Day 9: September 23, 2024 (Whisky-Day)
(by Christoph & Mio)
After a nice long sleep, we visited the Oban Distillery today. In two groups we had a tour of the Oban Distillery which was founded in 1794. Two of us even paid extra to taste the various whiskies throughout our tour. All the others weren’t allowed or didn’t want to pay for the tasting. We learned how whisky is made and learned about the History of this small but famous Distillery. At the end, our tour guide proudly presented their Whiskies, but no one of us was willing to pay up to 200 pounds for one bottle of Whisky. Nevertheless, we bought some souvenirs like a Whisky glass or Whisky flavoured popcorn in the little shop at the end. We also learned the difference between Scotch and Irish Whisky - Quote by our Tour guide Campbell:” Ours is just better.” If the amount of Whisky in the tasting (a small shot) was too much for you, you could take it with you in a small bottle. Ms Ruf was successfully the only one to not us these silly bottles and downed all of the Whisky (just three tastes-don’t worry).
After a short individual lunchbreak, we made our way to Dunollie Castle. In this second guided tour, we learned about Scottish Clans but mostly about the MacDougall clan which had its seat in the Dunollie Castle. The MacDougalls seemed to like war. Our tour guide showed us the ground consisting of the main castle, a renovated House with a Museum area in it and a big garden. The house even had windows which, for its time, is very special. After the tour and maybe a hot treat our program for the day was over.
For an individual dinner, some of us cooked a meal at the hostel whereas others went to a local fish and chips restaurant.
And of course, to end the day properly, a glass of Whisky for the soul…
