|
Islay: A Whisky Pilgrimage
Intro
Since my flights and hotels are boring I will keep this brief. To get to Islay we booked round trip flights from Glasgow. From there, we decided to fly into London and out of Edinburgh. I got a great deal of 14k Virgin points and $141 per person for premium on the IAD-LHr nonstop. To return, I booked United for 30k mileage plus points and settled for an economy plus seat. Apologies in advance for any misspellings of distilleries, but in the course of planning this trip I discovered there are two ways to spell whiskey/whisky. So with this fun fact shared let’s dive into the TR. VS22 5:51PM-6:19AM (+5 hours) 6hr56min flight time Seat 21C A330-900neo Security at Dulles was smooth, but the Capital One lounge was packed so I skipped it and paced around the A terminal. At the gate I asked the gate agent if we could be assigned a bulkhead, which she obliged after a call to her supervisor and some slight controversy among the gate agent staff. Exactly on time we boarded in a notably simple way that saw Premium be in the third tranche invited aboard. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...92abe32ed.jpeg Home for the next 7 hours. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...70a5bf3e3.jpeg Some welcome bubbles to warm my liver up for the next week. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0998f27fd.jpeg 1hr after takeoff dinner was served and I enjoyed the pork I preordered. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ff35e7d39.jpeg Better than a United meal! https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...86931e6fb.jpeg I wasn’t able to take this as a souvenir but 10/10. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...01f69f28f.jpeg 1hr15 min after takeoff dinner was cleared and I got some on-and-off sleep that saw me sleep through the breakfast meal. As we approached I used 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi to watch NHL highlights (and see my team lose) and was impressed with the speed. We landed at a remote stand and the cabin crew ensured an orderly deplaning by only allowing upper class, then premium, then economy. I was blown away by how professional, enthusiastic, and service minded the VS crew were. Immigration was smooth and I got a substitute for missing breakfast. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b96c25566.jpeg Decided to splurge on a Heathrow express that saved 25 minutes. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b7e5b59cc.jpeg From there, did breakfast two from brick lane and a 3 mile walk. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0ec6552bc.jpeg Basic, but perks of being out before 8am. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4f9487250.jpeg Finally my daily Lucozade to hydrate before going for a run. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ca1acd598.jpeg Last but not least lunch at Seven Dials which looked amazing but only tasted okay. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...53c98d83b.jpeg To be continued! |
We had a smooth journey on Avanti up to Scotland where we checked into the Moxy and headed out for dinner.
Glasgow Delicious pie and pint as jet lag delirium started to set in. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0f2a0bdb7.jpeg The next morning I unfortunately woke up at 5 am so I decided to do a morning stroll taking advantage of the early light. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b123193cf.jpeg morning hydration! https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fdf7fc1b9.jpeg We ended up taking the metro to get coffee, I didn’t realized Glasgow had a meter until Google directed me to it, https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...13c2ff361.jpeg Also had my first ever Greggs which was amazing. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f96fb5212.jpeg After a fun morning and a good brunch at Scran we headed to Glasgow airport for our flight to Islay. LM427 3:15PM-4:00PM 26 min flight time Seat 11D ATR42 We arrived right at the gate as boarding commenced. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...73ba107ef.jpeg A very comfortable seat, especially given it was only a 25min flight. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5b8ddcdd5.jpeg More legroom than economy plus on United! https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a3fb67971.jpeg Even though the flight was quick there was a drink and snack service. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2ebe0cf15.jpeg And before we knew it Islay was in sight. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...15fa5e1cd.jpeg A nice view of the ATR that took us over. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...97c91f58d.jpeg After a quick drive to where we were staying it was time to soak in the beauty of Islay… https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a0492911a.jpeg … and all out has to offer! https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7c5d03b6d.jpeg A nice roast dinner! https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...948d0c863.jpeg Bowmore at 9pm as we headed back to where we are staying. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3c46331de.jpeg To be continued! |
Nice trip, hope you enjoy it.
|
That pie certainly
looked good, reading backwards, I’m assuming that was at The Citizen? |
Originally Posted by JapesUK
(Post 37053600)
That pie certainly
looked good, reading backwards, I’m assuming that was at The Citizen? |
Originally Posted by jbar91
(Post 37054038)
Yes it was, Glasgow was a lot nicer than when I went 8 years ago on a student budget!
|
Can't beat the price of a Greggs bacon roll and a coffee in the mornings!
