Open Mash Tun, Bruichladdich Distillery, Islay

A tour this afternoon. First time I'd seen an open mash tun. Dates from 1881. So interesting to see it in operation, with the water pouring in.

We tasted the malted barley before it went into the tun, and then liquid from the wash back.  On to the very warm Still Room.  Then the warehouse and a variety of casks, including some that are personalised.

Finally, the tasting.  My favourite had to be the whisky stored in wine barrels, but a bit too pricey.  I ended up with a bottle of The Botanist, their own gin, which passes through 22 botanicals in their Ugly Betty Still. G&T with lime and ice on a sunny afternoon, very pleasant.  #1 chose The Classic Laddie in their trade mark duck egg blue box.

Before all this, we had a long walk at Kilchoman beach, found the wreck, the rock pools and high sand dunes.  A warmth in the air, and the waves crashing in.  Then a wander around Port Charlotte.

Back to base, to find the heating system wasn't working.  Called our contact, and within the hour, an engineer arrived and got us up and running.  Impressive, that wouldn't have happened back home.

CeeJ's Distillery Warehouse Shot.