GLENFIDDICH EXPERIMENT 2019 KYLE JAMIESON
Q&A
FOCUS ON
DUNDEE
WINTER 2019
ISSUE 21
Winter is Coming...
For more information on White Walker by Johnnie Walker, please visit www.Johnniewalker.Com
This is our final Wee DRAM of the year. We only bring out two annually, but you will be glad to know that is set to change next year. So you will be getting at least four issues a year from now on. This issue we have lots of news, an interview with Kyle Jamieson and we have a focus on Dundee – City of Discovery – find out what we discovered on pages 29 and 30. There’s our usual Whisky Cocktail ideas
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News
The latest from the world of whisky.
fresh from Edinburgh Cocktail Week and some pictures from the recent Glenfiddich Festival at the Distillery. Our What’s On guide at the back also gives you an idea of what’s happening and wor th doing over the next few months. See you in 2020. Slainte Susan Young, Editor.
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14 Off the Beaten Track We unearth some whisky bar gems. 18 Q&A with Kyle Jamieson 22 Glenfiddich Festival Some pictures from the event. 32 Gifts Some great Christmas gifts. 34 What’s On
Editor Susan Young Editorial Jason Caddy Sales Executives Julia Smith Commercial Head: Justin Wingate Admin: Cheryl Cook Production Fiona Gauld Dogs Tootsie, Lucy & Coco A Wee DRAM is published by Media World Ltd. Upper Floor, Finnieston House, 1 The Stables Yard, 1103 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8ND Tel 0141 221 6965 Email dram@mail.com The publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for errors/omissions. Any artwork will be accepted at owner’s risk. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the copyright holder and publisher, application for which should be made to the publisher. Articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. © Media World Limited 2019ISSN No 1470 - 2428
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NEWS
A first from Dublin We all know that there are lots of wonderful Irish imports – aside from Mrs Brown’s Boys – and one of the latest to wash up on these shores is the first Dublin distilled Irish Whiskey for 50 years, Teeling Whiskey. The whiskey is crafted using a traditional Dublin pot still recipe of 50% un-malted spring barley and 50% malted barley which is triple distilled and matured in a combination of virgin oak, ex-bourbon and sherry barrels. Teeling Whiskey Distillery became the first distillery to be open in Dublin for 125 years, aiming to revive the old tradition of distillation in the Irish capital.
Whisky-flavoured Kit-Kats? Kit-Kat are one of the nation’s favourite chocolate biscuits and now there is a whisky flavoured version too! Well, it’s whisky and ginger actually, and it’s part of a special edition from this chocolate Goliath. The full range is as follows: Cherry Bakewell and Apple and Rhubarb, Earl Grey and Blackberry and Elderflower, Nuttlylicious, Zingtastic Gin and Tonic, Billionaire’s Treasure, Jewels of the East, Springtime in Japan and Whisky and Ginger. They are available in John Lewis until Christmas Eve.
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THE THREE DRINKERS RETURN TO THE SCREEN
Aidy Smith, Helena Nicklin and Colin Hampden-White aka The Three Drinkers will be returning to our screens and to Scotland in early December 2019 with part two of The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky on Amazon Prime. Their travelogue, sometimes called the ‘Top Gear of Drinks’, sees the friends return to Scotland with a new format, stunning locations and brand new partners. But it is the natural chemistry of the trio that makes their Scottish adventure so entertaining. To date we’ve had quite the adventure,” says Aidy Smith, one of the co-presenter of the show. “We’ve learnt the art of herding reindeer, cut fresh peat from the bogs of Islay and I even made Helena and Colin taste local delicacies like festy cock.” Helena Nicklin adds, “We’ve been blown away by how well the series has done in such a short time,” says Nicklin. “We’re looking forward to playing up the fun side of our travels with more experimentation with food and drink, eerie ghost
stories, ridiculous challenges and all the weird and wonderful tidbits people never knew about Scotland and whisky.” Produced, presented and owned by the trio themselves, The Three Drinkers TV Series, this years show see the presenters partnering with brands including The Dalmore, Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Scotia, Glen Moray and Loch Lomond Distillery. Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, which owns Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond Whiskies, said, “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to put Glen Scotia on the global map as part of The Three Drinkers series. It might be the smallest malt producing region, but Campbeltown is packed with history and the contribution it’s made to Scotland’s whisky scene is very special.” You can follow The Three Drinkers via their website and social media channels: Instagram: @TheThreeDrinkers Twitter: @The3Drinkers thethreedrinkers.com
NEWS
A bright future The Macallan has now launched its Edition No.5 in collaboration with Pantone and can’t miss it on the shelves due to its bright colour. It’s never been a more perfect time to launch a premium whisky bottled with bright magenta labelling now that whisky is no longer seen as ‘a man’s drink’. In times of gender fluidity in society, The Macallan partnered up with Pantone Colour Institute, who drew inspiration from whisky distilling to create this colour. The purple shade aims to express the diversity and complexity that goes into producing the whisky.
