Wee DRAM: Issue 12 spring/summer 2015

ISSUE 12

• Independent People

The passionate people behind Scotland’s best whisky bars

• Bit of a Mouthful

Tricky whisky pronunciations

• Whisky Cocktails • OX184 • Tasting Notes

Island hopping with Neil Morrison

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND INDEPENDENTLY MINDED.

AWARD WINNING SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY FROM THE ISLE OF ARRAN.

www.arranwhisky.com

WELCOME

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elcome to the first Wee DRAM of the year and there’s certainly plenty going on in the world of whisky. In fact May is Whisky Month - the Speyside Whisky Festival is ongoing as we got press, and the Stramash in Edinburgh will take place later in May. There’s also quite a few new whisky bars for you to investigate and lots of new expressions too. Our interviewee is a 23-year old whisky fanatic called Jedidiah Burrows who

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works at Robert Graham whisky shop on Rose Street. Check out our gifts for Father’s Day and if you want to know how to pronounce some of Scotland’s most famous whiskies see our guide on page 21. Last but not least the first Ladies Whisky Lunch took place recently - all the pics are on page 24 as well as some from the ‘Make a Date With Whisky’ tasting event.

Slainte Susan Young, Editor

News

The latest from the world of whisky

13 Cocktails

Four tasty global whisky cocktails

15 Independent and proud of it

The people behind some of Scotland’s most famous whisky bars

18 Cask me a question

Yasmine Gibb chats to whisky enthusiast Jedidiah Burrows

21 A bit of a mouthful

The first of a two part guide on how to pronounce those tricky whisky brands

24 People

‘Make a Date with Whisky’ at Oran Mor

26 Fathers Day

Gift ideas for your whisky loving dad

28 Design

Edinburgh’s newly opened OX184

30 People

Women in Whisky Charity Lunch at the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow

32 Tasting Notes 34 What’s On

Interview with Jedidiah Burrows Editor Susan Young Contributor Yasmine Gibb Sales Executives Lucy McGovern & Vicky Corrieri Production Gareth Neil Dogs Tootsie & Lucy Wee DRAM is published by Media World Ltd. Upper Floor, Finnieston House, 1 The Stables Yard, 1103 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8ND Tel 0141 221 6965 Email dram@mail.com The publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for errors/omissions. Any artwork will be accepted at owner’s risk. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the copyright holder and publisher, application for which should be made to the publisher. Articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. © Media World Limited 2015 ISSN No 1470 - 2428

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NEWS

Join the 1770 club

COVER STORY

The Glasgow Distillery Company (GDC) has launched the 1770 club. The club offers whisky lovers the unique opportunity to purchase a personalised cask of malt. On joining the club and becoming the proud owner of a GDC cask, you get a certificate of ownership, and a unique reference number stencilled on the end plate of the cask. You can visit the cask at the distillery at any time (appointments only though), and after three years and one day... the time it takes

Islay whisky pub gets new owner

BE PART OF GLASGOW’S NEW AGE OF DISTILLING

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The 1770 Club is your chance to own a piece ans of Macgochans on the Isle of Mull will now be able to of Glasgow distilling history. www.glasgowdistilery.com

for the liquid to be officially recognised as whisky, you can actually choose when you want to bottle it. Of course this might involve a few visits and tastings!

When you think the time is right the company will bottle your whisky with an individualised label and despatch it to wherever you want. Prices start at £870 for a 50 litre cask which after 10 years maturing would give you 70 bottles of whisky with an ABV of 46%. It’s a great opportunity to be one of the first to own Glasgow’s first malt whisky in a century! See the advertisement on p6 for full details or log on to www. glasgowdistillery.com.

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visit its sister hotel The Lochside on Islay. The hotel has been taken over by Macgochan’s owner Neil Morrison The first Single Malt He Distillery in the of Glasgow for 112 years –reputation (above). plans on city building on the hotel’s Glasgow Distillery in full production and laying for whisky - itCompany is homeistonow one of Scotland’s best whisky bars. down casks thatalso will inowns a few short yearsblended be delivering an Neil, who his own whisky, Isle of Mull, is exceptional spirit about as we re-establish the Scotch passionate whisky. He says, Malt “I’mWhisky looking forward to tradition in thiswith greatthe city. local distilleries and driving forward what working the Lochside is famous for.”

WeThe are proud to offer a limited number ofin casks for 2015 via our Lochside Hotel is situated Islay’s capital, Bowmore, and exclusive start from a 50 Litre Cask. presented boasts1770 anClub. arrayPrices of some 300£870* Islayformalts.

Perfectly on the banks of Loch Indaal, the Lochside Hotel provides Contact us at sales@glasgowdistillery.com astounding views over the water and Bowmore Pier. Guests can enjoy the picturesque location whilst relaxing on the waterside terrace or dining in the sunlit conservatory. The hotel’s Duffie bar could not be more ideal for an evening of sampling the finest and rarest malts Islay has to offer.

Furthermore, Bowmore distillery is just a stone’s throw away from the hotel.

Neil plans to refurbish the Lochside Hotel in stages, “I’ll probably need to start with the rooms and then attack the two bars. It’s an absolutely wonderful place in a magical location so I need to be careful to enhance this. I plan to pull in Scottish designer, Ranald Maccoll, for the Lochside Hotel as his style would fit this perfectly.”

NEWS

Edinburgh Whisky Stramash N

New whisky bar for Edinburgh April saw the opening of a new Edinburgh whisky bar in the shape of Usquabae Bar and Larder. Situated beneath Ryan’s Bar on Hope Street, the new West End bar is home to more than 400 whiskies and craft beer too. It’s not just whisky and beer it is serving up, it has a tasty food offering which includes a Scottish traditional menu, but with a gourmet twist - for example you can choose from fish and chips, with the Haddock cooked four different ways!

Says General Manager Chris White, “We have a great selection of whiskies with a mixture of ‘weird and wonderful’ single casks and limited editions as well as some more well known iconic brands.”

The bar name comes from a line in Tam O’Shanter, “after a wi’ tippeny, we fear nae evil; wi’ usquabae, we’ll face the Devil!”

Usquabae Bar and Larder is at 4 Hope Street, Edinburgh.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, which was bought by Glenmorangie in 2004, is now in private ownership after a group of private investors bought Glenmorangie out. The Society, which offers whisky fans the opportunity to become a member, for an annual fee, allows access to some of world’s finest single cask whiskies. Every new member receives a membership pack, complete with 3 rare single cask 10cl bottlings and a £10 whisky voucher, Society journal, membership card and club badge.

As a member you can visit any of the society’s member rooms in Leith, Edinburgh and London. And your friends can go too... as a member you can sign in up to three guests.

ow in its fourth year, The Edinburgh Whisky Stramash is returning to The Surgeon’s Hall on 23rd and 24th May, with the addition of a new Friday night bash. The event promises, say the organisers, to be an eclectic mix of mystery, entertainment, comicality and madcap pioneering.

An array of ambassadors will showcase whisky in a number of weird and wonderful ways.

Ambassadors from Bunnahabhain, Ledaig, Tobermory, Glen Moray and

Whisky Stramash sessions Saturday 23 May 2015 12pm – 4pm Saturday 23 May 2015 5pm – 9pm Sunday 24 May 2015 1pm – 5pm Ticket are £26 from Ticket Scotland.

