• Entry to all the distillery tours and tastings as indicated.
• Walking seminars, evening tasting and sensory experiments with Barry Smith.
• Full board (except one evening for the crew to have a night off) plus all soft drinks at mealtimes.
• All port fees, tourist fees and fuel expenses.
• Bed linen and towels.
• The use of a zodiac for certain landings where no harbour or jetty is available.
• The crew including captain, cook and first mate.

• Travel insurance.
• Food when ashore.
• Transport to and from Oban.
• Twin cabin for solo use supplements £1,849.
• If you are a solo traveler, we can also try to arrange for you to share a cabin with other solo travellers of the same gender at no extra cost.
• A tour of the Oban distillery, whilst not included in this trip, would make a great addition if you are staying in Oban.

ACCOMMODATION

T/S Flying Dutchman

This is not a floating hotel but a traditional sailing ship that is comfortable, intimate and small enough to anchor directly next to many of the distilleries. Alongside the crew and Barry’s lodging, the ship has berth for 22 guests. It was restored and renovated during the winter of 2003/2004, turning it into a luxury schooner.

The ship has a large deck area on which you can sit and soak up the sun. There is a cosy bar in the deckhouse and plenty of room for eating together on deck.

Cabins

All of the cabins on board are twin en-suites with air-conditioning. There is also one 4-berth cabin up forward, which can either be booked as one whole cabin or be occupied by solo travellers who are comfortable with sharing a cabin. Please don’t forget to bring a European plug adapter to plug your electrical devices in your cabins.

Twin Cabin & Ensuite

PACE AND PHYSICALITY

Even if the weather is forecast to be warm on land, it can change rapidly and be more inclement at sea, so suitable clothing is a must. You will be sent a full kit list before departure. You will need to bring layered and waterproof clothing along with hiking and wellington boots. Preferably in a soft rather than hard-sided bag.

When visiting the distilleries there will be steep steps and heights to navigate. Distilleries are designed for creating outstanding whisky, but not necessarily for group tours. Nevertheless, this will allow you to get up close to the inner working of the distilleries.

Plenty of time is built in for rest and relaxation both under sail and when docked, giving you the opportunity to explore the beautiful Hebridean towns and villages.

When under sail you can get as involved as you like in crew life and the crew will be happy to show you the basics of trimming the sails and navigation. You do not need to be agile to get involved. Agility only needed for getting in and out of Zodiacs. You will moor at peers where available but there will be some beach and stairs landings by Zodiac.

No activity or tasting is mandatory and we do ask you to drink responsibly.

Trust Protects

Kraken Travel is a company committed to customer satisfaction and consumer financial protection. We are therefore pleased to announce that, at no extra cost to you, and in accordance with the current ”The Package Travel, Package Tours Regulations ” for all passengers booking with Kraken Travel we provide full financial protection for our package holidays which don’t include flights, by way of the TMTProtects.me Scheme, operated by Trust My Travel, The Cedars, New Road, Ryhall, Rutland, England, PE9 4HL. For more details please go to trustprotects.me, email [email protected] or telephone our customer service line on +44 1780408141.

Oban is on the west coast of Scotland about 90 miles north-west of Glasgow. The journey between Glasgow and Oban is particularly scenic whether by road or railway. Glasgow International Airport is the nearest large airport to Oban and is approximately 97 miles away. From there you can take a bus into the city of Glasgow to connect with the train to Oban. Scotrail operate trains to Oban which depart from Glasgow Queen Street station. Scotrail tickets can be bought in advance, online, to secure the best price. Alternatively, there is the option of a taxi, which avoids the city, to a station west of the city to link up with the train to Oban. We can provide more details of each option as required.

Oban is on the west coast of Scotland about 90 miles north-west of Glasgow. The journey between Oban and Glasgow is particularly scenic whether by road or railway. Scotrail operate trains from Oban to Glasgow, arriving at Glasgow Queen Street station. Scotrail tickets can be bought in advance, online, to secure the best price. On arrival in Glasgow you can take a bus or taxi out to Glasgow International Airport which is the nearest large airport to Oban.

A whisky lover’s dream cruise takes you deep into the science of how whisky is made and how different processes and stimuli affect its flavours while touring renowned distilleries on the islands of Islay and Jura.

You will, of course, be sampling whisky, but in a science-led way that gives you an extensive understanding of how its compounds engage your senses, as well as allowing you to get the utmost enjoyment from your dram. You will explore whisky’s complexity and variety via a programme of sensory experiences delivered by an accompanying expert.

Our two cruises will be accompanied by Billy Abbott (22 September), a founding director of the University of London’s Centre for the Study of the Senses, who has also written and broadcast extensively on whisky or Professor Barry Smith (29 September), whisky ambassador, judge and trainer who is the author of the Philosophy of Whisky.