BIRTHDAY WHISKY FOR NAUTICUS Nauticus, on Duke Street in Edinburgh’s Leith, has a boatload of fantastic whisky behind the bar – plus big old Captain Nemo-style copper diving helmet bolted to the wall that you can pop your head through for a social media photo op. The latest news from this inventive wee bar is the release of a specially selected and limited edition single cask malt, in partnership with elemental coastal distillery Glenglassaugh, to mark its first anniversary, of which there are just 275 bottles available.
Kyle Jamieson from Nauticus said, “This single cask Glenglassaugh bottling is a special landmark for us as we celebrate our first birthday. After sampling about 12 single malts from across the Highland region, this Glenglassaugh cask was a clear winner for us and stood out with its fantastic character. Our ethos in Nauticus is to always put Scottish produce and Leith’s rich wine and spirits history under the spotlight. We believe this specific cask captures this perfectly in whisky form.”
Inaugural limited edition series from Ardgowan Inverclyde’s Ardgowan Distillery has revealed the first in its new range of limited-edition whiskies, Coppersmith. The premium dram – which retails at £49.99 – is a blend of malts from Speyside and Highland distilleries wholly matured in first fill Oloroso sherry casks. It has been created by Max McFarlane who recently joined the Ardgowan Distillery team. “Coppersmith is the first in the Clydebuilt series of whiskies which Ardgowan Distillery will release in the years ahead,” says Max. He adds, “Each bottle in the series will celebrate the pride shown by generations of workers on the Clyde, who together built some of the world’s most illustrious ships. “In our first release I wanted to produce a top-drawer blended malt and I believe that is what we have achieved.” Coppersmith is non-chill filtered, non-coloured and has been bottled at 48% ABV.
We have heard it all now – whisky cocktail pods. That’s right The Glenlivet caused a media storm at London Cocktail Week when it introduced its edible cocktail Capsule Collection. The whisky cocktails are uniquely packaged in a Seaweed pod that you just pop in your mouth. No glass, no ice or a stirrer. The company said it has created “an original drinking experience.” It certainly has. Unfortunately, they are only available for London Cocktail Week. How about bringing them to Scotland too? After all, we do know a thing or two about whisky! 5
Country Pub Feels AT THE AWARD-WINNING OLD MILL INN
PITLOCHRY Tip top Whisky, Gin, Cocktails, Real Ales & Ciders in one of Scotland’s top pubs. Live Music every Friday & Saturday Night. Catch the train to Pitlochry or stay over. Book online and check out music gigs at:
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NEWS
WHISKY DEDICATED TO JURA’S RESIDENTS
YA DANCER! Whisky and ballet may be unlikely bedfellows. Nevertheless, in celebration of 50 years of Scotland’s national dance company, Scottish Ballet has partnered with Orkney based distillery, Highland Park, to release a single malt Scotch Whisky. Highland Park will make a donation from the sales of the 5,000 bottles to support Scottish Ballet – a registered charity – enabling them to continue to deliver outreach projects across the country from Kirkwall to Kilmarnock. Christopher Hampson, CEO and Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet, said, “We embrace our 50th anniversary with an unprecedented programme of new work, affirming our commitment to be one of the most daring dance companies in the world. The Viking Soul of Highland Park resonates with us and we are delighted this new partnership will support us to share our passion and ambition with as many people in Scotland as possible through our outreach projects.”
Jura Single Malt Whisky is celebrating its small island community with a new series of limited annual releases, Jura Two-OneTwo, dedicated to the 212 residents who live on the island. The first launch of the series is a 13 year old single malt. Kirsteen Beeston, Head of International Malts at Whyte and Mackay, said, “We talk about Jura being a long way from ordinary and this latest creation certainly supports this. By celebrating the people who make up our community, we are not only acknowledging the fundamental role they each play in our whisky, we are also highlighting the vital role of community to the Jura brand.”