Aberfeldy will be sharing their knowledge. Details of the new Friday night event will be released closer to the time and co-founder of the Stramash, Scott Martin insists it’s not to be missed, “We’re excited to be adding something completely different with a standalone bash on the Friday evening.

The night will be completely separate from the Whisky Stramash and guests can expect live music, cocktails galore and generally good fun with a twist.”

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BE PART OF GLASGOW’S NEW AGE OF DISTILLING The 1770 Club is your chance to own a piece of Glasgow distilling history. www.glasgowdistilery.com The first Single Malt Distillery in the city of Glasgow for 112 years – Glasgow Distillery Company is now in full production and laying down casks that will in a few short years be delivering an exceptional spirit as we re-establish the Scotch Malt Whisky tradition in this great city.

We are proud to offer a limited number of casks for 2015 via our exclusive 1770 Club. Prices start from £870* for a 50 Litre Cask.

Contact us at sales@glasgowdistillery.com

@GlasgowDC /glasgowdistillery

* excluding maturation, bottling, duty, VAT and subject to T & C which can be found at www.glasgowdistillery.com

NEWS

Apple of Jim Beams eye Jim Beam Apple is the latest flavour innovation from the world’s No. 1 bourbon, Jim Beam. This new flavour aims to recruit consumers into US Whiskey and drive continued category growth.

Jim Beam distillers have brought together the taste of crisp, green apples and Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The result they say is “a perfect balance of apple and delicious bourbon, rich with American heritage, with a light, juicy twist.”

They are suggesting you try its signature cocktail, Jim Beam Apple Splash, which mixes Jim Beam Apple and tonic over ice with a wedge of lemon.

A leader in innovation, Jim Beam continues to make; Red Stag

by Jim Beam, Jim Beam Honey, Jim Beam Maple and now Jim Beam Apple.

Sheep Dip Islay Shines One whisky worth trying is Sheep Dip Islay Blended Malt Whisky which recently scored top points at the Ultimate Spirit Challenge in New York City. The whisky, owned by the Spencerfield Spirit Company, contains eight different Islay single malts between 8 and 12 years old, and won ‘Chairmans Trophy’ award, scoring an outstanding 96 points and receiving the accolade of ‘Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation’.

Distilled and matured on the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, Islay, Sheep Dip Islay Blended Malt Whisky is a fine example of a unique style of whisky. The whisky is produced in small-batch quantities and matured in first fill oak barrels.

High point for BenRiach A Cut above the rest Cutter anCnoc is now award winning having just picked up a gong in the category ‘Best Highland Single Malt in the No Age category’ at the recent World Whiskies Awards. It was only released last September and is named after a traditional peat cutting tool. It’s also a very smoky whisky.

The recommended retail price is £52. Cutter is bottled at 46% ABV and in its most natural state – neither chill-filtered nor coloured.

BenRiach 10 years old single malt has just been launched. This release is a momentous high point for the award-winning Elgin distillery as the whisky is the first core range expression to be produced predominantly from spirit distilled under The BenRiach Distillery Company’s eleven-year ownership. The whisky, bottled at 43% ABV, has a classic Speyside character. The cask formula focuses on ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks – exactly the types of wood favoured at BenRiach. It’s a fresh, fruitladen single malt which captures warm oak spices, green apple, dried apricots, peach and banana with subtle touches of aniseed, lemon zest and barley.

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NEWS

Tatsuya Minagawa returns to Speyside

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Innovative ‘Thinfilm’ from Diageo Diageo, the world’s largest spirits company has long been an innovator. Recently the company announced it is to put calorie information and units of alcohol on all its bottles and they have also showcased a prototype ‘Thinfilm’ Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottle. This bottle uses extremely thin, electronic sensors which can tell if it has been opened or not and which can also send information to customers if they have scanned the bottle with their smartphones.

This information could range from cocktail recipes to promotions. The company has also invented ‘The Boldest Glass,’ for Johnnie Walker.

This glass can communicate directly with the drinker, and no this is not an April Fools. Diageo compare it to Google Glass. The Boldest Glass works through the use of bone conduction technology. Tiny vibrations are transmitted from the glass, through the lower jaw and directly to the drinker’s inner ear, allowing them to hear bespoke audio engineered to enhance the brain’s perception of the bold and fiery flavours of Johnnie & Ginger.

Now that is innovative.

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ell known Japanese bartender Tatsuya Minagawa returned to the Highlander Inn at the start of this year. Tatsuya, whose interest in whisky began when he was 18 years old, took up bar work in Kyoto, and he moved to Scotland to learn more about the country and its spirit, which he had become so passionate about. He was working in Edinburgh when he was lured to Craigellachie. After six years at the Speyside hotel, he left to tour Europe as an ambassador for a whisky firm, further expanding his knowledge and skills before returning to rejoin old boss and current owner of The Highlander Inn, Duncan Elphick.

The hotel boasts one of the largest selections of Japanese w hisk i e s outside southeast Asia, in addition to stocking a very wide range of Scotch malt whiskies.

Duncan says, “Tatsuya is a highly skilled and knowledgeable whisky professional and converses with Japanese people more easily than I can! He is very well known throughout Europe so he is a tremendous asset and we’re delighted to have him back.”

March saw Pernod Ricard replace The Glenlivet 12 year old with The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve. This new core expression, which honours the original vision of its pioneering founder George Smith, has a smooth and fruity taste. Distilled using the same time-honoured techniques introduced by George Smith himself, The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve is drawn predominantly from a range of traditional aged oak casks, while the fruity profile for which they are renowned is complemented by selective use of first-fill American oak casks.

Everything’s Peachy at Evan Williams Evan Williams have introduced a new flavour of bourbon which joins their cherry and honey variants. It is described as ‘sweet peach with hints of honey and caramel’ and best enjoyed as a chilled shot, on the rocks or mixed in a cocktail.

The new flavour will be released in America in May, coming to the UK later in 2015.

An Extra Special purchase Last Drop Distillers have released their fourth limited edition bottle. The new ‘48 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky’ joins ‘The 1960 Blended Scotch Whisky’, ‘The 50 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky’ and ‘The 1950 Cognac’. The earliest malts used in the blend were distilled in 1965, with many of the whiskies coming from distilleries that have been closed for years. There are only 592 bottles of this special edition but if you’re planning on buying it, a lottery win might be needed as it will set you back around £2600. The bottle is hand sealed then dipped in wax and is presented in a green leather bound case with a miniature 50ml keepsake bottle.

Would you like ice with that?

How about a dinosaur, spaceman, statue of liberty or even an engagement ring!? A Japanese advertising agency has created intricate 3D ice cubes to advertise Suntory Whisky. The ice sculptures took up to six hours each to be carved into a range of objects and are given a beautiful shine when chilled whisky is poured over them. The advertising agency was awarded a ‘Lotus’ trophy at the Thailand Asia-Pacific Advertising Festival for ‘best use of experimental’.

WHISKI ROOMS BAR • RESTAURANT • WHISKY SHOP Whisky Bar of the Year 2013/2014, SLTN Awards Fresh, local, scottish produce.

Over 270 whiskies, premium wines and spirits.

Daily Whisky Tastings.

Private dining and events.

Iconic views over Edinburgh.

