I so look forward to my first trip to Campbeltown which has to happpen soon! Thanks for sharing all this wonderful footage. I am a bit sad to hear that the town is not so alive that it should be. Maybe more of us whisky geeks just need to move there and get business going :)
Wandering around Campbeltown reminded me in some ways of Wick up in the north. They're both harbour towns with a very rich past and a wonderful historic heritage. And, as you say, they're honest and down-to-earth with no need to put on airs. But they're both in transition economically with the tourism sector still in the catch up stage and not yet quite knowing what direction to go in. I recall a great debate among the folk on Islay back in the 1960s as to how they would best tackle the approaching tourist wave, if they were to open up the island for some serious tourism and establish the necessary infrastructure. I suppose that might be an issue for the many small businesses and the hospitality industry in Campbeltown now. Whisky will definitely bring people to the town, particularly in this present purple patch the industry's going through, but whatever happens, you don't want to lose the character of the town as it has been and still is at present. That's a down-to-earth character that would only suffer if yuppies moved in and "gentrified" the town centre. But the Scots are canny, so I'm sure they'll be careful about development while still seeking out ways to do good business in the town and to create new jobs. Thanks to Springbank alone, 85 people have work in just the one company, so they're doing their part already. One thing they could definitely do right now is to create a regular (daily) ferry connection from Campbeltown to Brodick on Arran. That way, all of those visitors to Arran (and it is a very popular isle among both the Scots and foreign tourists alike) could easily enjoy a day in Campeltown as well. Many thanks Phil and Deepa for allowing us to take part in your whisky journey. Cheers!
All great points Russell. Some of the Springbank stories really reinforce how much the owners are specifically preserving jobs through manual production. Many things could be modernized making bottles cheaper but would eliminate jobs so it does not happen. Another reason to buy more Springbank, Longrow etc. but you do have to accept the higher prices.
Nice. Watching this is like re-experiencing when I was there last year. Triviality: I sat at the same table and bench where you were sitting. And the same Janet who helped you in the Cadenheads shop, was our host at the Ardshiel. Had quite some SMWS malts that evening 😊
It is so cool that you both share this passion. I believe that in many relationships there is only one party that go all in, but in your case it seems like you are both equally crazy :-D
Although I stayed at the Ardshiel, I actually didn’t eat there at all. Looks like I missed out on some good food! 😃 I really liked the very whisky-centric hotel. The Friday night monthly dram group glen scotia tasting I went to was mostly locals (about 30 of the 40 attendees). Three of the cadenheads guys were there, & a couple of Springbank employees were there as well. Really a tight community & I really hope Campbeltown grows & thrives. Beautiful place.
Wow... an amazing place. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers
Absolutely loved watching your trip to Scotland. Thank you so much for sharing guys. All the best 👍
Thanks Paul much appreciated
These vids from your trip keep on getting better & better!
Thanks Quig
I so look forward to my first trip to Campbeltown which has to happpen soon! Thanks for sharing all this wonderful footage. I am a bit sad to hear that the town is not so alive that it should be. Maybe more of us whisky geeks just need to move there and get business going :)
Yes Ebbhead. Get over there and spend some money :-)
Wandering around Campbeltown reminded me in some ways of Wick up in the north. They're both harbour towns with a very rich past and a wonderful historic heritage. And, as you say, they're honest and down-to-earth with no need to put on airs. But they're both in transition economically with the tourism sector still in the catch up stage and not yet quite knowing what direction to go in. I recall a great debate among the folk on Islay back in the 1960s as to how they would best tackle the approaching tourist wave, if they were to open up the island for some serious tourism and establish the necessary infrastructure. I suppose that might be an issue for the many small businesses and the hospitality industry in Campbeltown now. Whisky will definitely bring people to the town, particularly in this present purple patch the industry's going through, but whatever happens, you don't want to lose the character of the town as it has been and still is at present. That's a down-to-earth character that would only suffer if yuppies moved in and "gentrified" the town centre. But the Scots are canny, so I'm sure they'll be careful about development while still seeking out ways to do good business in the town and to create new jobs. Thanks to Springbank alone, 85 people have work in just the one company, so they're doing their part already. One thing they could definitely do right now is to create a regular (daily) ferry connection from Campbeltown to Brodick on Arran. That way, all of those visitors to Arran (and it is a very popular isle among both the Scots and foreign tourists alike) could easily enjoy a day in Campeltown as well. Many thanks Phil and Deepa for allowing us to take part in your whisky journey. Cheers!
All great points Russell. Some of the Springbank stories really reinforce how much the owners are specifically preserving jobs through manual production. Many things could be modernized making bottles cheaper but would eliminate jobs so it does not happen. Another reason to buy more Springbank, Longrow etc. but you do have to accept the higher prices.
Looks like a nice place and has a great selection.
A bit daunting. What to pick.
Well done guys...really enjoying your journey. 👍🥃
Thanks FF
Nice. Watching this is like re-experiencing when I was there last year. Triviality: I sat at the same table and bench where you were sitting. And the same Janet who helped you in the Cadenheads shop, was our host at the Ardshiel. Had quite some SMWS malts that evening 😊
Sounds like a great Evening BRS. Janet must be an expert with drinking people.
It is so cool that you both share this passion. I believe that in many relationships there is only one party that go all in, but in your case it seems like you are both equally crazy :-D
That is pretty true we are both all in types of personalities
Although I stayed at the Ardshiel, I actually didn’t eat there at all. Looks like I missed out on some good food! 😃 I really liked the very whisky-centric hotel. The Friday night monthly dram group glen scotia tasting I went to was mostly locals (about 30 of the 40 attendees). Three of the cadenheads guys were there, & a couple of Springbank employees were there as well. Really a tight community & I really hope Campbeltown grows & thrives. Beautiful place.
Ah that does sound good. It is certainly a small enough town for people to know each other
Nice video!
Thanks VV
The viewer might get the impression that the drams were so engrossing that you forgot to order food!
We had limited time so had to make a choice 😀
@@WhiskyMystery I and all your viewers would have made the same choice!
@@AlinJapan We are all so dedicated. I did not want to say to my parents that there food was spoiling our nosing :-)