Right, now that I've got your attention... Would anyone be interested in popping along to the Auchentoshan distillery, North West of Glasgow?
Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/cT6QsPpBDKT2 Disclaimer: I'm not organising anything, nor sponsoring it, but if anyone fancies a few wee drams we can probably save some cash on taxis travelling over there. Public transport looks quite time-consuming (buses) so I wouldn't recommend that. Though incidentally, the distillery is a lot closer to Glasgow Airport than the City Centre is, so those of you catching flights in the evening, you won't have far to go from Auchentoshan. There are a few options open to those interested in visiting. The distillery's 'Tantalising Tasting' runs every day at 14:00, where you sample 4 of their whiskies, and this will likely include a few cask strength releases. It's £18, and takes 30 minutes. There are also regular distillery tours available, where I expect you'll see all of the equipment used to make the whisky, and learn more than you ever wanted to know about how it's made. There are two of those tours in the afternoon; one at 13:00 and one at 15:00. These are £7 and take approx. 60 minutes. There's a (singular) dram of whisky included at the end, too. It doesn't look like you need to book for either of these tours, just turn up at the right time. Though I'd certainly suggest arriving a bit earlier than the advertised start time, to get yourself signed up. For reference, UKNOF finishes for 12:30 on the Friday. Auchentoshan do run more expensive tours/tastings, but they appear to be bookings-only. Feel free to have a look through the options on their website, but I won't be joining you for them. :) http://www.auchentoshan.com/the-distillery/visitor-centre.aspx Personally, I'm intent on going up there for the 'Tantalising Tasting' at 14:00, but could potentially stay for the distillery tour at 15:00 if there's enough interest. I've seen the inner workings of far too many distilleries recently, so I'd probably opt to go back to the train station if no-one else is too fussed about that part. I'm also quite likely to buy a bottle of their "distillery exclusive" whisky whilst I'm there, which Messrs. Blessing and Reader assure me is very good indeed. No I will not lug bottles of it back for you. ;) Let me know if you'd like to come, or even better, catch me at the meeting. :) -- Tom