The Mound, 4-7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh www.whiskirooms.com bar@whiskirooms.co.uk Bar & Bistro 0131 225 7224

Whisky Shop 0131 225 1532 A WEE DRAM 9

NEWS

Oranges are the only fruit Indian distillers Amrut, have just brought out the first ever whisky in the world with Orange notes – Amrut Naarangi. It’s unusual because the distiller has managed to create a whisky with orange notes, despite the fact that EU regulations prohibit adding anything to a whisky. However by buying Olorosso Sherry casks from Spain and maturing wine along with orange peel in it for a period of three years the barrel took on a unique orange essence. The wine and peels were then spilled and the barrels were filled with three-year-old matured single malt whisky and allowed to mature for three more years. In this period the barrels have lent the orange characteristics to the whisky creating a pioneering single malt.

The company, which originally launched its malts in Glasgow in 2004, has received plaudits for other expressions including Amrut Fusion – which writer Jim Murray rated ‘3rd finest whisky in the world’, while another whisky writer Ian Buxton featured in it in his ‘101 whiskies to have before you die’. It’s newest expression ‘Naarangi’ derives its name, as you might expect, from the Hindi word, Naarangi which means Orange.

Compass Box celebrates with Hedonism

Artisan whisky makers, Compass Box, has launched Hedonism Quindecimus, a new limited edition blended grain Scotch whisky, to tie in with its 15th anniversary celebrations. The new whisky, Hedonism Quindecimus, Quindecimus (meaning ‘fifteenth’) has an ABV of 46%. Compass Box has taken the unusual step of revealing the precise age and sourcing of every cask that went into Quindecimus. Five parcels of whisky from four distilleries were used to create Hedonism Quindecimus: Parcels of 20 Year Old and 25 Year Old grain whisky distilled at Port Dundas were combined with 32 Year Old whisky from Dumbarton, 20 Year Old whisky from North British and a 32 Year Old parcel of ‘mystery’ pre-blended grain whisky sourced from Loch Lomond distillery, for which the exact provenance is unknown.

Commenting on this decision, Founder, John Glaser said, “With the recent increase in the number of Non Age Statement whiskies at the lower end of the market, we feel it’s important to share with people the details on the If you are a fan of Sky Sports you will see plenty of Grant’s ages of all the whiskies in a product Signature in the next few months. The new blend, from such as this. We have always held Wm Grant’s, who also own Glenfiddich, has sponsored Sky that age isn’t everything in to the tune of £1.2m, as part of a significant awareness push whisky, but in this case we on whisky that is aimed at attracting younger consumers to the want people to be aware blended category. of age and the rarity Commenting on the news, Ali Cloudsdale, Brand Manager at William that goes along Grant and Sons, said, “Football is incredibly important to our Grant’s with aged grain Signature drinker and we’re working closely with Sky Sports, who we whiskies share premium values with, to create a truly cross-platform solution that of this reaches their audience wherever they interact with the Euro 2016 content. Grant’s quality Signature will be embedded at all touch points as we look to convert awareness into level. ” trial and off-trade purchase. We’re investing heavily in the right areas to ensure Grant’s Signature becomes part of our target audience’s whisky repertoire and challenges oldfashioned perceptions of blended whisky.”

Grant’s Signature reaches for the Sky

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NEWS

Glenturret – a new foodie destination too

Artisan - A whisky gem in Wishaw

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very wondered what 2350 bottles of whisky looked like? Well why not pay a visit to The Artisan Restaurant and Bar in Wishaw which has the biggest collection of whiskies on sale outside of Edinburgh’s Whisky Experience. It opened seven years ago, but seven months ago expanded to include a Whisky Snug, which as the name suggests is a cosy area attached to the restaurant.

It seats 29 and is filled with comfy leather couches, tables hand carved from old whisky barrels and scenic paintings from Scottish artist Ian Gray. Owner, Derek Mather (pictured) is passionate about whisky and justifiably proud of his whisky offering. He told Wee DRAM, “I’m a whisky nutter and a bit of an insomniac, they go pretty well together.” He continues, “Whisky enthusiasts come from all over the world to see and sample our whiskies.

For example we recent had some Japanese customers, and most recently a large group from the Netherlands.” Says Derek, “The Snug has brought more business to local B&B’s and hotels, as whisky enthusiasts have been not only coming to Artisan, but staying locally too.” It’s not only whisky on offer here, there’s also the opportunity to enjoy a high tea in the Snug, served on tiny hand made picnic tables and you can also dine in the restaurant. If you do pay a visit, make sure to have a chat with Derek, he could talk about whiskies all night - he might even show you one of his growing collection of whisky tattoos!

Since the last issue of the Wee DRAM a restaurant has opened at Glenturret, which is Scotland’s oldest working distillery and a five-star visitor centre too. Glenturret has joined forces with the award-winning luxury food and event caterers, Wilde Thyme to create Wilde Thyme at Glenturret.

Now the distillery doesn’t just offer a great whisky but fabulous Scottish cuisine. The new café and restaurant is being headed up by Andrew Hamer, managing director and chef patron at Wilde Thyme. The restaurant menu features freshly prepared local produce and incorporates the distillery’s very own whisky into fusion dishes, offering a unique and special experience only savoured at Wilde Thyme at Glenturret.

That’s not all, the distillery has just announced the release of a rare 28 year old single cask malt whisky, described as the best cask that has ever been produced by the distillery.

Only 240 bottles of The Brock Malloy Edition #Cask328 (70cl, bottled at caskstrength) will be available to buy online exclusively and is expected to be snapped up by whisky enthusiasts and collectors.

Stuart Cassells, General Manager of The Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret Distillery commented, “The Glenturret single malt is a hidden gem in the whisky world. A genuinely handmade malt crafted with passion and care or, as we like to say: By Hand and By Heart. Cask 328 has always been known to be special and I’m delighted we are able to give whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to taste this rare and exceptional whisky.”

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NEWS

Drink! Aberdeen launches in May

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new festival, Drink! Aberdeen, is set to take place at the end of May. The week long event, organised by Aberdeen’s 10 Dollar Shake, will see food and drink luminaries such as Dr Rachel Edwards Stuart, a food science advisor to Heston Blumenthal; Wild food consultant and forager at Galloway Wild Foods, Mark Williams, and founder of World Whisky Day, Blair Bowman, host events during the festival.

Managing director of 10 Dollar Shake and owner of bars The Tippling House and Rye and Soda, Adrian Gomes, said, “We wanted to run a festival to inspire people, in and outwith the hospitality industry, to be creative in the way they think about food and drinks.

He continued, “We also hope that the festival will inspire the next generation of hospitality talent.

There are so many opportunities in the bar and

Hankey Bannister Launches New Pack Hankey Bannister has unveiled a new design for its outer packaging to embody the brand’s ‘substance with style’ proposition. The new look is part of an ongoing investment to bring to life the story and contrasting personalities of the whisky’s founders - the ‘style’ of flamboyant London socialite Beaumont Hankey and the ‘substance’ of his astute business partner, Hugh Bannister.

Versions of the new packs have been created for the brand’s two core expressions: rich blue for Hankey Bannister 12 Year Old and deep red for Hankey Bannister Original.

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drinks industry both in Scotland and worldwide.

The sector can often be seen as a stop-gap job space. But with so many intricacies, things to learn and avenues to pursue it can make for a rewarding and lucrative career.”

A number of dinners, seminars and tours will take place aimed at educating festival goers on making and enjoying good food and beverages while celebrating the culture and heritage of the drinks industry. A Brew Dog beer and popcorn tasting, tours of Six Degrees North’s new Laurencekirk Brewery and the Glen Garioch whisky distillery in Inverurie are also included in the schedule.

