The Diageo Collection at Edinburgh's Scotch Whisky Experience

“I love scotch.  Scotchy, scotch, scotch.  Here it goes down, down into my belly…”
-Ron Burgundy, “Anchorman”

Fact:  In Scotland, whisky doesn’t have an ‘e.’  It’s those Irish upstarts who added the letter to an already perfectly spelled word.  You can learn this and all kinds of other great stuff about Scotland’s most famous beverage by taking a tour at the Scotch Whiskey Experience in Edinburgh, Scotland, located right on the historic Royal Mile.

The tour begins with a barrel ride.  Literally.  Learn all about the history of Scotch whisky, as well as how it’s made, as you roll through a replica distillery.  It’s the perfect overview to whisky – and you’ll soon need it.  After the ride is finished, you’ll go up to the tasting room.  There, a whisky expert will tell you about the different varieties of Scotch whisky and how to suss out all of the complex aromas and flavors in each sip.  He or she will also answer any questions you may have, too.

The tour ends in a special glass display room.  The world’s largest collection of never-been-opened Scotch Whisky bottles, amassed by Brazilian businessman Claive Vidiz, is now on display for every whisky lover to see.  And trust me, even if you don’t know Scotch whisky from, well, er, Irish whiskey, the Diageo Scotch Whisky collection is impressive.  There are over 3,000 bottles of unopened booze there – that takes some kind of restraint.  And many of the bottles are very unique and quite gorgeous to look at.

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