At the helm
Whisky and sailing goes well together,as Rob Allanson found out when he took to the high seas with the Bunnahabhain crew
I didn’t really have to be press ganged on to the boat, this big, white, lovely looking thing moored at Rhu on the Firth of Clyde.
Who would not jump at the opportunity to watch the World Centennial 8m Sailing Championships from the comfort of a luxury yacht with some great company and some cracking whiskies.
The idea put to me was simple. Float about, watch a bit of the racing, slope off to a quiet corner of the Firth to have a nice spot of lunch and then attend a Burns supper for the race crews in the evening.
In practise the day turned out grey, rainy and with a worrying lack of wind. However aboard the good ship Bunnahabhain the weather did not dampen the spirits as we set sail and tucking into a hearty breakfast.
After watching the start of the race we headed into the rain and up to Loch Goil where slowly the menacing shape of the Royal Navy’s armament depot at Coulport hoved into view.
Giving the weapons storage facility a wide birth our final destination of the little bay outside Carrick Castle emerged from the swirling mist.
The castle has a dramatic position on the shore of Loch Goil, south of Lochgoilhead.
The castle is believed to have been built in the 12th century. It is likely that the present Carrick Castle is the second structure to occupy this location, what better place for a spot of lunch and to start tasting the Bunnahabhain range and Black Bottle.
My fellow seafarers and I were taken through the range by Burn Stewart’s new brand ambassador D.....
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By Rob Allanson
Section : Whisky Spotlight
Page number : 59