Drink! Aberdeen will run between Monday 25th and Sunday 31st May. For event and ticket information, visit www.drinkaberdeen.com.

Micro-distillers – the next trend?

The UK often follows the U.S.’s lead when it comes to drink.

The most recent trend to take off in the UK has been craft beer however in the States craft beer is giving way to microdistilleries. In 2005 there were about 50 micro-distilleries in the U.S. now there 500!

Of course these distillers are making whiskey and bourbon... but the Americans obviously have an appetite for it because according to recent statistics exports of Scottish Whisky to the States have dropped 9% in the past year.

“Bourbon is chipping into our sales,” said Rosemary Gallagher, a spokeswoman for the Scotch Whisky Association.

Tennessee Whisky producers, Jack Daniels, reported a 7.4% increase in 2014.

Micro-distilleries are already up and running in Scotland – for instance at St Andrews the Eden.Mill distillery and Kingsbarns are now up and running. All we need now is younger drinkers to switch on to craft whisky in the same way they have adopted craft gin!

COCKTAILS

WORLD WHISKIES This edition of Wee DRAM showcases four cocktails using whiskies from around the world; Japan (Hibiki), America (Makers Mark), Scotland (The Famous Grouse) and Ireland (Connemara Whiskey). Enjoy!

Kyoto Blosssom

35ml Hibiki 25ml Bols Elderflower Liqueur 2 Dashes of Orange Bitters 25ml Lemon Juice 10ml Simple Syrup Optional Egg White

StarHill Boulevardier

25ml Makers Mark 25ml Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth 25ml Campari Ice Cubed Glassware Rocks Garnish Orange Zest

Ice No Ice Glassware Coupette Garnish Lemon Zest

Method Take a clean glass and fill to the top with cubed ice. Add ingredients and stir until required dilution. Garnish and serve.

Method Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker, shake for 10-12 seconds. Double strain into a Coupette glass full of cubed ice. Garnish and serve.

Alcohol 2.5 units

Alcohol 2 units

The Famous Grouse and Ginger Ale

50ml The Famous Grouse 2 dashes Angostura Bitters Top with chilled Ginger Ale Glassware Highball Ice Cubed Garnish Orange zest Method Build in glass. Fill highball with cubed ice.

Measure and pour in TFG and dash of bitters. Top with chilled ginger ale and finish with an orange zest.

Alcohol 2 units

Connemara Julep

50ml Connemara Whiskey 6-8 mint leaves 12.5ml Guinness Syrup/ Simple Syrup Glassware Julep Ice Crushed Ice Garnish Mint Sprig Method Build in a Julep tin.

Add Sugar, Mint and Whiskey to the julep tin and stir, Add crushed ice and churn. Finish with a crushed ice crown and mint sprig. Serve.

Alcohol 2 units

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Ballygrant Inn & Restaurant

ARDSHIEL HOTEL C a m p B e lt o w n

Award winning whisky bar with over 700 whiskies.

www.ballygrant-inn.com

Restaurant offering Scottish food made from the best regional ingredients.

Ballygrant Inn & Restaurant is a family run Inn on the Isle of Islay offering quality, comfortable accommodation, excellent local food and a fantastic selection of over 450 whiskies. The Inn is situated just outside the small village of Ballygrant, 3 miles from Port Askaig ferry terminal.

Kilkerran Road, Campbeltown, Argyll PA28 6JL Tel: 01586 552133 info@ardshiel.co.uk

Ballygrant, Isle Of Islay PA45 7QR Argyll & Bute, Scotland T: 01496 840277 E: info@ballygrant-inn.co.uk

www.ardshiel.co.uk

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Whisky tastings and food matching arranged.

faCeBo ok .Com /a r dshielhotel

FEATURE

Scotland has some great whisky bars which we have featured before in the Wee DRAM, however in this edition we take a look at the people behind the bars - the people who have a real passion for whisky.

The Pot Still

Bon Accord

The Lismore

The Pot Still, Glasgow The Pot Still on Hope Street, is now owned by the Murphy family. This is a real family affair with dad Brian his two offspring Frank and Geraldine, their four cousins and one of the cousins girlfriends, all involved in the running of the pub. Brian has been 20 years in the trade, but had been out of it for a few years before son Frank persuaded him to take over The Pot Still in 2011. Frank, who was, and is, passionate about whisky had worked there under previous owners. Sister, Geraldine was introduced to whisky

by Frank and she is now an authority in her own right founding a woman’s whisky club and organising a ladies whisky lunch. Cousin Sean is also contributing and has garnered a reputation as a whisky journalist.

With more than 200 whiskies on offer, there is always plenty to talk about at The Pot Still.

Bon Accord, Glasgow North Street’s Bon Accord is run by Paul McDonagh has his son Thomas. Paul took over the Bon Accord fourteen years ago and has turned it into a haven for whisky and cask ale drinkers. A former winner of the DRAM Whisky Bar of the year title, and UK Malt Whisky Bar of the year, it boasts around 400 malt whiskies and has ten real ale taps. It also offers customers the opportunity to peruse the whisky menu on an iPad. As well as running a couple of Whisky Clubs, the Bon Accord also runs evenings where dinner is accompanied by whisky. It’s a lively pub full of banter, and much of it comes from Paul himself!

The Lismore and Oran Mor, Glasgow Both these Glasgow bars are both owned by entrepreneur Colin Beattie who has created some great Glasgow pubs in his time. He has turned Oran Mor into a real artistic hub, and multi-functional A WEE DRAM 15

venue – there is nothing that the artistic fraternity love better than a good whisky and Oran Mor’s Whisky Bar certainly has plenty on offer. It even has its own whisky club. The Lismore’s whisky credentials owe much to the knowledge of their bar staff and management and it too has a strong range. Both pubs have a strong Scottish identity, are award-winning and are both used by locals and visitors to Glasgow alike. Look out for their ‘Malt of the Months’ some of the best value in the city.

The Ben Nevis, Glasgow The Ben Nevis, is run by vivacious landlady Elaine Scott and her side-kick Allan Cunningham. It has one of the best selections of whiskies in Glasgow,

The Ben Nevis

Fiddlers

Bow Bar 16 A WEE DRAM

and certainly one of the best gantries. Mind you getting the whisky bottles down is no mean feat. This pub is a real local, but also a wee gem.

It attracts all sorts from the beanie brigade to suit-and-booted professionals, dogs of all shapes and sizes and of course local raconteurs. Can you tell that it is one of our favourite bars? Elaine has the best one-liners around, while Allan’s passion for unusual products means that this bar has always got something different on offer.

Fiddlers, Drumnadrochit Fiddlers is an award winning malt whisky bar in Drumnadrochit by Loch Ness. John Beech and his family have been running Fiddlers since 1996 and everything is focused on working together to provide the best experience for customers.

Fiddlers pride themselves in having tasted, collected, discussed, analysed, hated and loved a wide range of whiskies in order to have, what they consider, the best collection. Try and work your way through the Top Ten Desert Island Drams list - the whiskies they couldn’t be without if washed up on a Desert island. They’re keen to discuss the collection with customers and open to suggestions of your favourite dram, so bring along your favourite bottle and strike up a conversation!