Grouse finishes it off with wine Next time you hear someone say it’s ‘wine o’clock’ you can legitimately have a dram. That’s because Scotland’s best-selling whisky, Famous Grouse, has a third addition to their Cask Series with the launch of Wine Cask. This blend involves the signature blended whisky finished in Spanish red wine casks, adding a whole host of new
notes, including dark chocolate and cherries. Chris Anderson, Head of Brands at owner EdringtonBeam Suntory UK, said, “ Wine cask finishing is still relatively new in the history of whisky but is quickly growing in popularity as distillers look to explore the extensive layers of flavour development.”
A new Angels’ Nectar Single Malt Whisky release is now available which has a peaty taste and is called The Islay Edition. It is from Grantown-on Spey distillers Highfern, iwho also brought out blended malt Rich Peat Edition and the owners are hoping it will be just as popular because the latter has, say the company, “more or less sold out.” The name was inspired by the Angels’ share, the name given to the whisky lost to evaporation in the maturing process. The Islay Edition has been matured in former Bourbon barrels for five years and has a strong peat taste and an ABV of 47%. Robert Ransom, founder of Angels’ Nectar said, ‘Our intention with Angels’ Nectar is to release a series of small batch releases which showcase different styles of Scotch Whisky, something which takes time. Having more or less sold out of the Rich Peat Edition, as its successor we have selected a parcel of Islay single malt casks to bottle as our new peat smoke expression. We have bottled the Islay Edition as a single malt, at a higher strength, and in a new improved bottle’. Whilst there have been Angels’ Nectar single cask releases in Germany and the Netherlands, this is the first Angels’ Nectar single malt release in the UK. Expect to see it in shops at around £49.
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Looking for a new whisky to add to your repertoire? Then how about Balvennie Batch 6, the latest addition to the Balvennie Tun 1509 series. The Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 6 is a non-chill filtered whisky bottled at 50.4% ABV. David Stewart MBE, The Balvenie Malt Master, said, “Batch 6 is a truly remarkable liquid that showcases gorgeous character and rich depth produced during the marrying process. This expression is sure to have whisky enthusiasts excited, much like the last Tun 1509 series we released a year ago.”
THE WORLD HAS A NEW #1 MIXING IT UP BARTENDER BANNIE KANG
IN AVIEMORE
The brand new ‘Aviemore Big Mix Festival’ saw over 400 people, locals and visitors, descend on the Highland town to sample the best of gin, Scotch whisky and craft beer. The festival was sponsored by the Speyside Distillery at Kingussie, which also operates The Snug Visitor Centre in Aviemore. Speyside Distillery chief executive officer John McDonough, who is also a board member of the Cairngorm Business Partnership, said “The Aviemore Big Mix Festival was a fantastic opportunity to bring together all our wonderful makers and creators. I think it delivered the message that, in terms of food, drink and the arts, Aviemore and the surrounding area punches well above its weight.” The event was so well received that organisers have made even bigger plans for the 2020 instalment. 8
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annie Kang from Singapore was named the world’s best bartender for 2019 at the biggest cocktail competition on the planet: Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year which took place at Glasgow’s SWG3 in September. Bartenders from around the world competed for the title with finalists coming from as far away as Australia and Japan, the Philippines and Brazil, but thousands of incredible bartenders from across six continents competed. They were whittled down by a series of national heats to an elite group of 53 of the world’s best, who were then invited to take part in a series of challenges across four days in the Netherlands and Scotland before
Bannie was crowned the world’s best at SWG3. Bannie Kang said, “This has been an incredible experience. It’s been a lot of fun and a lot of hard work - a real whirlwind. I’d like to say well done to all the finalists – there were so many incredible drinks created this week. It could have been any of us who won. I’ve learnt a lot and made some friends for life. It was a privilege to spend the last five days with these guys, working with these incredible spirits brands, at the best bartending competition in the world. To have won is the cherry on the cake.” At the final it was also revealed that the 12th annual Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year final will take place in Sydney.
