Rothes Glen Assessment: A Whisky Lover’s Paradise

Scotland has many great whisky areas, however arguably probably the most esteemed is Speyside. Located between the Monadhliath and Cairngorm Mountains, Speyside is understood for its lush inexperienced rolling hills, sprawling pine forests and pristine rivers and lochans (Scottish Gaelic for a small lake). Whereas there are a number of quaint B&Bs and boutique inns inside this heartland of Scotch whisky nation, there’s just one beautiful citadel catering to connoisseurs of the golden brown-hued spirit: Rothes Glen.

The majestic Scots baronial-style citadel was designed by Charles C. Doig, the long-lasting architect celebrated for introducing the pagoda roof to over 50 Scottish distilleries, and constructed by the Dunbar-Dunbar household in 1893. Throughout 2020-21, Rothes Glen went by in depth refurbishment to develop into the luxe private-use citadel it’s as we speak. Through the years, the home has welcomed A-listers starting from Sean Connery to Gordon Jackson, and within the early twentieth century, was the vacation dwelling of Prime Minister H.H. Asquith.

Completely positioned on the head of a glen, the citadel is in an idyllic spot, that includes awe-inspiring views of the Scottish hillside towards the Black Isle peninsula. Rothes Glen is the best escape from the sweltering summer season warmth within the States and the maybe equally brutal bustling work life. You’ll really feel at peace on the 11 acres of land surrounded by the serene sound of silence, a blissful mix of scenic sights and funky nights — and unique entry to an unlimited array of the most effective in Scotch whisky.

A Historic Fortress With Magnificence Inside and Out

From the second you enter the citadel’s grounds, your eyes are greeted with pure magnificence. The prolonged driveway is lined with cherry timber earlier than spilling into a lovely meadow stuffed with pops of vivid colours, from blossoming rhododendrons and lilies to a secluded lochan fed by the Granty Burn, a minor department of the River Spey. You’re additionally met with quite a lot of non-public gardens, together with a terrace rose backyard and mosaic topiary backyard. After soaking within the wonderful surroundings, the home’s workers welcomes you with a dram of the home whisky. That is Rothes Glen.

The citadel’s Victorian-era inside and exterior are harking back to a fantastically structured symphony by which every little thing is intentional and harmonious. From the primary entryway’s glistening crystal chandelier to the partitions bedecked with classic oil work, there’s a seamless rhythm within the citadel’s air to which visitors are instantly drawn in. No opulent element falls flat throughout the inviting entrance, which results in the reception corridor’s high-quality stone staircase, that includes a decorative solid and wrought iron railing.

The eating room has an ornately embellished plaster ceiling, whereas the drawing room and adjoining library have paneled ceilings and white marble fireplaces. Off a facet hallway, the snooker room hyperlinks to the tasting room — previously Doig’s smoking room that he added in 1911. The middle of the tasting room options an eye catching desk fabricated from staves from Speyside-based Barrel Creations, with the room’s partitions stuffed with footage of Whisky Journal Corridor of Fame inductees and Glencairn glassware. Previous the tasting room is without doubt one of the crown jewels of Rothes Glen: a walk-in protected and whisky vault stuffed with uncommon Scotch whiskies. We loved a number of nightcaps within the snooker room earlier than retiring to mattress in one of many 14 en suites.

Every bed room is called after an individual or place of significance within the citadel and its homeowners’ historical past. For instance, we resided in The Asquith, named after Herbert Asquith, the British Prime Minister from 1908-1916, who frequented Rothes Glen from the flip of the twentieth century. Although all spacious, every room’s décor is exclusive and impeccably furnished to seize the citadel’s plush Scottish rustic motif. Each bed room has a king-size mattress and goose-down bedding, which helped us have a refreshing night time’s sleep complemented by the light breeze from the room’s massive open home windows. The loos all have underfloor heating, heated towel rails, standalone showers and freestanding baths.

Revisiting the expansive outdoor of Rothes Glen, we loved the big promenade and gardens adorned with strategically positioned flowerpots, fireplace pits, loungers and benches. In case you’re eager to faucet into your interior treasure hunter whereas on the citadel’s grounds, you may discover a Scotch and Glencairn glass hidden to find and luxuriate in — we did.

Wonders of Speyside

Since Speyside is the world’s most densely populated whisky area and residential to greater than 60 whisky distilleries, we needed to hit as many as our itinerary (and palate) allowed. Most notably, Speyside is revered for its assortment of single malts from main manufacturers akin to The Glenlivet, The Macallan and The Glen Grant, which we had been delighted to go to and luxuriate in whisky from all three distilleries.

Furthermore, Rothes Glen resides on stretches of panoramic countryside and the close by River Spey. So, there are many enjoyable outdoorsy excursions you’ll be able to expertise with the assistance of the home workers, akin to clay pigeon capturing, trout fishing, white water rafting, and extra. The charming city of Elgin, which is merely seven miles north of the citadel, is wealthy in historical past with its Thirteenth-century cathedral and loads of twee outlets. The neighboring Moray Firth has sandy seashores and provides a possibility to go yachting and dolphin watching.

Whereas we didn’t get an opportunity to indulge within the nice out of doors adventures Rothes Glen provides, one factor is definite: This was an unforgettable expertise that beckons us to return for extra alfresco time — and, after all, extra whisky.