Bow Bar, Edinburgh Bow Bar is a previous winner of Wee DRAM’s Whisky Bar of the Year. With over 200 whiskies and a range of specialist cask beers on offer, this traditional bar is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. It is not technically speaking family owned, but the three guys behind the company (Edinburgh Real Ale Ltd) have owned it for 25 years and employ great staff. Mike Smith, general manager, runs this small close-knit bar and has a real passion for sharing his love of whisky and ales. The staff are welcoming, knowledgable and happy to help you work through their impressive whisky list, advising you on flavours, regions, and even letting you in on what their favourite tipple is. The Bow Bar is a sister pub to another two popular Edinburgh locations; Cloisters and The Stockbridge Tap. Whiski and Whiski Rooms, Edinburgh Anne and Gary Still own and run WHISKI, Whiski Rooms and Charwood, all in Edinburgh. Not only are they 23 years married and co-owners but are also both self-confessed workaholics. They have owned WHISKI on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile since 2006 and have grown its whisky collection from 150 whiskies to more than 300. They opened

FEATURE offers a range of over 400 different whiskies and also has a good selection of beers, wines and spirits. It also has a whisky lounge and residents lounge which have log burning stoves. Both David and Ewan are happy to share their thoughts on whisky and also go the extra mile when whisky enthusiasts stay. Often suggesting tours, they have been known to call up the distilleries on their guests behalf and plan their day for them.

WHISKI

The Ballygrant Inn

The Ardshiel Hotel Whiski Rooms, which has a bar, restaurant and whisky shop, four years later and only last year took over Charwood – which is more of a restaurant. Gary and Anne really do put their heart and soul into their business, and their passion and enthusiasm really shines through. They pride themselves on offering great food, fabulous whisky and a convival atmosphere at their bars.

The Ballygrant Inn Ballygrant Inn and Restaurant on Islay is owned by the Graham’s – son Ewan and father David, run the popular Inn which boasts a great selection of malt whiskies and has a great reputation for food too. The Inn is situated just outside the small village of Ballygrant, 3 miles from Port Askaig ferry terminal. The bar, which is award winning

The Ardshiel Hotel, Campbeltown Flora Grant and Marion McKinnon have been running the Ardshiel Hotel for a good few years now, and have transformed this Campbeltown hotel into one of the most popular places to stay in the area. They have also created a superb whisky bar, which has won many accolades.

It’s contemporary and Scottish without being twee and has more than 450 whiskies on offer.

This is one of the biggest selection of whiskies of just about any bar in the country, and staff are well-versed on the subject – and are happy to share their knowledge. Flora and Marion are passionate about whisky and good service, and you certainly get that at The Ardshiel.

The Grill Bar, Aberdeen Established in 1870, The Grill Bar is the oldest bar in Aberdeen. With over 600 malts from around the world on offer, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular places to enjoy a dram in the city. Owner, Graham Watson has worked in The Grill since 1974 and took over the management of the bar from his father Mr Eddie Watson in 1986. Locals, from plumbers to lawyers, are in abundance in this small traditional pub and along with the friendly staff, they create an excellent welcoming atmosphere. Fun fact: The Grill Bar is famed for not serving woman until the introduction of the Sex Discrimination Act in 1975.

They didn’t even have a ladies toilet until 1999!

The Anderson, Fortrose The Anderson in Fortrose is run by husband and wife team Anne and Jim Anderson. It is a small hotel with a restaurant, a small whisky bar and a pub. The cosy whisky bar offers 250 malts and host Jim is only to happy to talk you through the selection. He may be American but what he doesn’t know about whisky is not worth writing about. While Jim sticks to the drinks, wife Anne is the chef, and The Anderson’s restaurant has a fine reputation. It may be a bit out of the way, but it is definitely worth visiting.

Jim’s got the chat, and is very entertaining.

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Jedidiah Watt Burrows Age: 23 Company: Robert Graham, Edinburgh Position: Manager

Words Yasmine Gibb

S

porting an impressive beard, handlebar moustache and a fine tweed jacket, Jedidiah Watt Burrows hasn’t changed at all from when I first met him in student halls at the age of 17. Just like when we first met, he still never rises before 11am and is forever talking whisky and politics.

Now, the 23 year old from Buckie, Aberdeenshire is the manager of a whisky shop in Edinburgh. He talks to Wee DRAM about his love of whisky and how he’s made it into a career.

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Your name is pretty unusual.

Where did it come from?

My parents met in Saudi Arabia in the 70’s and liked the name of a city there called Jedidiah.

My parents are a tad eccentric and my father wanted to call me Brock, a traditional English name for a badger, because he liked badgers and also the alliteration of the word Brock and Burrows together. Jedidiah won though!

How did you get your job?

I have always loved Scotch whisky. I studied English Literature and Film at Edinburgh Napier University and after I graduated I didn’t have a

INTERVIEW job. I was part of the Whisky Society at university and also a member of The Scotch Malt Society.

By chance I was offered a position in a whisky shop on the Royal Mile. What went from a love of enjoying a glass of whisky, blossomed into a professional relationship. I realised that for me, I could make my passion my career.

What does your role entail?

I’m the manager of the Robert Graham whisky shop on Rose St. Robert Graham is an independent bottler and merchant of cigars - Scotland’s oldest and biggest since 1874. I have incredibly interesting discussions with the general public regarding cigars and what whiskies to pair with them. A lot of tourists have never really heard of independent bottlings so they are anxious to engage and learn more about the history of the practice. It’s my passion, so I get to speak about what I love all day.

What do you enjoy most about working in the whisky industry?

It’s the most popular and coveted spirit in the world. It’s part of my national identity and I think every Scottish person should have a closeness to the Scotch whisky industry, like the French do for wine. It’s important to us and I’m grateful and proud to be a part of that. It’s a fantastic spirit and such an accessible industry, It lacks the elitism and snobbery that may surround other drinks. Everyone has such a great time with whisky. It gets you relaxed, makes you feel good and in moderation I think it’s good for the soul.

How do you keep your whisky knowledge up to date?

I drink it. Drink it whenever I can. A lot of people I know that are whisky aficionados simply read blogs all the time and never ‘get their hands dirty’. I go in to the bar and see whats new, I’d rather find out about a new whisky in a bar talking freely with the barman than I would sitting alone at night reading a blog. It’s wonderful to go back into work the next day and discuss what I’ve tried the night before and is also another great talking point with tourists. Twitter is great, everyone in the industry uses Twitter, it’s a great way to keep in contact with fellow whisky lovers. I also watch a few YouTube channels, Ralphy.com is a

great one- his videos are very informative but casual and a little bit silly. He’s an incredibly charming and erudite chap in the ways of malt.

What’s your hopes for the future of whisky?

We live in a nation where profit comes first. I just hope that profit and wealth don’t blind the industry so therefore negate and forget the quality of the product that we’re champion in producing. There’s such massive demand despite the market drop last year, I wouldn’t like to see it become all about mass producing. I hope the ‘spirit’ doesn’t get taken out of the industry.

What do you do when your not working?

Well, as you know, I never rise before 11am.

I usually spend the day cooking, peppering whatever activity I am up to with the smoking of good Cuban cigars. I’ll meet friends in a bar, usually Bow Bar, where we can enjoy a plethora of good beer and single malts. I can’t stand anywhere with obnoxiously loud music where I can’t hear the conversation. I have also started my own website thedrambassador. com and I spend a fair bit of time on that.

Do you collect whiskies and do you have a favourite?

