Book now available! Launch at Whisky Live Glasgow

This is a bit of an experiment. In June, as you can read in the Journey's Blend blog, Rob Allanson (editor of Whisky Magazine) Ken Hamilton and myself completed a 1500-mile motorcycle journey around five Scottish distilleries, collecting samples and creating what we think of us 'the ultimate geographical blend'.

This was filmed for the internet TV station singlemalt tv and has now been turned into a lavishly-illustrated book, featuring written contributions from each of us (including 12,000 words of my own deathless prose).

There are only 50 bottles of the 'Journey's Blend' whisky available, in a presentation box with a signed copy of the boook. These are available only from Whisky Magazine or at the various Whisky Live festivals (including the upcoming one in Glasgow, at which the book and blend will be officially launched).

You can buy the book on its own from the magazine, or from Blurb.com. Preview it by clicking on the link below:

Journey's Blen...

By Five distilleries...

Book Preview

All future posts at The Beatcroft

The Beatcroft
http://beatcroft.blogspot.com

More pictures are available on Flickr

All three of the participants (Rob, Ken and me) have been working furiously on the text for a planned book about the trip. Have to say that so far I think it's absolutely hilarious. Working title is Journey's Blend: Towards A New Theory Of Motorcycling, Malt Whisky, Scotland And Everything

There's a Flickr set of photos here, should you wish to investigate further the mysteries of Ken's moustache and other matters.

Getting it right first time, and heading for home

I'm in the Mcdonalds at Kirriemuir, heading north on the A90 to get the boat home tonight. And it's done! The Journey's Blend blend is complete, expertly put together by Edrington's head of all things blendiferous, John Ramsay, at the Glenturret distillery just outside Crieff. Also the site of the Famous Grouse Experience, hence the giant...bird thing.

It was absolutely brilliant watching John at work - using five whiskies collected on the trip - Highland Park, Kilchoman, Glengarioch, Bladnoch (most northerly, westerly, easterly and southerly, respectively) plus Glenturret itself, which is almost at the dead centre of Scotland. The exact proportions must remain a secret, but John, using his decades of experience, came up with a formula based on an exacting tasting of each whisky. I'll describe the process in more detail later. suffice to say that we did three variant blends, but the first was best. Brilliant, in fact.

Afterwards we repaired to the absolutely superb Barley Bree in Muthill for dinner - best of the trip, and one of the best I've ever had in Scotland). This morning, Rob Draper from Singlemalt TV carried out his final interviews (look out for two programmes on the trip soon) and we parted, Rob and his son Paul so impressed with the Barley Bree they're staying on, Ken and Rob Allanson heading for Cambridgeshire. Next year, America. Apparently.

The book, the magazine article, the TV show and much else to follow. I'm back on the radio tomorrow, all being well.

Some pictures from the trip...

A few snapshots: The Kilchoman cross on Islay, and the very first cask of Kilchoman whisky - now, at more than three years old, legally Scotch whisky. The bikes, first at 6.15am waiting for the ferry from Port Askaig to Kennacraig, and then including a yellow interloper, Dave's Triumph Sprint, outside Bladnoch Distillery at Wigtown.

Finally, that's an incredibly rare, restored BSA Gold Star racer, used at Daytona in the 1950s, and on display at the Scottish Classic Motorcycle Show, which I was delighted to declare open today.

Islay, Wigtown, McDonalds...

In the Broxden McDonalds outside Perth. First internet for three days. That's 620 miles, and now heading (alone - others had a long lie) for Glen Garioch at Oldmeldrum. Big Red Bathtub behaving very well.

I left the - truly excellent - Bladnoch Inn at 7.00am as I was booked to open the Scottish Classic Motorcycle show in Fenwick. Made it up the lovely New Galloway road in an hour and a half. Then thrashed it north in dry but dull weather because I knew there was free wi-fi at McDs...how sad is that?

The other bikes are doing well, but poor Ken Hamilton on the Enfield is having to put up with serious discomfort and lack of speed. The (2009) Enfield looks lovely, though. Rob on the Triumph has all the benefits of classic design and modern tech.

Kilchoman on Islay was very interesting, and Bladnoch fantastic...never had a tasting session like that before. Just the most easterly distillery left now, and the actual blending. Must go. This is a fast food place, after all. Got some great pix and will blog later if there's wi-fi at the b&b. Hope the other guys make good time.

Fort William at last

Rob here...

