What it is like to visit Glen Ord distillery on the NC500 just outside Inverness
06.07.2022 - 18:51
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
You might have noticed that over the past few years the North Coast 500 has become one of the most popular things for tourists (and indeed Scots themselves) to do in the warmer months. Well, now there's another reason to visit the route, thanks to the latest visitor attraction that has just opened near Inverness.
Close to the starting, and end, point of the 514-mile NC500 lies Glen Ord Distillery, just a short hop from the Highland capital of Inverness, near the picturesque village of Muir of Ord. The new home of Diageo's The Singleton whisky, its visitor centre has been given a major refit as part of a £185million pound investment in Scotch whisky tourism, which will also see Talisker Distillery on Skye, and Caol Ila on Islay, upgraded later this year too.
From the inviting copper framed entrance to the vibrant blue of the interior (inspired by the verdigris you'll find in the copper of the spirit safe), the traditional distillery has been given a striking face lift to make it more attractive to not only whisky fans but also first-timers and other visitors too.
Inside you'll find a modern distillery shop with all the latest Singleton and Diageo releases, alongside some bottle-your-own specials and limited editions you can only buy at the Distillery.
Then there is the stylish bar area where you'll be able to stop in and enjoy whisky cocktails, drams, coffee and of course, local Scottish food produce perfect for pairing with the whisky.
Foodies will love the deli counter, which serves up everything from smoked duck breast and hot poached salmon, to vegan and vegetarian delights made by the very best Scottish suppliers.
Also, perhaps most excitingly, they've teamed up with the incredibly popular Bad Girl Bakery (also based