We arrived Scotland with blue skies, an omen perhaps, of the day that was to come. Today we returned to Greenock and hired the same guide we used in 2023 when we were here. Helmut Watterott, from Tours by Locals, is the guide you want to use for anything in and around Greenock, Glasgow and the near Scottish Highlands. He met us at the terminal, with his signature kilt and vest, and we were off to explore the highlands and Scottish whisky distilleries.

Our first stop was Auchenstoshan, where we enjoyed an informative distillery tour, and learned they are one of only two Scottish distilleries that triple distill their whisky. Usually, the triple process is done by Irish distillers only.

Our second stop was Deanston, where we had a nice lunch and a flight of their whiskies. As with Irish distillers, the Scottish cask most of their whisky’s in used barrels, either bourbon, wine or port barrels.

Our third stop was at Glengoyne where we had another tour, including a tasting. Our guide told us that enjoying Irish whisky required three senses. You hold the glass up to look at the color, you sip it to determine taste, and you hold it to your ears and if you hear bagpipes, you’ve likely already had too much whisky. HA!

We enjoyed driving between stops, seeing the beautiful highlands and enjoying the outstanding weather. We also enjoyed talking with Helmut and learning more about life in Scotland and the UK. He is also very knowledgeable about Scottish whisky and we appreciated his insight into the processes and tastes.

Back at port, we had a traditional dram from the back of his van. A super fun day!

Recommended: Helmut Watterot, Tours by Locals at 

Tomorrow: Sea Day