The Great Whisky (or Whiskey) Ride

Harley-Davidson riders from around the UK gathered in the Scottish Highlands for the annual Thunder in the Glens rally last weekend and visited the Speyside Distillery to be presented with commemorative bottlings celebrating the event’s 20th anniversary.

Speyside Distillery is the home of Beinn Dubh – an unusual ruby-black colored whisky – which was launched at Thunder in the Glens last year. It was well received by the thousands of bikers at the event, which claims to be the biggest Harley-Davidson rally in Europe.

The distillery released two limited editions for the anniversary. The first is a rare 20-year-old single malt from the archives, with just 200 bottles produced. They also produced a second anniversary single malt with commemorative label, available in greater quantities. One of the commemorative bottles was sent to the home of Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee.

George McGuire is the rally co-ordinator for Thunder in the Glens and led the ride out to the distillery, which is located near the village of Kingussie. “We feel a special affinity with Speyside Distillery, and being able to take so many of our visitors out here has been a truly magical experience – one of the highlights of the entire weekend.”

“As we were traveling further and further away from civilization, I am sure some of them thought I was pulling their leg and the distillery didn’t actually exist. But that’s the real beauty of Speyside Distillery – it can only be found by those who want to seek it out. However, now that so many Harley owners around the world have become fans, I’m not sure how much longer it will remain a secret.”