The upgrading of the bar and the selection of Whiskies on display have proved to be a talking point throughout the town and regenerated the interest in Whisky people who live in the town with a rich whisky history.
The event started off with Kintyre Schools Pipe Band piping guests in on the day as the sun shone through with Campbeltown Loch close by and the hills of Bengullion just behind the hotel, from where the local distillery source their water. On arrival Dalmore Cigar Malt was offered before sitting down to Richard and his master class with further tastings of Dalmore Cromerty, Dalmore King Alexander III and Shackleton’s Nimrod Expedition to Antarctica in 1907. The master class was something to behold as Richard kept everyone’s attention with a stunning talk showing his undoubted passion for Whisky. He was joined by Frank McHardy from Springbank who provided a tasting of the new Springbank Rundlets and Kilerkins, which Frank believes is as good as a Springbank 20 year old malt.
Richard then completed his master class by inviting owners Flora Grant and Marion MacKinnon up to sample a 60 year old dram of Whisky which still has to be released at an approximate cost of £125,000 to £150,000 per bottle! Guests were then treated to a buffet with food to compliment the Whiskies – some from Campbeltown.
Richard Paterson, Scott Grierson and Graeme Muir from Whyte and MacKay and Frank McHardy, Grant McPherson, Gavin McLachlan, Ranald Watson, Jenny Karlsson and Melanie Stanger all from Springbank and Flora and Marion from the Ardshiel mixed with guests after with further tastings including Longrow Red Cabernet Sauvingnon and Hazelburn Sauterene from Springbank followed by more Whisky Chat.
Richard Paterson enthused “Today is a fabulous event and reminded me of what a wonderful place Campbeltown is especially when it was the place where I carried out my very first Scotch Whisky presentation in The White Hart Hotel over 40 years ago. Flora and Marion were the perfect hosts and made it another memorable occasion for me. They are two very special ladies who are totally committed to the Ardshiel Hotel and to their vast whisky collection. It is like entering a cave full of gold, only this is pure liquid gold. This wonderful hotel therefore has a very bright future! I wish them every success.”
The Ardhiel has its own Whisky Club which has been now running for the last 3 months with a second club starting soon to cover the local interest generated in trying and discussing different whiskies. Visitors to the town are welcome to attend club meetings and further discussion about Whisky and Travels. The new displays around the hotel showcase collectable whisky and new whisky which some are available to purchase by the bottle and/or by the measure from the bar.
The Whisky Bar is truly something to see – arguably the best collection of whisky on public in Scotland – and shouldn’t be missed. There are over 600 different whiskies on show with plans to have as many as over 1000 at some point soon. There are some very very rare whiskies like Old Elgin so get along and see for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!
Mariona and Flora have 60 (or was it 80?) bottles of this... 