Lady of the Glen, independent whisky bottler, has been awarded ‘Best Scottish Spirit’ at the Scotsman Food and Drink Awards 2019 in Edinburgh. Gregor Hannah founded Lady of the Glen in 2012. He also dares to experiment, occasionally re-casking the whisky into sherry, port, Marsala and Bourbon casks to create unique flavourings.
Blue Planet cameraman teams up with Old Pulteney Doug Allan, underwater explorer and cameraman on the popular Blue Planet Multi-award Winning Whisky Bar and Restaurant programme, has teamed up with Old Pulteney whisky to tell tales of those whose lives have been shaped by the sea. The tales appear in a Multi-award Winning Whisky Bar and Restaurant new Old Pultney marketing campaign called Rise With the Tide, created to emphasis the malt’s coastal roots. His 35-year career has seen him work on over 65 films and documentaries to date, and his award-winning work includes eight Emmys Over 400 whiskies and four Baftas, most recently the Bafta Online whisky shop - worldwide delivery Scotland Outstanding Contribution to Craft Come on down for the ultimate Scottish experience... Award in 2017. Fresh Scottish food served all day An outspoken ambassador for protecting the Live Scottish music every night oceans against the effects of climate change, Come on down for the ultimate Scottish experience... his life has been shaped by the sea, starting 119 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SG from the moment he tried on his first diving TGT010628 Experience v1 Print.pdf 1 20/08/2019 T: 0131 09:28 556 3095 mask and learned toWee diveDram in Scottish waters. www.whiskibar.co.uk E: info@whiskibar.co.uk
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An award winning whisky and real ale pub in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town. A typical traditional pub, with a mahogany gantry loaded with more than 400 whiskies. AA Hospitality Award - Best Pub In Scotland 2017/18 www.thebowbar.co.uk 80 West Bow | Victoria Street | Edinburgh EH1 2HH Tel: 0131 226 7667
The Lismore: A world famous whisky bar in Glasgow, Scotland. with over 300 malt whiskies on display and live traditional music sessions through out the week.
THE LISMORE lios mor
The Lismore Bar 206 Dumbarton Road Glasgow
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The summer may well be over but memories of great festivals don’t have to take us through the winter months because there are some festivals over the winter that will warm your heart. Here we take a look at some of the best of the summer festivals and highlight what is coming up in the next few months.
FEATURE
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f you go digging out your wellies and your woollies as soon as you hear the word ‘Festival’ rather than it sending you fleeing for a hideaway in the hills, then you’ve come to the right place. Not that whisky and beer festivals generally happen in a field, although some do, like the Glenfiddich Festival. This one’s for bartenders and happens at the start of September at the distillery in Dufftown - with Franz Ferdinand headlining the last one. But there are some terrific festivals open for all-comers too, and let’s kick things off with one that’s a little further into the future – May 19th to 27th 2020 to be exact. That’s when the Campbeltown Malts Festival swings into action, which is where you’ll be able to
pick the brains of the guys from Glengyle Distillery about Kilkerran Single Malt. This little peninsula can be easily overlooked, but it is also the home of the current reigning Whisky Bar of the Year at this year’s Scottish Bar and Pub Awards, The Ardshiel Hotel. It’s definitely worth making the pilgrimage to. But if you can’t wait that long, you could always pop to the Glengyle Distillery for a tour in the meantime – and this is a special time because September to December is when they start the distillation process. Meanwhile, Belhaven Brewery has just celebrated 300 years of brewing by hosting the ‘Belhaven 300th Birthday Bash’ at its brewery in Dunbar. The festival, coupling
the very best in Scottish music and beer, was a sell out with thousands of revellers enjoying the festivities. Assynt, who were crowned Up and Coming Artist of the Year at the BBC Scotland Trad Music Awards 2018, opened the stage, getting the crowds warmed up before Kinnaris Quintet performed their dynamic and compelling live set. Revellers were also able to sample, a specially brewed birthday celebration pale ale. So where else is there to plan a visit to that’s a little closer on the horizon? The Glasgow Whisky Festival happens on November 9th at Hampden stadium, with an emphasis on both local distilleries and the city’s independent bottlers as well as celebrating 11