You will visit distilleries such as Bruichladdich, Kilchoman, Lagavulin, Ardnahoe, Bunnahabhain and Jura while enjoying exclusive tours, talks and tastings from the industry experts including distillery managers and master distillers. Here you will experience both the traditions of distilling and learn about the new practices being introduced. Many of the drams you taste will be direct from the cask or from exclusive bottlings – the really good stuff. In addition, you will enjoy tasting other favourites from our sensory experts.

Alongside this deep immersion into the world of whisky, you will be sailing between areas of outstanding natural beauty and visiting idyllic harbour towns. You should also get chances to spot marine life including whales, sharks and dolphins.

The cruise is aboard a comfortable and characterful 1903 tall ship with a professional sailing crew. Sit back or get as involved with crew life as you like. You can even learn to navigate, trim and set the sails, and helm the ship if you want.

You’re on island time, relax, let the winds take you as you are slowly seduced by the whisky and the sailing.

DAY 1: JOIN YOUR SHIP AND MEET YOUR EXPERT

The ship may overnight in Oban on this first night depending on weather conditions and tides

DAY 2: SAIL TO TOBERMORY AND VISIT THE WHISKY DEN

The remainder of this itinerary is based on ideal weather and sailing conditions. If prevailing conditions force us to change the route whilst at sea this may impact which distilleries we visit on which days. Nevertheless, we will ensure you visit a range of distilleries and meet the industry experts, so that you experience the breadth and depth the science of whisky.

On previous tours, when the weather impacted our routing we have also visited the following distilleries: Tobermory, Ardnamurchan, Oban, Ardbeg, Dalwhinnie, Caol Isla and Bowmore.

Today, you will sail to the picturesque town of Tobermory on the island of Mull, a former 18th-century fishing port, now more famous for its appearances on TV. On the way, you will sail right past the impressive Duart Castle, then stop in a lovely anchorage nearby for lunch, where you can enjoy the untouched, wild nature of the Scottish west coast. Whilst ashore you will enjoy a tasting at the Tobermory Whisky Den, exploring some of the more unique drams of the region.

DAY 3: EXPLORE STAFF AND IONA

The uninhabited island of Staffa is famous for its hexagonal basalt columns and Fingal’s Cave, an awe-inspiring 80-metre-long cathedral-like sea cave, exposed to the constant waves of the Atlantic. This place inspired Mendelssohn to write the “Hebrides Overture”. A visit to Staffa isn’t always possible due to the sea conditions, but it is an unforgettable experience to approach this remote piece of rock in a zodiac boat.

Further south, before the southwest tip of Mull, you will explore the small island of Iona. For about 400 years it has been an important monastic centre and is known for its calmness and natural beauty.

DAY 4: ARRIVE AT ISLAY AND VISIT BUNNAHABHAIN AND ARDNAHOE DISTILLERIES

Over the next three days, you will be exploring the coast, towns and distilleries of whisky island par excellence, Islay.

As you are on a smaller boat, you can dock or anchor directly alongside most distilleries, making the visits particularly easy-going. Today you will be moored next to the Bunnahabhain distillery.

Late morning you take will enjoy a short coastal walk with spectacular views towards Islay’s newest distillery. In 2018, the stills at Ardnahoe began running with spirit for the first time. Here you will be split into small groups for a detailed distillery tour of this technically modern site, followed by a tasting session.

After returning back along the coast, you will then visit the Bunnahabhain distillery, a classic Islay peaty whisky combined with experimentation with different casks.

If you are not quite in the mood for a full tasting, distilleries can provide a Drivers Dram in a hand-labelled vial which you can enjoy later.

DAY 5: BRUICHLADDICH AND KILCHOMAN DISTILLERIES. THEN IN THE EVENING MEET GEORGIE CRAWFORD

You will start the day with a short minibus ride to Kilchoman on the west of Islay. A traditional farm distillery established in 2005 where you can observe the end-to-end process of barley to bottle. It is the first new distillery to be built on Islay in 124 years and the only independent distillery on the island. During the tastings on our 2022 cruise, Kilchoman was the firm favourite with many of the guests.

Afterwards, you will take a short drive to the Bruichladdich distillery for a tasting session. They produce three distinct single malts: Bruichladdich which is unpeated, Port Charlotte which is heavily peated and Octomore which is classed as super heavily peated.

Whilst enjoying the distilleries, the ship will sail down to Port Ellen, where you will be taken late afternoon.

In the evening, you will be joined onboard by Georgie Crawford. Having previously managed Lagavulin and led the reconstruction of the Port Ellen distillery, Georgie is now the distillery manager for Portintruan, who is building a brand-new distillery and maltings on the island. Combining old-style production techniques with modern technology to improve process and quality, as well as sustainability. She will be able to give a fascinating insight into the whisky history of Islay and what it takes to build a distillery from scratch.

DAY 6: LAGAVULIN DISTILLERY THEN OVERNIGHT OFF JURA

While moored at Port Ellen, you will have time to explore the town before enjoying both a tour and tasting at Lagavulin, with its unusual pear-shaped stills. Here, you will see distillers at work during the tour and enjoy a tutored tasting.