Sat with Tom and blogging from the bar in Fort William, it's true anti social behaviour has a new name. The team has now finally all come together. We have Ken, your stills snapper (with the magnificent moustache), Rob Draper from SingleMalt TV and his son Paul who are documenting the trip in HD...

Well the trip so far has been very eventful. Ken and I took 16 hours to get up from Norfolk to the Anderson at Fortrose. The Enfield has bags of character, shakes and does not really like being above 60mph. The Triumph is pretty much the opposite and is a dream. I have to say am in love.

The roads have been magnificent as has the weather so far. Swoopy S bends and some harsh 180s, but then some lovely straights to let the bikes open up and test their legs.

So we have picked up the first part of the blend from Highland Park. We were presented with four choices by brand ambassador Gerry Tosh and had to chose. Thankfully the choice was pretty clear. The one that stood out was a big, bold sherried number with bags of honey and heather.

Tomorrow brings the run for the ferry at Kennacraig and Islay with the western point of our trip at Kilchoman, Islay's newest distillery that came of age (three years old) in December.

On the road - Glencoe in unaccustomed sunshine

It's 100 miles exactly from Glasgow to Fort Bill. I'd done 105 by the time I'd found my b&b, tucked away behind the town. I set out from Glasgow under grey skies, but by the time I hit Tyndrum (my usual pilgrimage to the Green Welly Stop) the sun was out. Fort William is HOT, and Glencoe, which I'm used to seeing in winter, under thundery, emotional clouds or in slashing rain, was baking hot. Loads of camper vans and would-be Jeremy Clarksons in SLK Roadsters.

The old Triumph behaved immaculately, displaying just how 1200cc can overtake...almost anything, anywhere, if you can cope with the fear. Heard from Ron, Derek et all, who were safely at Glenmorangie and heading off for Lochaber. I believe they have a satnav, so they might have better luck finding the b&b...tomorrow, it's a belt down through Oban to Kennacraig, and Islay.

Meanwhile, I'm sipping IPA in the sun..

Rob has the Bonneville

Well they say that first impressions last, and here are mine of the Bonneville SE that Triumph has lent me for the trip.
It¹s black and it¹s very shinyŠ
No but joking apart this is an incredible bike. It¹s size belies the amount of poke it has when you blip the throttle. To be honest it feels more like my old AJS 125 in terms of weight that the more than 800cc it actually is.
With all the engine lump set quite low down you feel like a Weeble, wobble but not fall down. I have to say it makes it a very confidence inspiring bike. Push the bars and it tips into the corners with ease.
The parallel twin is certainly a different beast than the V twin of my Korean bike. More refined and mild mannered. It is also a lot quieter making the smooth acceleration feel like you are on a magic carpet.
Cruising is aided by the big ass screen deflecting most of the wind, and we both seem to be quite happy thrumming along at 70. There is a little buffeting across the top of the screen between about 71 and 75, but that sorts itself out after that.
So truth be told I am in loveŠunfortunately. I think this is going to be a holiday romance I am going to enjoy.


R

Rob writes...

Well tomorrow is a big day for me – a trip up to The Triumph factory at Hinkley to pick up my wheels for the trip, a Triumph Bonneville.
Nearly 800cc of British engineering and possibly one of the most iconic bikes, the Bonnie will be my home for the days we are travelling.
As Tom said we have lost our support vehicle and one rider due to unforeseen circumstances, and Dave has had to pull out as he has some other pressing medial commitments.
In his stead, we have Ken Hamilton now joining us on an Enfield Bullet to take care of the photographic duties. We will also be joined by SingleMalt TV (www.singlemalt.tv) who will be helping document the trip.
Meantime I have been reading in some of the bike mags that the Bonnie is not really a touring bike, not meant for the motorway.
Well I guess we are going to test that theory pretty much. And to be honest I think we should blow it out of the water. The marketing manager at Triumph, who has been behind this trip and supported us ever since I approached them, told me yesterday that the bike has returned from a trip round France with another journo, so UK motorways we shall see…
Apart from that the team are pretty much fired up and ready to go next week, just the packing and last minute prep to take care of.
If you happen to live near the routes we will be taking and fancy a ride out then come and join us, why not.
Oh and we will see you all at the Scottish Classic Motorbike show at Fenwick on Sunday 7th, where Tom is doing the ribbon cutting honours.

A week to go...

