IIHM’s Scot Malt Tour 2025
An Immersive Journey Through Scotland’s Whisky Heartlands
The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) continues to raise the bar for experiential global learning with its annual Scot Malt Educational Tour 2025, which began on November 7 and runs till November 14. Now midway through this incredible journey, the team is experiencing Scotland’s legendary distilling culture first-hand — learning the art, science, and soul behind the world’s finest whiskies.
Led by Global Experts and IIHM Mentors
The tour is being curated and conducted by Ron Scott, IIHM’s Scotland-based International Director, whose vast experience in the whisky industry has made him an inspiring mentor for students. Leading the IIHM delegation is Sanchari Chowdhury, Head of South India and Director, IIHM Bangalore, who is guiding a talented team of six students selected from across India’s IIHM campuses for this once-in-a-lifetime academic and cultural expedition.
Exploring the Spirit of Scotland
Over the eight-day itinerary, the team is visiting some of the most iconic distilleries and brand experiences across Speyside, Fife, and Edinburgh — including Glenlivet, Strathisla (Home of Chivas), Glenfiddich, Glendronach, Kingsbarns, Port of Leith, and the Edinburgh Gin Distillery. The journey will culminate with the celebrated Johnnie Walker “Journey of Flavour” experience in Edinburgh.
This rare opportunity immerses students not just in whisky-making but in Scotland’s heritage of craftsmanship, sustainability, and hospitality storytelling. From the ancient stills of Speyside to the modern innovation of Edinburgh’s craft distillers, the group is witnessing the entire spectrum of an industry that has shaped both culture and commerce for centuries
A Living Classroom Beyond Borders
For IIHM, the Scotch Malt Tour represents its core philosophy of “High Tech, Higher Touch” — combining hands-on learning with global exposure. As Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman and Chief Mentor, IIHM, notes:
“At IIHM, our vision is to prepare students to be truly global hospitality professionals. This tour provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the world’s finest whisky makers and to understand the craft, history, and sustainability practices behind an iconic global industry. Such experiences go beyond classrooms, instilling in our students both knowledge and cultural appreciation.”
Midway Moments: Learning, Laughter, and Legacy
The midweek glimpses shared on IIHM’s official Facebook page capture the excitement — from hands-on sessions at the distilleries to engaging exchanges on whisky tourism, brand storytelling, and sustainability
. Each visit is not only a learning milestone but a cultural immersion, giving students a holistic view of hospitality as heritage and innovation intertwined.
Global Exposure, Lifelong Impact
The Scotch Malt Tour, now in its tenth year, reflects IIHM’s unwavering commitment to experiential global education. What began as a visionary collaboration between Dr Bose and Professor Ron Scott has become a signature IIHM tradition — a bridge connecting young Indian hospitality professionals to the world stage. As the 2025 tour enters its final phase, the IIHM team continues to celebrate the spirit of Scotland — and of learning itself — with enthusiasm, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship that transcends borders.
