Abhainn Dearg Distillery

Winter days are short in the islands with sunset around 1500 hours, with this in mind we have arranged for you to stay, on a bed and breakfast basis, at the popular Cabarfeidh Hotel (pronounced cab-ar-fay).  We want you to get the most from your time with us and that includes the spectacular scenery en-route to Uig, after all it’s all a part of our story, it defines who we are. We would like you to become involved in the Abhainn Dearg experience, see where we grew our first crop of barley, the challenges that our remote location and climate pose and just why distilling in the traditional manner is so important to us.

Depart Cabarfeidh 0830hrs to arrive at Abhainn Dearg for 0930hrs. Guests with their own transport might like to follow in convoy, a detailed map will be provided.

After a hearty breakfast, we will pick you up and start our journey to the distillery.  Hopefully the weather will be kind and we can point out the many interesting features, including standing stones, famous lochs, salmon rivers and the magnificent beaches that Uig is famous for. Even on a dreary day you can still experience the atmosphere, the mystery, ponder the history that surrounds us as we travel across the wide open moorland, passing through tiny crofting villages and townships that are so typically part of our island landscape.  

0930hrs - Abhainn Dearg Distillery. 

On arrival tea/ coffee and introductions a chance to meet Marko, founder of Abhainn Dearg Distillery and Eilidh, who will be your hosts and tutors during your stay. 

We will have a Health & Safety Briefing, as you will be making whisky in, what was once, an illicit still (donated to Abhainn Dearg) in a wild, remote location so your safety and ours is paramount.

Then it’s down to business, learning about and getting the ingredients you will need to put in the still to make new spirit! Once the still is filled Marko or Eilidh will light it, depending on the weather this can take up to an hour to get up to temperature. During this time you will learn about Foreshot and Feints, what’s happening within the still and how to monitor temperatures and testing for spirit.  What to look for when the Foreshot starts, recognising when it turns to spirit, the heart of the run and when it ends. 

Remember this is traditional distilling from a small still and it’s done by sight, taste and experience.  Marko and Eilidh will guide you through the process, explaining and showing you the different stages, letting you check by taste, just as a master chef would sample his signature dish.  It will surprise you just how refined your New Spirit is, and they will explain the interaction between the copper still and how this has influenced the spirit.

Once the spirit is running we will leave Marko, or Eilidh to keep watch and take time out for lunch.  Our destination is Gallan Head, approximately fifteen minutes away and where you will be staying for the next two nights.  Tuesday will be the only day lunch will be away from the distillery, but it gives you a chance to locate your accommodation in daylight and store your luggage. Transport is arranged to and from Gallan Head during your stay.

After Lunch it’s back to the distillery to check on the progress of the still before taking the full tour of Abhainn Dearg Distillery.  You will get true hands on experience as you keep check on your ‘own’ distillation whilst emerging yourself in the daily running of the distillery.

Once the traditional still has completed the run it’s time to wind down for the day, turning off the still and closing the distillery. Time to adjourn to Gallan Head to relax before dinner, Gallan Head Hotel is fully licensed and offers a good range of Malt Whiskies.

 

Preparation for the second distillation before Marko or Eilidh light up the traditional still.  Today is another day working between the main distillery and checking on your ‘spirit run’ from the traditional still. 

Wednesday is mashing day at Abhainn Dearg for those who would like to take advantage of this opportunity.  Much of what we do at the distillery you will be able to ‘try’ yourself, but nothing is compulsory.  This is an opportunity to look, learn and get involved with those elements of the process that are available for you to experience.  Throughout the three days you will be able to ask questions and where possible be shown, or advised on our distilling traditions.

 

Preparation for distillation before Marko or Eilidh light up the traditional still for the final run. 
Today you will have the opportunity to cask up your spirit, but before that there will be warehousing duties as well as checking stills, monitoring fermentation and completing the paper work involved with the purchase of your cask.  This is a day of reviewing, questions and answers, a last chance to distill ‘your own’ New Spirit before leaving Abhainn Dearg ...... till your next visit.

Transport to Cabarfeidh Hotel Stornoway, where you are booked in for Bed and Breakfast, giving you the opportunity to try one of the many restaurants the town has to offer, or take advantage of some quiet time to reflect on your experience.