13 Mar 2020
Here we go again, I said when I saw that a 'Whisky' tour was on offer with the RedBusBistro. I had yet to be disappointed with any of my previous sojourns aboard the '66' Routemaster, and I certainly wasn't with this unique delve into Glasgow's Whisky past. We were a mixed bunch that started from Ingram Street and meandered towards our first stop, the Clydeside Distillery, along side the River Clyde at the old pump house. Coffee and shortbread were our first 'victuals' although a 'wee dram' was on offer. Ronnie, at the distillery, was a fountain of knowledge about everything from 18th Century whisky barons to modern day single malts. Back on the bus we were treated to Oatcakes, Mackerel Pate and cheese and the first of a flight of whiskies to match the food on offer. Having learned about Highland, Lowland, Peaty and Islay whiskies, I felt comfortable that the right whisky was washing down the right oatcake. Onward and westward to Auchentoshan, a distillery steeped in history, including being bombed by the Luftwaffe during the Clydebank blitz. Stevie was excellent, down to earth and a protagonist of his employers finest 12 year old malt. However it seems a single malt is a single malt and the flavour is in the maturation. The Scottish Tapas on offer for lunch on the bus was a triple delight; Haggis neeps and tatties,Mac & Cheese with prawns, Original steak pie; washed down with appropriate whiskies, whose attributes were ably explained to the now foggy clientele by Cam' a Columbian Glaswegian whose knowledge of the golden stuff far exceded that of this particular fan. The final part of the tour back through Glasgow's west end and the City Centre was all the more pleasant thanks to what had gone on before. The staff were terrific, helpful and attentive. All in all the day was fantastic and will surely tempt the palate of many from across the Atlantic.