whisky from all of Scotland and the rest of the world too, of course. The festival is celebrating 10 years and there will be more than 70 stands featuring whisky, gin, rum, other spirits and whisky gifts. Tickets are £40. The Faffless Day of Whisky, Gin, Wine, Absinthe, Beer, Cheese, Chocolate, Live Music and Whisky lights up the Granite City on Saturday 2nd November from midday until 4pm at The Tunnels Carnegie’s Brae, Aberdeen. As well as all the food and drink there is also a DJ. Tickets start at £15. Moving further north and from October 25th to 28th is the Dornoch Whisky Festival. The festival highlights some of the most talented local makers. It’s a showcase of the local talent and what they can do, and each business’s knowledge of whisky is broad enough to answer any whisky lovers’ questions. Spread over various venues in Dornoch, it’s also a great excuse to make a 12
staycation, and some of the local hotels that are offering packages, one being Link’s House. Tickets are available from each of the participating venues and are individually priced. Finally, for south-west Scotland’s whisky lovers, Drambusters whisky Festival happens in Dumfries on November 30th – at the beautiful Easterbrook Hall within The Crichton estate. This happens to be St Andrew’s Day, and so what better way to celebrate our national saint’s day than with a tipple of our national drink. There’ll be a Master Class by Wm Grant and we know there will be some extremely special drams on offer. It’s slightly out of Dumfries town centre and there will be a bus available to ferry you all back into town from 3pm and this will run for a couple of hours. Festival tickets are £36. Here are also few upcoming beer festivals to add to your list. The first one is a festival celebrating all
that is wunderbar about German beer - Edinburgh Oktoberfest. The venue is West Princes St Gardens and it’s on from Wednesday 30th October until Sunday 3rd November, in a tent with space for 1,200 people. If you like the fun of a Beer Festival with Lederhosen, giant beer and “Schlager” music, there is a special offer for your Sunday Lunch, so you can let the entire family experience Bavarian culture for a day. Finally, why not get yourself along to the Ullapool Beer Festival from the 24th to 26th October. Hosted in the Morefield Motel, Ullapool, the festival offers a friendly ‘village’ atmosphere. As well as a great selection of wonderful beers, we also offer great food, accommodation and a relaxing break away. On the NC500, in the heart of the Highlands, there’ll be 24 Scottish breweries represented and 24 guest beers and ciders – plus a trio of musical acts to keep your toes tapping as you take it all in.
WHISKI ROOMS BAR • RESTAURANT • WHISKY SHOP Multi Award Winning Whisky Bar Fresh, local, scottish produce. Over 350 whiskies, premium wines and spirits. Daily Whisky Tastings. Private dining and events. Iconic views over Edinburgh.
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OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Cockle-warming bars are relatively easy-finds in Scotland’s cities. But where are some of our best off-the-beaten-track winter-warming whisky bars? Jason Caddy gets on the case. 14
THE ARDSHIEL HOTEL
THE ARDSHIEL HOTEL KILKERRAN RD, CAMPBELTOWN PA28 6JL CAMPBELTOWN This is a place where the heat radiating from the happy-faced regulars is evidence enough of its stature in what, after all, is officially Scotland’s Whisky Bar of the Year. And this place really is like a cathedral to the stuff and well worth the trip to Campbeltown for alone, despite its many other charms. Owners Flora and Marion and their staff are always keen to let you in on their encyclopaedic knowledge of whisky and guide you through some of the rarer bottles displayed in glass cabinets. THE BALLYGRANT INN BALLYGRANT, ISLE OF ISLAY PA45 7QR Islay is a haven for whisky lovers thanks to seven distilleries on the island and nestling among them is this gem of a winter-warming whisky bar, just outside the village of Ballygrant. There are 600 whiskies to choose from and woodburning stoves and all the other ingredients that make up a giant among whisky bars. And it really is the perfect refuge after a day’s island exploring. And you can also get a bite to eat in the restaurant, showcasing the best of Scotland’s natural larder. DORNOCH CASTLE WHISKY BAR CASTLE STREET, DORNOCH IV25 3SD DORNOCH This is a popular whisky bar twinkling with 450 bottles of the amber nectar. It has a great atmosphere with its traditional stone walls and warm wood interior. Make friends with the open 15
fire, strike up a chat with the friendly, knowledgable staff, and you could be there a while! This really is a magnificent setting and is a little bit Game of Thronse-y, being a castle and all. Should you get too warm, there’s also a lovely garden in which you take in all that crisp fresh night air. The restaurant has also been refurbished fairly recently. FIDDLER’S THE GREEN MAINSTREET, DRUMNADROCHIT, INVERNESS IV63 6TU A trip to the Fiddler’s is both heart-lifting as much as it is heart warming. Why? Because it’s family run, the service is personal and this is the place to go whether you fancy yourself as being well-versed in whisky or you’re a bit of a novice, such are the range of tastings on offer. They even do triple tastings, whereby you can choose three whiskies from different price brackets. The walls of the bar are painted a cherry red colour and all the whiskies are on show on shelves. Some 740 at the last count.
