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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Famous clock restored by Johnnie Walker

One of Edinburgh’s best-known landmarks was restored in time for Valentine’s Day by Johnnie Walker. The beautiful cantilever clock is located on the corner of Princes Street and Hope Street at the heart of the city, making it the ideal rendezvous point for couples meeting before an evening out. It is known locally as the…

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Covid costs Scotch whisky exports £1.1 billion in lost sales

Global exports of Scotch whisky fell by more than £1.1bn during 2020, according to figures released today by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). The export figures are the lowest they have been in a decade, as the combined impact of Covid-19 and the 25% tariff in the United States hit distillers hard. In 2020, the…

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Smokehead launches a trio of drams in a tin

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky has added a new stylish tin of containing three whiskies to its range. Each tin features three 5cl bottles of Smokehead original, High Voltage and the brand-new expression Rum Rebel, making them ideal for cocktails. Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the original expression, an intensely rich yet subtly…

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Elixir Distillers’ new Islay distillery gets the green light

A new distillery is to be built on Islay after being given planning permission. The Argyll & Bute Council planning committee has green-lit the plans by Elixir Distillers to build on the island. Born from a love of Islay and its whiskies, co-founders of Elixir Distillers Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh have taken a big leap…

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A woodland home with stunning views over a loch

A house with a stunning waterfront setting, with woodland and foreshore overlooking Loch Etive, has been brought to the market. Presented by Knight Frank, the Ferry House is a bungalow understood to have been constructed in the 1970s situated on a private peninsula overlooking Loch Etive, near Oban. It is approached via a single track…

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Two promotions at the Glenmorangie Company

Two senior promotions at one of Scotland’s leadings Scotch malt whisky companies have been announced. To accelerate the growth of the company’s iconic Glenmorangie and Ardbeg brands, Caspar MacRae has taken on an evolved and expanded role as the director of marketing and business development. In his new role, Caspar will oversee the commercially focused…

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A lavish book celebrating the Art of Whisky

A lavish new book celebrates and illuminates one of the world’s most iconic spirits, through the eyes of internationally acclaimed and award-winning photographer, Jon Purcell. The Art in Whisky provides a captivating and unique photographic interpretation of the fascinating world of whisky. Taking readers on a visual journey that percolates through the entire crafting process…

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Ardbeg pays tribute to retiring distillery manager

The retirement of a popular distillery manager is being marked with the release of a limited edition whisky. To commemorate the retirement of Mickey Heads, Ardbeg has announced the launch of Arrrrrrrdbeg!, a bottlinng which celebrates his time at the helm. Captain of the Ardbeg ship since 2007, Mickey retired in late 2020, after 13…

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The first legal whisky from Stirling Castle rock

The first-ever whisky released from the Stirling Castle rock is now available. Stirling Distillery, in the heart of Scotland, has released two new single cask whiskies under their Sons of Scotland label. Having produced gin right next to the historic castle since mid-2019, Stirling Distillery co-founders Cameron and June McCann are now turning their hand…

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