Right, there have been call-offs (we no longer have Land-Rover backup)but the Great Journey's Blend trip is on for next week...Rob and Ken will be making their way (with camera crew from from Single Malt TV) Norwich to Orkney on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. News from Bonnybridge is that the old Trophy will be ready (after horrendous amounts of dimantling and mantling) for me to pick it up on Wednesday. I'll head straight for Fort William on Thursday and there, we will rendezvous for the whole thing to kick off.

At least, that's the plan...

Triumph in Bonnybridge, Rob safely back in Norwich (via Shanghai)

The Triumph Trophy seems to be in the Bonnybridge garage recommended by my BBC colleague Bill Whiteford, so all should be relatively well...however, my plan to catch the boat from Shetland to Orkney and meet up with The Whisky Pilgrims there has had to be abandoned.

Now I hope to meet Rob and the rest in Tain, for lunch at Glenmorangie before heading to Fort William. First though, what's Mr Allanson been up to?

Well OK, hands up, I should have written about my trip up to Tain when I got back, but things, and a trip to China conspired against me. I just don’t want to end up in one of these situations where you get “Dear Diary…nothing much has happened so I haven’t written to weeks…”

Anyhoo, so the run went well and my little Korean packhorse loaded up to the gunnels with a roll bag and soft panniers did me well there and back.
It took, including a stop in to see my dad and a wonderful brunch, about 11 ¾ hours in total.

There is definitely something about travelling by bike that you don’t get when you take the car. I was sitting in an eatery at Blyth service station when a couple walked in, helmets in hand and jackets on. They were from Norway and were heading up to Edinburgh on what looked like an old Triumph California. We had a good natter about distilleries and drams we had know and loved. Don’t see that with car drivers…
One of my favourite bits of the trip up was sweeping through the Black Isle at dusk to get to the Anderson pub at Fortrose. The scenery, the light scent of the sea and the promise of a good beer and whisky made those last few miles wonderful.

As for the Anderson, if you are ever in that neck of the woods drop in for a glass or two, or even stay. The food, dinner and breakfast, is glorious and you might just learn something at the bar if Jim is holding forth.
I know I did. I now have a new beer friend called Aventinus from Schneider. A dark wheat beer that is simply knee melting – thanks for that Jim!!

After a pleasant night’s rest and a breakfast to stop me til tea time, I struck out on the final leg up to Tain and Glenmorangie.
I don’t know what it is but riding over bridges, especially the one over the Cromarty Firth, just feels odd. Left and right out of the visor is all water, the brain says nooo not right. A funny feeling.

Finally the sat nav (I swear that’s not cheating) guided me to Glenmorangie House where I was met by, the horror of it, a gravel driveway, not the sort of thing you want with a laden bike. Slip slide nice.
One thing I did learn on this journey was a new aspect to parental love. When I got to my dad’s I had been caught in a couple of serious downpour and my boots had leaked. Dad took my wet socks and gave me some dry ones – serious bliss!
The way home was pretty uneventful to be honest. A 12 hour push in one day. The occasional moment of wondering when the next petrol station is, and in fact when the bike is going to cough and stop.

All in all a good start to our big adventure in a couple of weeks. The task ahead is massive, if not epic.

Bike found, trashed

...and I've had to head north, leaving it in Glasgow, exposed to the elements and any renewed attempts to abduct it. Or simply destroy it. Insurance is proving worse than useless, as is every single bike repair company I've contacted. Big thanks to Bill for his efforts on my behalf, but that particular garage's van was too small. It's as if the insurance companies actually want someone to remove it permanently/render it beyond repair.

I'm awaiting news tomorrow of a possible uplifting of the machine. But my insurers said the damage - one sidepanel and comprehensive wrecking of the wiring loom - was 'probably a write off'. Good grief.

Tom's bike stolen

Five days after acquiring a Triumph Trophy specifically for the Journey's Blend project, Tom's mode of two-wheeled transport was stolen from outside his son's flat in the west end of Glasgow.

It had been parked there for around 12 hours. It's almost certain to be broken up for spares, so it's unlikely you'll see it on eBay or elsewhere. If you do, though, it's the only Triumph of its age in Alfa Romeo Rosso Red.

Now, Tom is wondering what to do. Apart from, in the immediate future, getting the bus to Aberdeen...

Rob introduces...Dave Wicks

Well imagine my surprise, as I am stood waiting for my pizza in Budgens (what a great idea to offer mini pizzas at lunchtime) flicking through the latest edition of Ride Magazine.