Yes I do, I’ve been collecting bottles from around the world since I turned 18. My family are never stuck on what to buy me as a present either. I managed to buy a bottle of the old Black Bottle before they changed the label and changed the blend. It’s a very good Scotch whisky, my dad introduced it to me when I was younger. It’s a real smoky, rich malt but it got changed to appeal to a younger market. I’ve only ever managed to find one of the old bottles and funnily enough found it in a Co-op back home! It’s not a terribly prestigious or collectible bottle, yet, but it carries a great deal of my affections. I’m very proud of that, I’ll open it on a special occasion.

Finally, where’s your favourite place to enjoy a wee dram?

Back home in my living room with my dad, he was the man who got me interested and inspired me about Scotch whisky and I really enjoy sharing a dram with him in the comfort of our home. In Edinburgh, I frequent The Bow Bar, that’s a great place to enjoy whisky here.

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Lochranza Hotel Country Inn

Proprietors: George & Fiona Stewart

An award winning whisky and real ale pub in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town.

A typical traditional pub,with a mahogany gantry loaded with more than 280 whiskies. @bow_bar 80 West Bow | Victoria Street | Edinburgh EH1 2HH Tel: 0131 226 7667

Snacks, Tea & Coffee, Lunches, Dinners, Fresh Local Produce, Enviable Whisky Bar, Off Sales, Accomodation Lochranza, Isle of Arran KA27 8HL Tel: +44 (0) 1770 830223 Email: info@lochranzahotel.co.uk

www.lochranzahotel.co.uk

Macgochans sits in the picturesque Tobermory harbour on the Island of Mull. Relaunched in February 2012

by Muileach Neil Morrison and uniquely designed

by Ranold MacColl of Oban, Macgochans is looking to showcase the best of Island hospitality.

www.macgochans-tobermory.co.uk

Ledaig, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Argyll, Scotland Tel: 01688 30 2350

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FEATURE

A bit of a mouthful There are 100’s of whiskies to choose from in bars and pubs across the country. If you are one of the many, who are not quite sure how to pronounce the whisky you want to order, here is the first of a two part guide to how to pronounce and a bit of background regarding what the names actually mean. Of course you might have to master what is known as the Scottish ‘uvular ficative’ which is a ‘ch’ sound. Think of ‘It’s a braw bricht moonlicht nicht the nicht.’

At Wee DRAM’s regular ‘Make A Date With Whisky’ tasting event (see page 24) the most common barrier to people ordering whisky at the bar is that they don’t know how to pronounce the name. So, here we go...

Aberlour Aber-lower

Aberlour, known in Scottish Gaelic as Obar Lobhair, is the name of a place in Moray, Scotland, 12 miles (20 km) south of Elgin on the road to Grantown in Speyside.

Allt a’Bhainne Olt-a vane

Allt a Bhainne means “Burn of Milk” in Gaelic. It’s not bottled as a Single Malt by the owners – but there are occasional independent bottlings available. The distillery sits on the lower slopes of Benrinnes and draws its water from the nearby springs.

Isle of Arran Are-run

Arran distillery is a whisky distillery in Lochranza, Scotland and is the only distillery on the Isle of Arran. It opened in 1994. The derivation of the name ‘Arran’ is far from clear. However unusually for a Scottish island, Haswell-Smith (2004) offers a Brythonic derivation and a meaning of “high place” which at least corresponds with the geography – Arran is significantly loftier than all the land that immediately surrounds it along the shores of the Firth of Clyde.

anCnoc / formerly Knockdhu ah-nock / Nock-doo anCnoc is Gaelic for “the hill”. This malt from the Knockdhu distillery was re-named anCnoc in 1993 to avoid confusion with Knockando.

It was relaunched as a stand alone anCnoc brand in 2003.

Auchentoshan Ochentoshen

Auchentoshan distillery is a Single Malt whisky distillery located outside of Glasgow. The name Auchentoshan is from Gaelic Achadh an Oisein and translates as “the field of the corner”.

Aultmore Olt-mower

Aultmore (meaning “big burn” in Gaelic) gets its name from a nearby stream in Moray.

Balmenach Bal-may-nach

Balmenach Distillery was established in 1824 by James MacGregor, from a family of farmers and illicit distillers who resided in Tomintoul. It is situated in Cromdale on the banks of the River Spey.

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BenRiach Ben-ree-ach

Benriach (meaning ‘speckled mountain’) The Benriach distillery is located near Elgin in the ‘Lossie’ part of Speyside.

Benrinnes Ben-rin-ess

A Speyside distillery, owned by Diageo, which is one of the few Scotch whisky distilleries still using worm tubs.

Benromach Ben-ro-mac

Benromach is owned by familyfirm Gordon & Macphail who bought the distillery just over 12 years ago. Located near Elgin the whisky here is all hand-crafted.

Cardhu Car-doo

The distillery is currently run

by Diageo and the distillery’s Scotch whisky makes up an important part of the famous Johnnie Walker blended whiskies.

The word “Cardhu” derives from the Scots Gaelic Carn Dubh, meaning “Black Rock”

Cragganmore Crag-an-mower Cragganmore, meaning ‘Big Rock’ was founded in Ballindalloch, Speyside, in 1869 and was the first distillery to take advantage of the railway system for transportation, with its own railway siding on the Strathspey route.

Dalwhinnie Dal-whinnay

Dalwhinnie distillery, in located in the Highland village of Dalwhinnie. The distillery was founded in the late 1890s and is one of the highest in Scotland.

The name Dalwhinnie is derived from Gaelic word Dail-coinneeamh, which means meeting place, referring to the meeting of ancient cattle drovers’ routes through the mountains.

Dallas Dhu Dallas Doo

The Dallas Dhu distillery was a producer of single malt Scotch whisky that operated between 1899 and 1983. Dallas Dhu means “Black Water Valley” in Gaelic. Its whisky also appeared as a “Dallas Mhor” single malt.

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Glendronach Glen-dro-nac

You’ll find the GlenDronach Distillery beside Huntly. Established in 1826, Glendronach, meaning ‘valley of the brambles’, is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, and is officially classified as an Eastern Highland Malt.

Glen Garioch Glen Gee-ree

Just 17 miles from Aberdeen in the very northeastern tip of Scotland, Glen Garioch is the most easterly Scotch Whisky distillery not just in Scotland but the world. Glen Garioch (pronounced Geery in the ancient Doric dialect) has been making its malt in Oldmeldrum, near Aberdeen in North East Scotland, ever since 1797.

Glenfarclas Glen-fark-las

Glenfarclas distillery is a whisky distillery in Ballindalloch, Scotland. Glenfarclas translates as meaning valley of the green grass. It is still family owned.

Glenfiddich Glen-fidd-ick

Glenfiddich is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky owned and produced by William Grant & Sons in Dufftown, Scotland. Glenfiddich means ‘Valley of the Deer’ in Scottish Gaelic, hence the presence of a stag symbol on Glenfiddich bottles.

Glenrothes Glen-roth-iss

On 28th December 1879 the first pure spirit flowed from the stills at The Glenrothes distillery in Speyside.

The distillery once had a ghost said to be Biawa “Byeway” Makalaga who was rescued at the turn of the 20th Century by Colonel Grant of Rothes who took him back to Scotland.

Lagavulin Lagga-voolin

The name of Lagavulin is an anglicisation of the Gaelic lag a’mhuilin, meaning “hollow by the mill”. This Islay distillery, owned by Diageo.