THE MEIKLEOUR ARMS
THE GEORGE HOTEL 1 MAIN ST E, INVERARAY PA32 8TT INVERARAY Imagine if Batman had festooned his Bat Cave with fairy lights and you’re somewhere close to a mental image of the bar at The George Hotel, The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards’ Sunday Mail Pub of the Year 2019. Exposed stone and open fire has warmed many a heart and defrosted many a numb finger and toe over the years, because this place takes cosy to a whole new level. Try it for a 16
spot of lunch, dinner and get a glowing red face from a post-dinner dram or two. THE GLOBE INN 56 HIGH ST, DUMFRIES DG1 2JA DUMFRIES This is where Rabbie Burns is said to have stayed and you can follow in the footsteps of our dramloving bard by savouring a few of your own in this newly-refurbished bar. Well, we say newlyrefurbished, but the changes have been subtle and sympathetic to the age of this building. You can either sit in the bar restaurant, or if you’re looking for something extra-cosy then why not slide back the door to the snug? You might even be inspired to greatness and pen some poetry too. THE MEIKLEOUR ARMS MEIKLEOUR, BLAIRGOWRIE PH2 6EB PERTHSHIRE This wonderful pub has a great big woodburning stove at its heart and usually a healthy contingent of four-legged guests that would warm even the hardest hearts. It has over 45 malts. This is also quite a stylish wee place, too, thanks to all the exposed stone, grey slate flooring, wallpaper - married with clean ‘New England’ whites and blues and greys on the walls and furniture, as well as some older landscape paintings. There’s also a lounge with another log-burning stove and Chesterfield sofas. It also has rooms and a restaurant should you want to make a weekend of it. OAK TREE INN BALMAHA, GLASGOW G63 0JQ The Oak Tree Inn sits on the banks of Loch Lomond and what will keep you warm here is the biomass heating system as well as the warm welcome from owner Sandy and his team. Yes, it’s got some serious green credentials. Hill walkers and international tourists flock to this place so it’s popular and when it’s raining they’re often all cheek by jowl in the bar – or the ice-cream cafe a few doors down. It has a good selection of whisky and lots of old grandfather clocks, none of which work, so you can let time melt away as the ice melts in your dram.
Award winning whisky bar with over 700 malts. Restaurant offering Scottish food made from the best regional ingredients. Whisky tastings and food matching arranged.
G&M CONNOISSEURS CHOICE WHISKY BAR OF THE YEAR 2019 2019
The judge’s said: “Connoisseurs of whisky wouldn’t be disappointed in the whisky bar at Ardshiel Hotel – a superb range of whisky coupled with well-trained staff who have an incredible knowledge – makes this a whisky lover’s delight. The ability to organise interesting whisky tastings and events is also a bonus for regulars and visitors alike.”
Kilkerran Road, Campbeltown, Argyll PA28 6JL Tel: 01586 552133 info@ardshiel.co.uk
www.ardshiel.co.uk
FACEBOOK .COM /A R DSHIELHOTEL
NAUTICUS BUT NICE This month we catch up with Kyle Jamieson, the co-owner of whisky bar, Nauticus, in Leith. He’s also been a whisky brand ambassador in his time.
