In the distillery's stylish Inner Sanctum, I tried some vintages that would make a real whisky connoisseur weep - the Select Reserve and Alba Reserve, as well as stuff from 1966, 1978, 1988 and 1998... the first and last were my favourites as they tasted distinctly vanilla-y, with hints of citrus. Not to sound like I know what I am talking about as a whisky critic, because I don't. But I know I liked it! But since this is a vintage fashion blog, you are all dying to know what I wore on the tour of the distillery... aren't you? ;)
Well, as mentioned previously, I wore my warmest, thickest tweedy Heyday trousers! And crikey, was I glad I did! It was beautifully warm in the 'cathedral' where the magic happens (and where this photo was taken by the splendid Marcin Miller, who organised the trip). I paired it with a white, handknit cardi (and a navy, long-sleeve top from Phase 8, nothing particularly vintage, but warm!), my co-respondent shoes and a cream bow on me 'ead! Some scene setting because the gleaming brass machinery was so wonderfully steampunk - even the control computer had a riveted metal surround...
We also had to do taste tests on whisky taken straight from the barrel and guess how old it was. I failed! Here I am making like a customs man from yore and using what was basically a giant metal straw to remove the precious spirit from a barrel... just like bartenders use to test cocktails, although very much bigger!
It was absolutely blooming freezing in the warehouse, and though the weather was unseasonably fabulous for Scotland in early March, with beautiful blue skies and glorious sunshine... it could definitely not be said to be warm. I was glad of my winter coat, I can tell ye! I bought this from eBay, but it's from high street shop Oasis - another V.I. bargain from a few years ago. If only it were a few inches longer it would be perfect.
After a delicious dinner and short sleep in a very comfy bed that I never wanted to leave, we four guests had to prepare breakfast for our hosts. In true Scottish style, it was almost entirely fried. But we needed good sustenance for our trip to the aforementioned moors! Never have I had such a manly morning... shooting targets with a 'sniper rifle', driving a landrover blindfolded around a course and tearing about on something called an ArgoCat. It was unbelievably good fun, and I have to boast that I was brilliant at all of it. ;) But sadly, I did have to wear a very un-stylish green fleece under my coat in order to keep warm...
Photos by Marcin Miller
You'll notice all other elements were the same... turns out skirts and thin stockings don't cut it in the Highlands in very early spring... who knew!
In short, it was an amazing trip, and I definitely acquired a new-found appreciation for single malts... if you're a fan and see The Glenrothes at a bar, do give it a try. I personally recommend the Select Reserve as being very nice to drink... especially when mixed with the other Berry Bros. & Rudd classic, The King's Ginger liqueur... I didn't feel the wind much after a few nips of that concoction, that's for sure.
All the whisky tasting did have one unpredictable side effect though... I have somehow found myself signed up to run the Islay half-marathon this August. Gulp! Islay is a beautiful Scottish island, also known as The Queen of the Hebrides. I have a horrible feeling that it will also be queen of the midgies in August, but maybe I can run through them and not get bitten too badly...
But seriously, I have not done much in the way of running since I was about 15, so this is a serious, serious challenge. 13.1 miles! But, well, I turn 30 this year, and I think it will be a real achievement for me. So please do egg me on over the coming months as I begin training. The marathon is (of course), sponsored by a whisky distillery, but I will be running for charity, so look out for announcements. I will also be running the marathon in as close an approximation of the Women's League of Health and Beauty outfit from the 1930s as I can manage. Probably in reality some stetchy, shiny American Apparel high waisted shorts and a tshirt though...
I should probably expect some chafing as a sacrifice for my art... but one thing I will absolutely *not* be being silly about is my shoes. If anyone has any recommendations for serious marathon-running trainers then please do shout. So far Asics seem to be the highest recommended ones, though they are all absolutely hideous. Oh well! I am going to go to a running shop and be analysed properly. Wish me luck...
Over and out for now!
Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com
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