Laphroaig La-froyg

Laphroaig distillery is an Islay single malt Scotch whisky distillery. It is named after the area of land at the head of Loch Laphroaig on the Isle of Islay.

The Lismore: A world famous whisky bar in Glasgow, Scotland. with over 300 malt whiskies on display and live traditional music sessions through out the week.

THE LISMORE lios mor

The Lismore Bar 206 Dumbarton Road Glasgow

PEOPLE

MAKE A DATE WITH WHISKY

Where Oran Mor, Glasgow When February 2015 ‘Make a Date with Whisky’ is a free tasting event that allows new whisky drinkers and connoisseurs alike to sample different brands accompanied by tasting notes and serving suggestions.

The event is perfect for both whisky lovers and those looking to learn more about whisky and find their perfect match when next ordering at the bar.

Hosted by some of Scotland’s top bartenders, ‘Make a Date with Whisky’ is a bit like speed dating as guests are given an allocated time for each brand at a tasting table before a bell signals guests to move on to the next table.

If you want to find your perfect malt partner look out on facebook.com/dram. scotland for details of the next event.

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2015

WHISKY AUCTION

ENQUIRIES 0131 225 2266 martin.green@bonhams.com

Entries now invited

THE MACALLAN LALIQUE-50 YEAR OLD

Wednesday 10 June Edinburgh

Our whisky specialist offers free and confidential valuations with a view to selling in our forthcoming auctions.

bonhams.com/whisky

10 year-old Arran Single Malt RRP £34.99

Dartington Crystal

If you’re looking for a quality Single Malt from one of Scotland’s last remaining independent Distilleries, you should treat your Dad to a bottle of 10 year-old Arran Single Malt from the Isle of Arran Distillery. A fresh and fruity dram, this one is full smooth island character.

Make every drink a true pleasure with Dartington Crystal.

Hand-crafted in the UK from luxurious fine crystal, a gift of Dartington will always be admired and appreciated.

The Classic Whisky tumbler (£22 shown here) or any of our great gift options can be personalised with hand engraving when you order on-line. www.dartington.co.uk or call 01805 626221

Available from specialist whisky shops and www arranwhisky. com/shop

The Glencairn Official Whisky Glass

- Set of 2 (supplied with a Printed Gift Carton) The shape of the Glencairn glass is perfectly suited for whisky and is designed to enhance the overall whisky experience, from start to finish including the important, nosing and tasting. www.wineware.co.uk £9.85

26 A WEE DRAM

Glenfiddich Gourmet Cookery School for Men at The Edinburgh School of Food and Wine A ‘Men Only’ practical cookery course that combines things that the majority of men love; food AND whisky! It lasts six hours (10am – 4pm) and takes place in Edinburgh.

A voucher costs £79 from www.giftexperiencescotland.com

GIFTS

SMWS membership

The NEAT Glass

Scottish Malt Whisky Society membership at £122 is a super gift for a whisky lover. Members get exclusive use of the Society’s Members’ Rooms, and invited to lots of exclusive tastings. As well as a multi-layered membership pack of miniatures. Gift membership also comes with a £10 voucher which can be used against online purchases.

This quaich shaped glass is redefining how best to appreciate malt whisky. As the only glass that eliminates unwanted alcohol burn, NEAT opens up the true aromas and essences. Chosen as this year’s Official Glass for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it’s the trusted choice for true whisky and spirit appreciation. Taste the truth, banish the burn, sip, savour and discover what’s really behind your dram with The NEAT Glass.

See www.smws. co.uk for more information.

RRP: £8.99 - £12.99 (Exc. Postage and Packaging) Purchase directly from www. theneatglass.uk or from any of the retailers listed on their website.

With Father’s Day fast approaching, here are some ideas for what to buy your whisky loving dad.

Personalised Famous Grouse bottle - by post!

Why not order your dad a personalised bottle of the Famous Grouse? Add a personalised name to the front label. Then add your own message to the back label too.

They’ll send your fully personalised bottle in a gift-box, making it the perfect gift for whisky lovers. At only £24.99 (excl P&P) it’s a bargain.

The World Atlas of Whisky This is a great whisky book and features over 200 distilleries with 750 expressions tasted. This hard back book has tasting notes and full colour maps and photographs. This is a super book and a wonderful gift for the whisky loving man. Written by Glenfiddich award winning author Dave Broom. £35 from The Great Gift Company.

www.thefamousgrouse .com

A WEE DRAM 27

DESIGN

OX184 184 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JJ Tel: 0131 226 1645 www.ox184.co.uk @ox184 /ox184

28 A WEE DRAM

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f you’re looking for a new place to enjoy whisky, OX184 in Edinburgh’s Cowgate is bringing a new dimension to the capitals whisky bars.

This late night venue is the newest venture from Fuller Thomson who have an array of bars and restaurants in Edinburgh and Dundee, including The Red Squirrel and Holyrood 9A. OX184 have teamed up with Royal Mile Whiskies to showcase an array of whiskies from around the world. You will find a range of single malts to bourbons, from Scotland to America, Japan, and even India.

Grab a seat beside their wood-fired grill and pour over their extensive whisky (and whiskey) list which is split into categories to make it accessible to novice whisky drinkers: Sweet talkin’ charmers, Rough with the smooth, Smokin’ Good Times and Flights. If you’re still not sure, just ask one of the super-friendly staff who have an impressive knowledge of the whisky and craft beer they are selling. With their aim of providing fresh new drinking experiences with a sense of fun thrown in for good measure, perhaps they can introduce you to a pickleback (a shot of pickling brine taken after a whisky) or a boilermaker (beer teamed with a whisky).

All of the whiskies are housed in custom built cages so you can enjoy some theatrics as the staff unlock the cages to fetch the nip of your choice - interesting when your pick is on the top shelf of the four metre high cage. If you see one you haven’t before, make sure to act fast, “Some of these bottles are one-offs so once it’s gone, it’s gone. We’ll be adding new whiskies all the time too to stay up to date with what’s happening in the industry,” says operations manager James Stuart-Gammie.

The ambience, fair prices, free Wi-Fi and considerate service all provide excellent reasons to visit, and indeed revisit OX184.

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PEOPLE’S PAGE

WOMEN IN WHISKY CHARITY LUNCH

Where Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow When March 2015 Well done to Geraldine Murphy, the founder of The Pot Stills Whisky Girls Club who organised the first ever International Women in Whisky lunch recently at the Grand Central Hotel.

Speakers included Rachel Barrie from Morrison Bowmore and Alwynne Gwilt from Miss Whisky. The lunch raised £800 for Women’s Aid Glasgow. And as you can see from the pictures a good time was had by all.

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I then took my first taste of my choice: roast Shetland cod with smoked haddock, lentil, banana curry and fragrant rice. of It was nothing short ly sensational - the perfect curry cooked fish and sweet a special combination.

Dinertec, Evening Times

Critics' Choice 2015

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EDINBURGH 2014

Monboddo

34 Bread Street, Edinburgh EH3 9AF T: 0131 221 5555 DoubleTreeEdinburghCity.co.uk MonboddoEdinburgh @Monboddo1

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tart the day with a Scottish breakfast or a coffee and freshly baked cake, followed by the Express Lunch menu, perfectly suiting those who want good food in good time. For the more leisurely guest, Afternoon Teas offer a little bit of indulgence, with classic bar dishes and sharing platters available all day.

Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, unwind with a perfectly created cocktail, a bottle of bubbly or one of the bar’s fine selection of gins, which can be quaffed in elegant surroundings, whilst enjoying views of Edinburgh Castle, slick service and a warm welcome.

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Cocktail Bars

Upper Floor, Finnieston House, 1 The Stables Yard, 1103 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8ND Tel: 0141 221 6965 @dramscotland

www.dramscotland.co.uk

/dram.scotland

TASTING NOTES

TASTING NOTES The great thing about malt whisky is that people can taste a whole variety of flavours in the liquid.

Whisky connoisseurs have a whole host of descriptives, and on this page we give you some that are used to describe a selection of our favourite single malts. When we talk about nose we mean smell, and palate means the taste. The finish is the taste that remains once you have swallowed the whisky.

BenRiach 10 year old Single Malt Colour Crisp summer gold.

Nose A fresh and lively combination of crisp, green orchard fruits, stem ginger and hints of tangerine mellows to creamy vanilla with a delicate note of mint and a gentle twist of citrus, all held together with a sweet barley back note.

Taste Warm toasted oak spices flood through green apple skins and dried apricots, ripening to hints of peach and soft banana.

Finish Subtle touches of aniseed and lemon zest create a contrasting edge to the fruit and add an intriguing character to the long, crisp barley finish.

Ardbeg Kildalton Nose A beautiful, seductive, exotic bouquet, with hints of smoked apricots in syrup, salt and pepper seasoning, and some soft, creamy vanilla. This then leads in to a symphony of smoky and herbal notes, like wood smoke, tar, menthol and fennel. A little water releases more volatile top notes, like pine resin, vetiver root, coriander, liquorice and a curious soapy note.

Taste The texture is soft 32 A WEE DRAM

and ‘sappy’, gently coating the tongue. The explosion of firm, robust flavours is unquestionably Ardbeg – coal tar soap, aniseed, peppermint, espresso coffee, sweet barley malt, and a lingering, aromatic smokiness.

Finish The lengthy finish is both fresh, with menthol, and spicy, with hints of allspice, clove and bitter almonds, finally revealing a distant vanilla essence sweetness.

Benromach 100% Proof Colour Golden amber Nose It has an intense Sherry nose with heaps of stewed apple, pear and delightful vanilla pod aromas.

Palate there’s cracked black pepper with juicy fresh strawberry and raspberry... hints of orange peel and milk chocolate combine with a delicate smoky edge.

Finish long rich finish of lingering subtle smokiness and bonfire embers.

The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve Colour pale golden yellow Nose It has a typical fruity Glenlivet note followed by the sweet aromas of candy and toffee and sticky toffee pudding.

Palate Sweet and smooth; almost creamy. Toffee apple

and pear drops with an impression of orange zest and other citrus fruits.

Finish A sustained finish which offers up a concentrate of sweet, smooth tastes.

Loch Elcho Blended whisky Colour Copper gold Nose Fresh and lively.

A fruit salad of green apple, grape and pear. Warmer notes of freshly cut hay follow.

Fragrant eucalyptus infused wood shaving.

Palate Full and soft with waves of chewy caramel. A hint of ginger syrup reveals a warming spiciness.

Finish Crushed brazil nuts. Dry and Long

Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Rich Oak Colour rich golden Nose A complex harmony of fresh fruits and spices. Initial spicy oak notes followed by vibrant vanilla and rich dried fruit.

Taste Rich and sweet vanilla with a silky texture and elegant hints of fruit. The flavour becomes deeper and richer with time and has a subtle nutty character that develops into a spicy oak finish.

Finish long

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incorporating the

DRAM AWARDS

Nominate your WHISKY BAR of the YEAR www.scottishbarandpubawards.com NOW!

In association with

WHAT’S ON

WHISKY WORLD...

14th May – 21st May

23rd & 24th May

This week long celebration of whisky will make stops at St. Kilda, Oban, Harris and Skye.

You will have the luxury of the company of whisky expert Victor Brierley taking you through tastings and the opportunity to enjoy a Burns Dinner at sea. www.culturalcruising.com

The Surgeons Hall, Edinburgh

Shadows of St. Kilda Cruise

16th May

World Whisky Day Spirit of Independence Tasting Glasgow, Edinburgh & Troon In celebration of our national drink, the Spirit of Independence Tasting will be showcasing the best expressions hand-picked by experts. The event will focus on the very best independent bottlers in the business. Experts will guide attendees through the tastings which will be followed by a relaxed discussion on the six whiskies on offer. There will be a selection of hard-to-get whiskies with unusual age stamps and interesting finishes. www.worldwhiskyday.com 23rd & 24th May

Mhor Whisky Festival Monachyle Mhor Farm The event, now in its fourth year, is packed with fun activities for all the family. There’s raft building, a zip-wire, bake-offs, ceidlh’s and of course, lots of whisky. The two day festival will host a number of different whisky distilleries including Glengoyne, Auchentoshan and Deanston. Call 01877 384 622 to book your tickets.

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Edinburgh Whisky Stramash Whether you have been drinking whisky for 25 minutes or 25 years, this event is for you. There will be over 200 different whiskies on offer and a number of whisky ambassadors to lead you through tastings and answer all of your whiskyrelated questions. The event, which is sponsored by Event Scotland and Visit Scotland, will also have a range of beers, cocktails and food to try. www.ticketweb co.uk for tickets.

13th June

Whisky & Ice Cream Whisky Tasting The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ The perfect way to cool down on a warm summers day while also enjoying a dram. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will present four different single cask malts to be paired with four ice creams based on whisky flavour profiles.

You’ll also be treated to a late lunch. Visit www.smws.co.uk/ whisky-tastings/ for tickets 15th June

Edinburgh Whisky Solstice Queen Street Gardens The Edinburgh Whisky Solstice have teamed up with The Scotch Malt Society to provide a summer celebration of global whiskies.

Food, ales and cocktails will also be on offer for your non-whisky loving friends. You will have the opportunity to sample a number of whiskies as part of

the ticket price and, as an added bonus you will be provided with a Glencairn tasting glass and a bottle of water. There will be a number of masterclasses on offer and plenty of whisky experts to answer all of your questions.

The festival is all outdoors so hopefully some summer sun will be shining. Visit www. thewhiskylounge.com/ book-now-whisky-festivals

Scotch Whisky Experience 354 Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh This interactive look into the world of whisky will take you on a journey from the humble beginnings of Scotland’s biggest export through to how it became the global success that it is today. Whisky experts will guide you through a replica distillery where you will have the chance to have a closeup look at the worlds largest collection of Scotch whisky. At the end of your tour there will be a dram waiting for you... or an Irn Bru for the under 18’s. www.scotchwhiskyexperience. co.uk/whisky-tour/

Whisky Tours Scotland A great way for small groups (up to 8 people) to enjoy a personalised tour of whisky distilleries. A personal chauffeur will drive your group through the scenic Scottish Highlands to a number of different distilleries.

You can plan the trip yourself or leave it to the experts at Whisky Tours Scotland. www.whisky-toursscotland.com

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BRING YOUR FAMILY TO JOIN OUR FAMILY Forres invites you to sample the atmosphere, excitement and drama of the European Pipe Band Championships 3,000 Pipers, Drummers, Volunteers and Exhibitors at Piping at Forres, Grant Park on Saturday 27th June 2015

YOU’RE ALL WELCOME! FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT MEDIA PARTNER

www.pipingatforres.com

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