Whisky
Benriach relaunch: Rachel Barrie makes her mark
Peter Ranscombe tastes his way through Benriach distillery’s new range, which was launched online today. I’LL always have a soft spot for Benriach. It was one of the first whiskies that I got to know when I was cutting my teeth as a reporter at The Scotsman newspaper. I remember meeting its then owner, Billy…
Read MoreJohnnie Walker centre back on track
WHISKY maker Diageo now expects to open the doors to its Johnnie Walker visitors’ centre on Edinburgh’s Princes Street next summer. The company – Scotland’s largest distiller and the owner of brands including Bell’s, J&B and Talisker – announced the revised timescale as it launched the attraction’s website. Construction work on the former department store…
Read MoreA Week in Whisky: Going, going, gone
THE Isle of Raasay Distillery has sold all its maiden single malt ahead of its release in November. Raasay, which lies off the coast of Skye, has sold 4,350 bottles through the internet, with the remainder of its 7,500-bottle run bought by retailers, restaurants and bars. The whisky is made with Scottish barley and is…
Read MoreA week in whisky: ‘I’ll have a pea, please, Bob’
THOSE enterprising souls at whisky distiller Arbikie have followed-up their carbon-negative Nàdar gin with its vodka twin. Both Nàdar spirits absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than is emitted over the course of the production process. The alcohol inside them is made by distilling peas instead of wheat. Master distiller Kirsty Black developed the…
Read MoreA week in whisky: Islay, islands and Ireland
Scottish Field drinks blogger Peter Ranscombe takes a look at what’s been happening in the world of whisky over the past seven days… CLYDESIDE distillery in Glasgow will host Scottish band Skerryvore’s first live performance in six months on 5 September. Fans will be able to “pay what you want” for the performance, which will be broadcast…
Read MoreA week in whisky: rum, oddities and the cask
Scottish Field drinks blogger Peter Ranscombe takes a look at what’s been happening in the world of whisky over the past seven days… AHEAD of International Rum Day on Sunday, Islay single malt whisky brand Smokehead has released “Rum Rebel”, which spent time in Caribbean rum casks. The latest incarnation follows on from “Sherry Bomb”,…
Read MoreArdbeg’s first beer supports clean water projects
ISLAY distillery Ardbeg has teamed up with social enterprise Brewgooder to create its first beer and raise money for clean water projects in Africa. All the profits from “The Shortie Smoky Porter” will support projects in Malawi. The beer – which is named after Ardbeg’s mascot, Shortie the Jack Russell – was created by flatmates…
Read MoreDoddie Weir’s whisky toasts medical research
RUGBY legend Doddie Weir has taken deliver of 378 very special bottles of whisky. The Scotch came from a cask that Weir selected when he visited Glenkinchie distillery in East Lothian earlier this year. Distillery owner Diageo has donated to bottles to Weir’s My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The foundation will use the bottles as prizes…
Read MoreAston Martin and Bowmore launch £50,000 whisky
ISLAY whisky distiller Bowmore has teamed up with sports car maker Aston Martin to launch a whisky that will cost £50,000. Only 25 bottles of the Black Bowmore DB5 1964 will go on sale this autumn. Each bottle was formed from an Aston Martin piston by the Glasstorm studio in Tain. The year 1964 marks…
Read MoreHow to enjoy professional cocktails at home
Peter Ranscombe puts Drinks-At-Home, a nationwide cocktail delivery service, through its paces. HATS off to wine merchants and bottle shops for helping us to enjoy our favourite vinous treats during lockdown, but there are still a few drinks that it’s hard to get right at home. Draft beer for one – no matter how good…
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