Earlier this year, we announced our partnership with luxury cycling tour specialist, LeBlanq as their official Global Whisky Partner for 2023/24. LeBlanq believe in rewarding life’s hard work with the ultimate escapism – indulgent weekends of eating and drinking all whilst joyriding in some of the world’s most beautiful cycling and culinary destinations.

Each weekend is tailored to the location and accompanied by some legendary cyclists (Sir Chris Hoy, Miguel Indurain to name but a few) and Michelin Star chefs (Ashley Palmer-Watts, Raymond Blanc). This ethos draws strong synergies with the approach we take with all our InchDairnie whiskies, particularly RyeLaw, whereby through pushing the boundaries of flavour and daring to be different with our innovative production methods, we have created some truly unique, flavourful expressions designed to be savoured with every sip. Similarly, LeBlanq have disrupted the stereotypical cycling holiday offering with luxurious weekend experiences centred around flavour, leisure and enjoyment.

Ex-Head Chef at the Fat Duck 3 Michelin Starred, LeBlanq co-founder and Directeur Culinaire, Ashley Palmer-Watts said that “InchDairnie reflects LeBlanq’s ethos perfectly and we are delighted to have them on board as a Global Partner. Innovative, luxurious, breaking away from the norm and determined to deliver a delicious taste experience are attributes that could be used to describe both brands, and we know our clients are going to love being amongst the first to taste their first pours”.

And so, the collaboration began during a sunny weekend in April, as the team headed off to Rioja for our first LeBlanq event, taking place at none other than the spectacular Marques de Riscal Hotel designed by architect Frank O. Gehry.

Joining the guests and ourselves were cycling legends Miguel Indurain, five-time winner of the Tour de France, World Champion Oscar Freire and multi-Grand Tour stage winner, Dan Martin as well as two-starred Michelin and Executive chef at Marques de Riscal, Francis Paniego and Nieves Barragan, Michelin Star chef from Sabor Restaurant in London.

The weekend opened in true fashion with a short bike ride around Rioja’s picturesque vineyards, followed by a showcase of local cuisine and a pairing of Marqués de Riscal wines. A mere glimpse into what was in store for the rest of the weekend.

The next morning, cycling legends rallied the guests for what would be the first of many joyrides over the weekend, offering encouragement and sharing stories along the way.  This would set the scene for the post dinner (Michelin-starred by Francis Paniego of course!) entertainment, an exclusive preview of RyeLaw and the Tales of a Yellow Jersey fireside chat.

Super League Triathlon BBC reporter, Annie Emmerson opened the evening with an introduction to our Founder and Managing Director, Ian Palmer and new upcoming release, RyeLaw. This was the first time RyeLaw had been tasted by a group of consumers (along with cycling and culinary names), so both a daunting and thrilling opportunity at the same time. The liquid was incredibly well received and there was great admiration for the bespoke bottle design after the fireside chat – a rare chance to hear first-hand tales of the Tour de France and other cycling victories. What a way to exclusively preview RyeLaw ahead of our launch!

On the third and final full day, guests and the cycling stars were back on the road again through the rolling hills of Rioja. Four groups left at different times, all completing slightly different routes based on their ability, but all equally as enjoyable, just a variation in distance (the maximum was approx. 70 miles!).

When they arrived back, we were there to greet them with a well-earned glass of RyeLaw, to whet the appetite for the evening event, the Tour de Feast. A carefully curated five course dinner inspired by Miguel Indurain’s winning stages of his cycling career from Michelin star chef Nieves Barragan. Each delectable course was perfectly paired with vintages from the vineyard and stories of the weekend were exchanged between newfound friends.

As the trip came to a close, one last glass of RyeLaw was in hand for a final toast before departure! A truly memorable experience to showcase our brand for the first time in terrific company. Until the next time!

We look forward to joining future guests and our new found friends on a series of summer events with LeBlanq and are wheels are already turning in preparation for Norway, Loch Lomond, Ibiza and Cape Town. Read more about how you can join LeBlanq and ourselves on future joyrides here.