I get quite a few PR emails and will make a habit of sharing the ones I think will be of interest to the blog readers. This week, a spanking new Ardbeg luxury self-catering home and some rare Dalmore on sale in the Marcliffe hotel.
Ardbeg Distillery opens stunning luxury self-catering home
Ardbeg Distillery, home of the Ultimate Islay Malt, can now offer the definitive getaway for any whisky fan after restoring a 19thCentury cottage at its iconic distillery on Islay.
Seaview Cottage offers stunning views, a location steeped in history, and every modern day luxury you would expect allowing visitors to unwind with their favourite dram at the very place of its origin. Ardbeg’s Seaview Cottage has been renovated to the highest standards, with two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom, providing elegant self-catering accommodation at the very heart of the distillery.
Mickey Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, explains, “The house has a lovely relaxed atmosphere with contemporary interiors and stunning views. Lucky visitors to the island will have the opportunity to stay at the home of the Ultimate Islay Malt, in a cottage that is full of Ardbeg history and lore.
“I hope that everybody who spends time there will feel the same as I do, and will want to return again and again.”
Ardbeg’s Seaview Cottage is filled with quirky charm and inspired by Ardbeg’s peaty character, the dark herringbone oak flooring is reminiscent of traditional peat stacks.
The three bedrooms can be found on the ground floor, which allows all guests to enjoy the most breath-taking views of the sea from the first floor wood decked balcony.
Whilst staying at the cottage, guests are welcome to take a tour of the distillery with Jackie Thomson, Global Icon Visitor Centre Manager of the Year 2013, and to eat at the Old Kiln Café, with delicious dishes created from fresh local ingredients.
Nearby attractions include the 8th century Kildalton Cross, the finest example of a Celtic Cross in the west of Scotland, and guests might also wish to take a ‘seafari’ to the tumultuous Corryvreckan whirlpool (weather permitting of course!), or go searching for whales, basking sharks and other big and untamed sea creatures that inhabit the deep coastal waters.
After a hard day’s exploring the island you can pick your favourite armchair and relax with a dram or two by the glow of the peat burning stove. Whisky heaven you might say!
Further quirks can be found around the luxury accommodation, such as an oak sideboard made with only hand tools by ‘Rabbitman’ Peter Heap, and in the lounge area the ‘Hotpod’ stove was inspired by a recycled gas cylinder and VW car parts.
A polished aluminium ex-French Naval pattern Morse signalling lamp that doubles as a handy reading light will amuse those in need of more low-tech communication technology than the internet and satellite.
The Marcliffe Hotel Sells Rare Whisky Stars by the Glass
If you’re feeling rich,and would like to sample some supesr expensive malts by the dram, this one is for you:
The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa has become the first place in Scotland to sell The Dalmore’s rare and prestigious Constellation Collection by the glass.
The Dalmore Constellation Collection brings together a spectrum of vintages created in The Dalmore’s iconic Highland distillery between the years 1964 and 1992.
Consisting of 21 individual releases, each of these rare whiskies have spent their lives finessing in the finest casks from around the world before being bottled at natural cask strength and at natural colour.
Until now, the exclusive collection has only been available to buy by the bottle, with prices starting from £2,000 for a bottle of 1992 Vintage up to £20,000 for a bottle of the Vintage 1964. The Marcliffe is now the first hotel in Scotland where individual drams of the 1992, 1991, 1980 and 1979 vintages can be bought and savoured.