Late afternoon, you will then set sail for the adjacent island of Jura.

DAY 7: JURA DISTILLERY

While sailing back northwards, you will stop off at the remote Jura distillery for a tour and tasting directly from three different casks.

The island of Jura is a paradise of untouched wilderness and natural beauty. The name Jura means “Deer Island”, and it is still an appropriate name because 5500 deer live there and only 180 people.

DAY 8: DISEMBARK FROM OBAN

Today, you will set sail and enjoy the way back to Oban while you take in more wild nature, rugged coastlines and quiet fishing villages. Then bid farewell to your fellow explorers as you disembark at Oban.

In partnership with New Scientist.

Location

The Flying Dutchman will be located at North Pier Ferry Terminal, Oban, PA34 5QD. This is the location for embarkment and disembarkment.
The pier has its own entrance which is open if you check in. If it is closed, then wait for a little. The crew will keep an eye on the entrance and come open as soon as possible.

Time & Dates

Embarkment: 6 pm. You can drop your luggage off at the boat from 4 pm if you wish.
Disembarkment: 10 am

Please note: As with all tours under sail aboard small ships, we can be at the mercy of prevailing conditions, particularly the weather. Should the conditions dictate, we can’t stick to a planned itinerary, we are experienced at rebuilding the itinerary on the fly. This might mean different distilleries from those planned, but they will still be relevant and insightful. Coming aboard with a flexible outlook will help you get the most out of the cruise. The accompanying tour leader will keep you updated on a daily basis.

We aim to travel under canvas as much as possible, so we will often go where the best winds are, so as to share the best of sailing the Hebrides with you.

MEET THE PROFESSOR BARRY SMITH

Barry C Smith is a professor of philosophy and Director of the Institute of Philosophy at the University of London’s School of Advanced Study. He is also the founding director of the Centre for the Study of the Senses, which pioneers collaborative research between philosophers, psychologists and neuroscientists.

He has written theoretical and experimental papers, publishing in Nature, Food Quality and Preference, Chemical Senses and Flavour. He collaborates with chefs and artists and consults widely for the food and drinks industry. In 2007, he edited Questions of Taste: The Philosophy of wine.

Barry is a frequent broadcaster, who has appeared on BBC One’s Masterchef, BBC Two’s Inside the Factory and on BBC Radio 4’s The Kitchen Cabinet. He is a frequent contributor to The World of Fine Wine and wine columnist for Prospect Magazine.

MEET EXPERT BILLY ABBOT

Billy Abbot is a long-serving ambassador, writer and trainer for the Whisky Exchange (the world’s largest online whisky retailer). He’s the host of the Whisky Show and a judge for the International Whisky Society. He has been leading in-depth tastings for over 12 years and is the author of Philosophy of Whisky. He is currently writing the Whisky Nerds Guide to Whisky Making.

Trust Protects

Kraken Travel is a company committed to customer satisfaction and consumer financial protection. We are therefore pleased to announce that, at no extra cost to you, and in accordance with the current ”The Package Travel, Package Tours Regulations ” for all passengers booking with Kraken Travel we provide full financial protection for our package holidays which don’t include flights, by way of the TMTProtects.me Scheme, operated by Trust My Travel, The Cedars, New Road, Ryhall, Rutland, England, PE9 4HL. For more details please go to trustprotects.me, email [email protected] or telephone our customer service line on +44 1780408141.

Warm and waterproof clothing is very important, as it can get very cold during
sailing, especially at night, even in the summer. A waterproof and windproof jacket is
recommended to help keep warm and dry. Waterproof rubber-soled boots or shoes
are also recommended to keep your feet dry and warm. Pack comfortable and
practical clothing for all weather circumstances, the key is layers. It is recommended to pack in a soft bag that can be easily stored away as there is no locker room onboard for suitcases. Also in the cabins, there are 2 pin European plug sockets and USB sockets so guests will need to bring adapters if they are from outside the EU.

List of items we recommend you bring with you; these are not mandatory.

• Warm hat and gloves
• Adaptor for European Socket
• Wet weather clothing – waterproof and windproof jacket
• Clothing –enough clothing for all weather circumstances (think layers and quick dry clothes)
• Wellies or waterproof shoes
• Walking boots, shoes for onshore and trainers with good grip
• Sea Sickness and personal medication
• Small Torch (head torches are good)

Trust Protects

Full details of our cancellation policy for this trip can be found in our Terms & Conditions.

Kraken Travel is a company committed to customer satisfaction and consumer financial protection. We are therefore pleased to announce that, at no extra cost to you, and in accordance with the current ”The Package Travel, Package Tours Regulations ” for all passengers booking with Kraken Travel we provide full financial protection for our package holidays which don’t include flights, by way of the TMTProtects.me Scheme, operated by Trust My Travel, The Cedars, New Road, Ryhall, Rutland, England, PE9 4HL. For more details please go to trustprotects.me, email [email protected] or telephone our customer service line on +44 1780408141.