sight, not to be missed! Absolutely fascinating. You can watch the coopers doing their craft from a viewing area. They are paid by piece work and they are absolutely amazing. Don't think if you've seen a distillery that the cooperage is a duplication.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I agree you only need one tour. But I have to up your knowledge of these things a bit. In Scotland it is whisky without and e. When you speak of whiskey then you are talking about bourbon and need to be in Kentucky. Or you can show them all up and use the Gaelic: usquebaugh. Pam
Posted by
OP
Central Valley California
40 posts
LOL thank you fro the lesson!
Posted by
Glasgow, Scotland
1694 posts
Cough, in Gaelic it is 'uisce beatha', the uisce is the Gaelic for water. Same in Irish as can be seen in the Irish name for Irish Water, 'Uisce Eireann'
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8121 posts
When you speak of whiskey then you are talking about bourbon and need to be in Kentucky.
The Irish and their Whiskey would beg to differ, and we make excellent Bourbon here in Iowa. ;)
Posted by
Houston
3522 posts
Went on the Scotland tour. Saw both the cooperage and the distillery. Don't drink. Still enjoyed the entire thing. Watching the work that goes into both processes is impressive. But you are free to skip any part of any tour.
Posted by
OP
Central Valley California
40 posts
I think the cooperage might be interesting- BUT I have lived in CA wine and beer Country for years so I think I have seen most of it.
Posted by
Edinburgh
2683 posts
do you know what distilleries they are going to visit .I have been to just about everyone in scotland . The Craigelliachie cooperage is lovely and has a beautiful picnic area.The whole region is an absolute joy.
Posted by
OP
Central Valley California
40 posts
Well the area is listed in the itinerary.
Posted by
Edinburgh
2683 posts
the 8 day tour mentioned going to Aberfeldy to do a whisky tour, this will be Dewars https://www.dewars.com/gl/en/aberfeldydistillery/
a friend used be a guide there years ago, can get busy but lovely place to visit, they say over night stop is in Pitlochry, lovely town and just outside of the town is Edradour Distillery which to me is the most picturesque distillery on the Scottish mainland.
https://www.edradour.com/.
Shame there is not more time spent in Pitlochry but if you get the chance visit the HeatherGem factory https://www.heathergems.com/about/viewing-gallery-and-shop
a nice evening walk is over the Dam and down past the fish ladder and the footbridge back into the town.
https://pitlochry-scotland.co.uk/things-to-do/pitlochry-walks/pitlochry-dam-and-fish-ladder/
Posted by
Noblesville, Indiana, USA
1412 posts
Don't look at it as drinking related but as a cultural experience. If there is a tasting just don't participate.
Posted by
OP
Central Valley California
40 posts
When I look at a tour- I think what am I getting for my money? Is it going places I want to go? What are the activities. On a short 8 day tour if two of those days are doing things I am not interested in, I am wasting my money. So, then I start looking at other tours...
Posted by
Edinburgh
2683 posts
must admit looking at that 8 day Tour there is really a lot of stuff that is "padding" ,lots of great stuff totally missed out. base yourself in Edinburgh and do a few day trips from there and maybe hire a car for a few days to go a bit further afield
Posted by
OP
Central Valley California
40 posts
Thank you! That is what I thought.
Posted by
Edinburgh
2683 posts
just looked at the price, thought at first it was reasonable then realised it did not include airfares, i am sure you could sort out a self tour that takes your interests into account for much less , plus you can go at your own pace.
https://www.secret-scotland.com/
this company can help you arrange your own tour for a small cost.