Judges tasting for Scottish Field Whisky Challenge

Judging is underway today for  the 2018 Scottish Field Whisky Challenge. Our panel of experts are currently going through the drams which have been entered, at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s The Vaults. They are giving their marks, and the results will be revealed at the end of next month. Each judge is given a…

Read More

Join us at the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge awards

Enjoy a dram? Enjoy good food? Then why not combine your love of both at this year’s Scottish Field Whisky Challenge award lunch. The ‘Lang Lunch’, in association with Cask & Still Magazine, is being held on 26 October at the Ghillie Dhu, Edinburgh. Be the first to find out the winning whiskies from the…

Read More

The joy of six as new whiskies are revealed

Six new limited edition Scotch whiskies have been revealed at Distell’s first annual showcase event, The Malt Gallery. The new releases represent the four distilleries in the Distell portfolio, from Deanston in the Highlands to its West coast island presence with Bunnahabhain, Tobermory and Ledaig: Tobermory 2005 (12 YO) Fino Cask Finish, RRP £110; Ledaig…

Read More

You won’t be disappointed when you dine at Gigi’s

Run by mother and son team Marisa and Luigi Pia, Gigi’s, is a fantastic Italian restaurant near Dalkeith and Rosslyn Chapel. Mobbed by locals since it opened in 2011, it is stylish yet relaxed and friendly, and everything you need from a good-value neighbourhood restaurant. Large, noisy, child-friendly and invariably full-to-bursting, it’s one for family…

Read More

The summer when wine drinkers chose a rosé

A leading Scottish based wine merchant has reported record rosé wine sales following this summer’s heatwave. Latest figures from L’Art du Vin  suggest that Scots are preferring a more dry and elegant rosé, most common in Provence varieties that lends itself better to food and can be easily paired with summery dishes. L’Art du Vin’s…

Read More

A beautiful estate hidden in perfect isolation

Culfoichbeg House is an outstanding country property in a completely secluded setting amongst magnificent Highland scenery, in the heart of the renowned Tulchan Estate in Moray. The world famous 22,000-acre Tulchan estate was sold last year and Culfoichbeg House was the previous owner’s favourite and private residence. The property is in an idyllic setting with…

Read More

Sommelier Sandor certainly knows his grapes

Working in the wine industry is a never-ending learning curve for the sommelier at Hotel du Vin, Hungarian wine guru Sandor Molnar. ‘When you’re studying wine there is always something to learn,’ he says. Studying for exams, blind tastings and trying to find the best pairings for the Hotel du Vin in Edinburgh‘s chef’s offerings…

Read More

The Bridge Inn offers great food and scenic views

This wonderful canal-side pub is one of my favourite venues for a gastronomic trip out of Edinburgh. If you’re in the capital and are feeling particularly energetic, you can cycle there from Fountainbridge down the towpath. Reserve a table overlooking the water and get stuck into the cullen skink and peerless fish and chips, or…

Read More

Dantes is a classic Italian restaurant in Edinburgh

In the lovely preservation village of Colinton, Dantes looks upscale. But beneath its borderline flashy exterior there lies a classic Italian restaurant – a warm welcome, traditionally structured menu and great food. I loved the flawless saltimbocca alla Romana, while the seared duck breast on wilted spinach with a thyme and plum reduction was memorable. The wine…

Read More

Final stands available for the Edinburgh Art Fair

More than 60 national and international galleries will be selling the work of over 500 artists from all four corners of the globe at Scotland’s premier art fair. The Edinburgh Art Fair is now in its 14th year and has firmly established itself as the largest event of its kind in the UK outside of…

Read More