NOTEBOOK – FEBRUARY 2021

Scottish rum, oak-aged gin, and low-alcohol beer are among the latest treats to emerge from Scottish Field drinks blogger Peter Ranscombe‘s notebook. AFTER the Christmas rush of spirits reviews, January offers a bit of welcome relief. Catch your breath, refresh your palate, and give your liver a rest. That break makes February’s new releases all…

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Watch out Talisker – there’s a new kid in town on Skye

Peter Ranscombe takes a sneak peak at Torabhaig distillery’s maiden whisky ahead of its release tomorrow. WHEN it comes to whisky, some locations and some distilleries go together like a horse and carriage – or maybe like a cask and bung. Think Orkney, think Highland Park (sorry Scapa!). Think Campbeltown, think Springbank (sorry again Glen…

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New Zealand syrah: Gimblett Gravels and beyond

After exploring syrah from Gimblett Gravels, Peter Ranscombe casts his net wider to look at other parts of New Zealand. WINES fall into two categories. There are the crowd-pleasing styles that most fans will recognise – Prosecco from Italy, shiraz from Australia, sauvignon blanc from Marlborough. Then there are the niches, the bottles about which…

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Fishing rights with a Highland country house hotel

A delightful Highland hotel with access to fishing rights on three nearby lochs has been put up for sale. Presented by agents Bell Ingram, the Overscaig House Hotel is set in an idyllic location near Lairg, Sutherland, and has eight en-suite letting bedrooms, plus spacious owners’ and staff accommodation. The 3-Star STB hotel sits in…

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Online wine tasting just went hi-tech

Peter Ranscombe logs on to tech entrepreneur Michael Baum’s Vivant virtual wine tasting platform – and he’s impressed by what he sees. I GUESS is was just a matter of time before online wine tastings got the gamification treatment. When every other aspect of our lives – from logging the miles we slog on running…

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Offers over £975,000 for a six-bedroom property

A period family home of character with superior cottage and generous gardens and grounds of about 4.3 acres has been brought to the market. Dinning House, in Gargunnock, Stirlingshire, is a B listed former manse of distinction. Alongside the house there is a restored three bedroom garden cottage and, of particular note, are the gardens…

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#TryJanuary: If you like that, try this…

Looking for inspiration to kick start your #TryJanuary? Peter Ranscombe is on hand with some suggestions. If you like… Albarino Try… its fizzy friend As we saw during lockdown, the pandemic hasn’t got in the way of Mar de Frades continuing to produce seafood-friendly albarino. Winemaker Paula Fandino has also been busy perfecting her sparkling…

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Coffee roaster’s green credentials

A GLASGOW coffee roaster hopes to be named as a supplier to the United Nations’ climate change conference after joining the B Corp ethical accreditation scheme. Dear Green has its sights set on winning a contract for the COP26 conference, which takes place in Glasgow in November. “If this doesn’t put Dear Green on the…

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Scottish drinks have a ‘can’ do attitude

SCOTLAND’S brands are continuing to embrace canned drinks with two recent releases. Forrit has launched a range of “hard seltzers”, while Boe has unveiled two gins mixed with lemonade. Forrit has blended sparkling water with alcohol, botanicals, and fruit flavours. The brand, which is owned by whisky maker Loch Lomond Group, has unveiled three variants:…

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Alexander Wines serves up Christmas with a twist

Peter Ranscombe pops the corks on some exciting alternative festive choices. I’M AS guilty as anyone else when it comes to reaching for the same old favourites at Christmas. A bottle of Chablis, a bottle of pinot noir, and a bottle of something with bubbles in it, and I’m usually set for the festivities to…

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