Ep 5. Scotland - Single Malt Wonders (Glenfiddich, Balvenie)

Scotland is renowned for its world-class whiskey, and in this episode of Culinary Travels with Dave Eckert, we embark on a journey through the magical land of Scotland to explore some of the finest single malt whiskey distilleries. Dave Eckert is joined by whiskey expert and author, Blair Bowman, as they take us on a tour of Glenfiddich and Balvenie distilleries, exploring the history, production, and tasting of these single malt wonders.

Our journey begins in Dufftown, in the heart of Scotland's whiskey country, where we visit the Glenfiddich distillery. Dave and Blair take us on a tour of the distillery, which was founded in 1886, and explore the traditional methods used to create Glenfiddich's signature flavor. From the malted barley to the oak barrels, Dave and Blair give us an in-depth look at the centuries-old process used to create this world-renowned whiskey. We also learn about Glenfiddich's pioneering spirit and their mission to produce whiskey in an environmentally sustainable way.

The tour of Glenfiddich culminates in a tasting session, where Dave and Blair sample different varieties of Glenfiddich, including the 12-year-old, 15-year-old, and 21-year-old single malt whiskies. They describe the aromas, flavors, and textures of each whiskey, highlighting the unique qualities that make Glenfiddich such an exceptional whiskey.

Next, Dave and Blair head to the Balvenie distillery, just a short drive away from Glenfiddich. The Balvenie distillery is known for its traditional methods and attention to detail, and Dave and Blair are excited to explore the production process and taste the whiskey.

At Balvenie, Dave and Blair meet the Malt Master, David C. Stewart MBE, who has been with the distillery for over 50 years. David guides them through the process of creating Balvenie's whiskey, which involves malting and mashing the barley, fermenting, distilling, and maturing the whiskey in oak barrels. We learn about the unique qualities that make Balvenie's whiskey so special, including the use of locally sourced barley and the traditional floor maltings which are still in use today.

After the tour, Dave and Blair sit down for a tasting session with David C. Stewart, where they sample different varieties of Balvenie, including the DoubleWood 12, Single Barrel 15, and PortWood 21. They describe the aromas and flavors of each whiskey, from the rich, fruity notes of the PortWood 21 to the complex, spicy flavors of the Single Barrel 15.

Throughout the episode, Dave and Blair share their knowledge and passion for single malt whiskey, giving us a glimpse into Scotland's rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions. From the rolling hills of Dufftown to the oak barrels in the aging room, Culinary Travels with Dave Eckert takes us on a journey through the heart of Scotland's whiskey country, celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship behind two of its finest distilleries, Glenfiddich and Balvenie.