It was at a tasting event, that I first understood.  As instructed, I put a drop of whisky in my hands, rubbed them together vigorously, and put them to my novice nose.  The aroma of smoky peat was there,  strong and clear as day.  At that moment, what had always been to me just one single malt flavor unraveled into a melodious harmony of tastes.   I could with practice even tune into the landscape where the whisky was distilled.

Here’s a quick overview of Scotland’s Whisky regions:

The Lowlands
Southern Scotland currently has three working distilleries.  The whiskies from the Lowlands are light and soft and offer hints of malt and grass among our more subtle flavors.

The Highlands
To the North, the highland’s is the geographically largest whisky region. Because of this range in geography, the whisky’s will range from dry to sweet and some even have a touch of smoke and peat.    Within the highlights on the West Coast of Scotland is an area of wild, indented shores, twinkling harbors, and misty islands that has recently been named the Whisky Coast.  Many of these whisky’s flavors will belie their peaty landscape, but again, they vary greatly. You’ll just have to taste them all (Note: Islay and Campbeltown, below, are also part of the Whisky coast trail).

Speyside
Speyside is  home to about half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries. This small area north west of Aberdeen produces mellow, sweet, and particularly fruity malt whiskies.  Many of these are popular here, including Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Macallan. If you plan to do your first whisky tour of Scotland, this is the area to visit.  Late April is the time to go during the Spirit of Speyside festival.

Islay
Located on the west coast, below the Whisky coast isles is the small Island of Islay is often called ‘Whisky Island’ given its concentration of eight distilleries, which are known for their heavily peated and smoky flavor.   Bowmore is produced here.

Campbeltown
The town of Campbeltown was once home to more than 30 distilleries.  Today it is home to just three: Springbank, Glen Gyle and Glen Scotia. Whiskies from the town tend to have a little peat and salt to them, and are generally medium to full bodied.

Two other facts for Whisky newbs:

Single Malts vs. Blends:  Single malts are just that, one whisky. Blending was pioneered by  in Edinburgh in the 1860s.  It was only after this practice became common that a taste for Scotch whisky spread first to England and then throughout the world.  Usually 15 or more whisky’s are blended together. (You’ll loose the ability to do the nose test above with blends).

“The name ‘whisky’ originated with the Gaelic ‘Uisge Beatha’, or ‘water of life’.   It’s Whisky in Scotland (and Japan, India, and Canada). The Americans and the Irish add the “e.”

Don’t know where to start? Luckily, someone has put together a nice whisky itinerary.

There has been many a guide written about how to secure an airline upgrade.  You must dress smartly. Get to the airport at a certain time; strike up a “friendly” (not fake) conversation with the nice check in agent who will be so enamored by your winning personality she will change your seat from 30G to 2F.  In the likely event that this doesn’t happen, don’t despair.  There are a number of measures you can take to ensure you get to travel in style. 

While price is often a determining factor in our choice of airline, competition on popular routes means fares are often similar.  So how do you decide?  Visit Airline Qualitywhere you can read real passenger reviews for over 650 airlines.  As many airlines now let you pre-book your seat on-board, Seat Guru is a fabulous tool.  Not only will you discover which seats to avoid as they don’t fully recline, you will also be able to determine distance from washrooms and baby territory bulkheads – invaluable on longer flights. 

And as for the sometimes maligned airline meal!  Luckily for you there is a whole community dedicated to taking photos of, and reviewing their airline meals.   Useful when you just have to know what appetizer to expect traveling between NYC and LHR or simply if you harbor a burning curiosity about which delectable delights Pulkovo Airlines serve between St Petersburg and Frankfurt.  

You’ve decided on your airline, booked your ticket and reserved you seat.  It’s nearly time to go to the airport and if you’re savvy, you’ve likely checked in online. Not so fast!  Airlines allocate their elusive, extra leg room, exit row seats at check in  so standing in line now could reap a reward later.  Additionally, if an airline has unsold seats in Premium, Business or First Class, they often sell these for a fraction of the cost at the counter.  Oh, and of course you will also have the opportunity to practice your “friendly” (not fake) upgrade conversation. 

So what next?  Why it’s off to the airport lounge of course.  You may not be traveling First Class but that doesn’t mean for a small fee you can’t buy your way in.  For as little as $30 you can enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks and shower facilities far from the bustle of the rest of the airport.

Anna Hegedus — contributing editor

Let’s face it, we need a fix of our fave British celebrity fashionistas every now and again. Be it Victoria Beckham, Twiggy or new kid on the block Alexa Chung, we have a hunger for it.

But where do we track down such wonders? Well, look no further. Today I give you the funkilicious (I made that one up!), hip-happening, trend setting, Gaf!

Yes, my Brit junkies this is the store for you. Gifts, clothes and accessories, Gaf has 2 locations, Tynemouth and Gosforth (Newcastle) and is sure to satisfy any hunger for quirky fashion and have you rockin’ it British style. On the subject of Newcastle, with it’s reputation for buzzing nightlife, Newcastle Football Club and of course, the MetroCentre (shopping GALORE!) on its doorstep, is worth a visit!

 I’m particularly digging these military jackets at Gaf, not too dissimilar from the one Cheryl Cole (star of Girls Aloud, X Factor presenter, and wife of Ashley Cole) showcases in the video of her debut solo single, Fight for this love. Ps, this superstar is one to watch.

Moral of today’s story? Check out Gaf! online or in the flesh if you’re planning a cheeky trip over – what a treat that would be! And a special thanks to Pip @ Gaf for her help on this one. Loveage!

Danielle McKinlay – contributing editor