Notebook – October 2021

A Speyside whisky from The Wine Society is among the bottles reviewed by drinks blogger Peter Ranscombe. THERE’S a distinct “Speyside” theme to the latest in this occasional series of articles, during which I delve into my tasting notebook to share some recent discoveries. In a move you might not expect, there’s also a “smoky”…

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Charles Heidsieck: Launching pinot noir at Monachyle Mhor

Champagne house Charles Heidsieck chose Monachlye Mhor at Balquidder for the launch of its still red wine, with Peter Ranscombe tagging along for some foraging. TRAMPLING through the woods near Balquhidder with Tom Lewis and Nick Nairn, it’s easy to see why the two chefs love this part of Scotland so much. From mushrooms and…

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Cloudy Bay: first taste of the 2021 sauvignon blanc

Peter Ranscombe gets a first look at the 2021 Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc and explores how New Zealand’s most famous wine ages. FEW wines are more closely linked with a region and a country than Cloudy Bay and Marlborough in New Zealand. David Hohnen was one of the first five winemakers to arrive in Marlborough…

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Le Clarence: Two-star food to match grand cru wine

Le Clarence restaurant in Paris combines two-star Michelin food with wines from Haut Brion, one of Bordeaux’s five most famous chateaux, writes Peter Ranscombe. “THERE’S more that unites us than divides us”. Those words were echoing through my mind as the Eurostar train hurtled through Northern France. Looking out at the farms and fields, I…

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Waitrose boost for Scots distillery’s whisky

A Scots distillery is celebrating after clinching a deal with a major supermarket. Kingsbarns Distillery have announced their partnership with Waitrose, launching the award-winning Dream to Dram single malt whisky across an initial 115 Waitrose shops from this week, growing to 150 sites from January 2022. Kingsbarns are proud to partner with Waitrose in playing…

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Trophy winning addition to Tomatin’s Warehouse 6

Tomatin has today announced the release of its fifth expression of the critically acclaimed Warehouse 6 Collection – 1978. Distilled on 21 September 1978, this remarkable expression has been gently maturing for the past 42 years in Tomatin’s Warehouse 6, a traditional dunnage warehouse. Nestled in a quiet corner of the distillery, Warehouse 6 houses…

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Say ooh la la as Six by Nico unveils new Paris menu

In Paris, there’s so much to love: the history, the architecture, the fashion and, of course, the gastronomy. Bubbling croque monsieur on the Champs Elysées; rare beef and salty frites in a candlelit café; or a classic French patisserie shared with your loved one over a picnic on the Seine’s banks. This Winter dust off…

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The Alchemist: A sneak peak at Edinburgh’s new cocktail bar

The Alchemist, Edinburgh’s newest cocktail bar, gives drinks blogger Peter Ranscombe a sneak peak at its libations. ONE of the most interesting elements of reviewing wines, beers, and spirits for Scottish Field magazine has been the opportunity to explore the drinks scene over the border in the North of Englandshire. Visiting Manchester, Newcastle, and Leeds…

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Chile: Where quality needn’t cost the earth

Chile once again demonstrates that it can produce high-quality wines at affordable prices, as Peter Ranscombe samples bottles from stablemates Santa Rita and Carmen. GAZE along the bottom shelf of most supermarket wine aisles and two countries’ bottles will jump out at you – Chile and South Africa. Both nations are renowned for producing cheap…

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A new trio of single malts from the GlenAllachie

The GlenAllachie Distillery has launched three single malts which form Batch 3 of its coveted Wood Finish range. The new limited release Speyside Scotch whiskies include an 11-year-old Pedro Ximénez Wood Finish (UK RRSP £59.99, 48% ABV), a 12-year-old Ruby Port Wood Finish (UK RRSP £62.99, 48% ABV) and a 13-year-old Madeira Wood Finish (UK…

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