There is Dave, our mechanic and photographer, staring out at me.
The chaps at Ride have featured him at part of their 'what's in your shed'
type series.

So if you want to get to know Dave have a read.

Rob gets in some practice...

Rob writes:

Well I suppose it is my fault but I have to say that Tom did not take that much persuading, just a shame about the Triumph but I guess we can all swap bikes for a few miles or so.
Due to the fact that we are taking the Rocket, and its 2.3l engine, Dave our mechanic and snapper, has elected to take an Enfield Bullet, just not the sidecar version. What we have been planning to only take five days could take years with a sidecar.
I had been thinking about how best to prepare for such a trip, I mean the miles we are covering, particularly the first day coming up from Norwich to Orkney, are not something you do on a regular basis.
My little commuting blast normally takes 35mins or so at a fairly steady rate of knots, so 12 hours clocked up on the first day, and that¹s even before the trip proper starts. I figured it was time to prepare a little.
Monday coming I am heading up to Tain for a little stay with the gang at Glenmorangie and shunning the usual options have elected to take two wheels.
The plane means a trip to Stansted and an early start and as for the train, well less said the better. Ok both options allow for a few extra moments kip, but at 70mph the amount of oxygen forced into your lungs is pretty refreshing.
So gonna stop off and see my dad and his other half in Preston and then push up to The Anderson at Fortrose for a dram and a good night¹s sleep before the last short leg up to the distillery.
So if you see me and my little 650 pack horse say hello,or make me a brew.

Boat booked, bikes borrowed, boots bought

The great Journey's Blend escapade will feature Triumph and Royal Enfield motorcycles. Or, to be precise, one Royal Enfield and three Triumphs.

This was to have been my opportunity to ride a Rocket 3, graciously lent by Messrs Triumph, and the biggest production motorcycle you can obtain off the (heavily reinforced) shelf. But the hassle of actually getting down to the southern wastes of England to pick it up, ride it to Orkney and then somehow, after a week, get it back to Deep South proved too much of a problem for me. Given that I'm broadcasting right up to and including Wednesday 3rd June, when the trip begins with a rendezvous in Orkney.

Plans to borrow an Enfield also proved problematic, in that it was to be collected from Langholm, in the very far south of Scotland. And returned there.

So instead, I've managed to get hold of an old Triumph Trophy tourer for the week (1200cc of fully-faired mile-muncher), joining Rob on a Bonneville, the Rocket 3 (now being ridden by trusty snapper) and a mechanic aboard an Enfield AND SIDECAR! So we won't be going hell for leather.

I've booked the boat, seen the label for the planned bottling, bought a pair of Harbro Dealer Boots and a Hi-Viz jacket and...it's happening!

A trip and a wee half!

It's all Rob Allanson's fault. He's the editor of Whisky Magazine, rides a motorbike and...well, I'll let him tell the tale.

"In June myself and BBC Scotland presenter, whisky writer and
motorbike nut Tom Morton (let's not forget he travelled to every
distillery in Scotland using an ancient sidecar outfit) are heading
out on a bit of a epic long distance whisky trip ­ entitled Journey¹s
Blend. To help out and document the trip a photographer and mechanic will complete the two wheeled entourage.
The idea will be to travel the compass points visiting the more
extreme distilleries and selecting whisky that will be shipped to the
hub of the circle to create a blended malt.

So starting at Highland Park, we head to Kilchoman, then Bladnoch and
Glen Garioch before finishing at Glenturret ­ taking about five days to do it.
At Glenturret, Edrington's master blender and whisky creator supreme
John Ramsay has agreed to pull the blend together. The result, just 50
bottles in all, which will be presented in a bespoke engraved
Glencairn Crystal bottle, will be unveiled at Whisky Live Glasgow, and
some of the proceeds will go to the Parkinson¹s Disease Society in honour of Michael Jackson."

(Tom points out, helpfully, to non-whisky connoisseurs, that this Michael Jackson is NOT the allegedly-still-living-singer, but the late and legendary whisky and beer writer.)

"Also to lend the project an air of sophistication, British bike
manufacturer Triumph has agreed to lend a couple of modern classics. I
have to say I cannot wait to ride a Bonneville. It¹s a bike I have
always wanted to ride, the essence of British motorbiking and
engineering. With its wonderful burbling exhaust note, I know it will
be hard to part with it after so many miles. Mind you the trip is also
a dream come true. ­ It's all about the bikes and whisky, both taken very responsibly, obviously."