West Coast Whisky Trail

The Whisky Coast

Whisky School at Springbank Distillery

Back to school at Springbank!

Ever wondered exactly how your favourite dram is made? Fancy getting your hands dirty in the making of one of the world’s best-known single malts? The first ever Springbank Whisky School will give whisky fanatics from around the world the opportunity to do just that.

Headmaster and Course Co-ordinator will be Springbank’s Director of Production Frank McHardy, who will be on hand throughout each of the five-day “terms” to pass on the extensive knowledge he has gained during 44 years in the whisky industry.

Springbank’s status as the only distillery in Scotland to carry out 100 per cent of the whisky-making process on-site, from malting the barley through to bottling its own whisky, makes it the ideal location to learn the craft which has been practised in Scotland for hundreds of years.

Previewing the school, Frank McHardy explained: “We are looking forward to running the Whisky School because it gives us the opportunity to let ‘pupils’ get hands on experience of carrying out all the processes to turn barley into bottles of whisky. After all we are, at present, the only distillery in Scotland to do this.
“We have a good team at Springbank and our staff are keen to share our combined knowledge, gathered over many years, concerning production methods and the history of the Scotch Whisky industry.”

Six five day-long “terms” will be held in October and November this year with places strictly limited to six students per term.
Students will work alongside the Springbank staff learning the entire whisky-making process, from malting through mashing, distilling and warehousing to bottling.
As well as the practical work, there will also be theory classes in malting, production and tasting.

While the Whisky School promises to be educational and provide a first class insight into the making of single malt Scotch whisky, there will also be an emphasis on enjoyment.

“The Whisky School will also be a fun experience and most importantly we will try to ensure that all attendees thoroughly enjoy themselves,” said Frank.
Classes will run from 8am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, with a written exam on the Friday morning followed by a graduation lunch and presentation with the course tutors in The Tasting Room.
Places at the Whisky School cost £875 per student. This fee includes five nights dinner, bed and breakfast in Campbeltown, four packed lunches, a graduation lunch at the end of the course, all class fees and Springbank-branded work wear. The cost of travelling to Campbeltown is NOT included.

The first term in 2008 will run from Monday 2nd  - Friday 6th June and for each of three weeks thereafter, with the last week starting on Monday 23rd June. As places are strictly limited to six per week, prospective students are encouraged to register for the Whisky School as soon as possible.

To register, or request an e-brochure, telephone +44 (0) 1586 552009 or email whiskyschool@springbankwhisky.com.

For more information contact Kate Wright or Frank McHardy on +44 (0) 1586 552009, email kate@springbankwhisky.com, frank@jandamitchell.com

 

ADD A COMMENT