|
Islay Day 1
We started with our most booked out day with two cask tastings, one at Bunnahabhain and one at Bruichladdich. First our views at Bunnahabhain. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a285db742.jpeg And our tasting where we had 4 (generous) pours of cask strength over 100 proof spirit. Bunnahbhain is my go-to scotch but I must confess I wasn’t able to accurately judge as by the end. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6ce915546.jpeg After our tasting, we had a scrappy sandwich lunch as we went to tasting number two. As the planner I probably should’ve made sure we had a real lunch to absorb all the whisky. As you might guess my photography skills weren’t on point. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a40d6912d.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d8c5184e3.jpeg And back to drinking. We had a sensational 14 year old octomore among a few others. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9847f8073.jpeg From there we went to The Machrie for a pre dinner walk. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ac4113696.jpeg Sensational scenery. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...966366c95.jpeg Now our first real meal of the day. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fcb01ff79.jpeg Tasty scallops. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...14b587d59.jpeg Good duck to follow our seafood. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5872dc6ac.jpeg Finally a delicious dessert. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2dd43f431.jpeg And an evening walk before heading back to the cottage we were staying at. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1407eb4af.jpeg |
After a Bourbon trip report and Whisky trip report, any volunteer for a Rum or Tequila trip report?
|
Originally Posted by zip10001
(Post 37065615)
After a Bourbon trip report and Whisky trip report, any volunteer for a Rum or Tequila trip report?
|
Islay Day 3
We started our first day on the island with a familiar routine: breakfast then whisky! We did a tasting and tour at Lagavulin, which started out with a taste of their 26 year old 2021 release, which retails for almost $2,000. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...560d85d3d.jpeg While a more corporate distillery, it still had some charm. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c49b19898.jpeg From there, we walked to Ardbeg for lunch which was sensational. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2a068533b.jpeg I highly recommend the steak sandwhich! https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f83d45000.jpeg Ardbeg is a great spot and one of the few that has a cafe, so definitely plan to go there for lunch one day if you visit Islay. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7c3a6c83a.jpeg From there we walked back towards Laphroig as a pit stop before heading to Port Ellen for Dinner. Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Laphroig, and Port Ellen are connected by a nice 3 mile long paved trail. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cc77d7d94.jpeg Our last welcome dram of the trip. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...12381ee66.jpeg The next distillery coming to Islay under construction. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ce16c09e3.jpeg And a simple fish and chips in Port Ellen. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c61c6ecc6.jpeg A beautiful evening in Port Ellen. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dbfc89615.jpeg One last sunset walk as we bid adieu to the local sheep. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2aa065d23.jpeg To be continued with a few days in Edinburgh! |
Originally Posted by zip10001
(Post 37065615)
After a Bourbon trip report and Whisky trip report, any volunteer for a Rum or Tequila trip report?
|
Islay Day 1 / Edinburgh Day 1
Our taxi to the airport recommended we arrive one hour before departure and we ended up being among the first there. While our flight to Islay was full, this one was probably only 1/3 full. LM 422 9:05AM-9:39AM 25 min flight time Seat 7A ATR42 https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5874dd061.jpeg Unfortunately there was a bit of cloud over so we couldn't fully enjoy the views. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...da4e4d3a7.jpeg As on the way out, we got a snack and water. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e5d6f4398.jpeg Before we knew it we had a smooth touchdown and were off the plane in Glasgow. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3783ff261.jpeg We had a brief wait for our bags and then took an Uber to our hotel in Edinburgh, the Four Points by Sheraton. While the hotel does not have a gym on property, we were able to go for free to the Sheratons large gym and spa about a 15 minute walk away. The room was exactly what we would’ve expected. Small, but clean and comfortable. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...32d14c607.jpeg We walked over to get our first view of the castle. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c6167bd0d.jpeg After some exploring of the city we explored the local pubs. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...aece48a70.jpeg And then a mash for lunch. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...92921027e.jpeg After spending some time relaxing, we headed out to get a table at Dishoom. Most of our party had never been but everyone enjoyed our feast. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...524433495.jpeg That was unfortunately the only picture I took because we were so busy devouring the food. From there, we headed out to another pub for a cask ale before retiring for the night. To be continued! |
Edinburgh Day 2
Started our day with a hike around Arthur’s Seat. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f8ffc7835.jpeg From there we had an incredible lunch pork sandwhich from Oink. The picture isn’t the best but once I took a bite I didn’t want to pause eating it! https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...851770299.jpeg After spending some time shopping we had a steak dinner at Kyloe. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...67b3cfc59.jpeg The delicious main event, https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8f1d09172.jpeg And some dessert to end the feast. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...07e98faa5.jpeg Edinburgh Day 3 We started at the Edinburgh Larder for a breakfast that was as good as I remembered from my last trip. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...12a7893f3.jpeg Wegot tickets to the Hibernian match so headed towards Easter Road for a pre-march pint. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cd14caff4.jpeg and some curry chips to go with the football. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8b15f397d.jpeg The atmosphere was noticeably different than a match in England, but it was still fun. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d4761a408.jpeg Post match pint at a pub we walked to in Stockbridge. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ce02a134f.jpeg Every restaurant in Stockbridge was packed so we had our last dinner at the pub. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...adecd4c1f.jpeg and then a nice walk catching the last of the sunset. I love Edinburgh in May! https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ea80b32be.jpeg and for the last time, some hydration! https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0ee03366b.jpeg To be continued with a surprisingly good United experience. |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:01 am. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.