INTERVIEW
How long have you worked in hospitality and how did you get into it? I started working in a bar called the Antiquary in Stockbridge when I was 18 and studying photography. The studying didn’t last long but I continued to manage the bar. I did a few other random construction jobs around the bar work, too. Then I moved to Melbourne in 2009 and that got me more focused on the hospitality industry. I worked in various bars, restaurants, and cafes over a couple of years with a fantastic group of Australians. This set me up for moving back to Edinburgh where I continued managing bars until we opened Nauticus last year. What do you love about your job? I love the day-to-day service, seeing happy customers and meeting new people. I’ve been fortunate enough to constantly work with amazing individuals in every bar I’ve managed, which is always inspiring. Then, over the years, I’ve also been able to travel with work which has also been great. Whisky is a big focus at Nauticus. Why did you go down this route? I’ve always been a huge fan of whisky and always travelled to distilleries when I can. Around four years ago I went to manage The Devils Advocate, which got me really involved as they have one of the biggest whisky selections in Edinburgh. Before opening Nauticus (with Iain McPherson) we always chatted about whisky being our main focus as well as Scottish produce. 19
INTERVIEW I think our selection also stands out at the bar because we have arranged it by style and flavour. Each one is presented in sections: Light, Rich, Finish, Smoky, and Other - which is a little different but seems to work, especially with customers who are not sure which flavour profile they are in the mood for. It’s also great for people who are new to drinking whisky. What did you enjoy about your time as a Brand Ambassador? I did six months’ brand support with Dewars whisky. This involved creating drinks for an activation called the Dewars Hotel. It involved lots of travel but I think after doing that I realised that I enjoyed the bar side more - and service aspect. Many of my friends work on the brand side and I deal with them daily. What is your all-time favourite dram? That’s a question I’ve always found tough to answer because it always depends on my mood and what flavours I’m after. A few favourite distilleries are Arran, Springbank, and Bunnahabhain - plus a lot of the independent bottlers are bottling amazing liquid also, guys like the Thompson Bros, Carn Mor and James Eadie. Where did you go for your last drink and who were you with? I went to The Black Cat on Edinburgh’s Rose street with my dad for a couple of drams. Do have just collaborated with Glenglassaugh to celebrate your first birthday... why? We have always wanted to do our own full cask after our first collaboration with Royal Mile Whisky and Arran went down so
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well. It took a while and lots of tasting sessions but we thought the Glenglassaugh style suited us - especially with the full 8 years in Sauternes cask. This ties in with Leith’s wine-trading history. How do you feel about whisky cocktails? Any favourites? I’m a huge fan of whisky in cocktails and mixing up classics. At Nauticus, we have a full chapter of whisky cocktails including our Porridge Colada and a modern twist on a classic Whisky Mac. Favourites would be a simple whisky highball, to be honest. I, of course, went through years of drinks Old fashions, Rob Roys, etc but I’m more of a simple taste man in my old age! What do you drink when you’re off the clock? Very simple really. I’m a pint of Tennent’s and a whisky man - and perhaps a highball to mix it up. What do you do in your free time to wind down? If I manage to get any free evenings then I’ll be cooking. I love to cook just as much as I love creating cocktails and always try and tie in the cooking side with the drinks side. What was the last holiday you went on? Try any new whiskies there? My last holiday which wasn’t work would be Amsterdam, a city which I try and visit at least once every year. I didn’t try any new whiskies but I tied some great whisky cocktails made by my good friend, Sebastian, who works at the Jitterbug Saloon. Seb recently won the Chivas Masters Cocktail competition so he was trying out his creations on us.
Iain McPhers on
• Award-winning food and real ales. • Locally sourced food, served all day - every day. • Offering a wide range of whiskies, real ales, cocktails & wines. • Live music every weekend. • 17 quirky hotel bedrooms.
Main St East, Inveraray, Argyll PA32 8TT Tel: 01499 302111 www.thegeorgehotel.co.uk
GLENFIDDICH FESTIVAL
The two-day Glenfiddich Festival is a big ‘thank you’ to the nation’s bartenders and this, the third year, saw Glenfiddich open its Speyside distillery doors to more than 1,200 members of the hospitality industry from the UK, and for the first time, to international attendees. Among the headliners were Franz Ferdinand and Twin Atlantic. Here are some snaps from it.
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NEWS
CONGRATS TO ARDSHIEL Wee Dram favourite, The Ardshiel Hotel, in Campbeltown, scooped the ‘Connoisseurs Choice Whisky Bar’ award at year’s Scottish Bar and Pub Awards, which were held at the Hilton hotel in Glasgow. This whisky lovers’ heaven almost creaks under the amount of whisky on offer, all carefully curated by owners, Flora and Marion. The judges said of The Ardshiel, “Connoisseurs of whisky wouldn’t be disappointed in the whisky bar at Ardshiel Hotel, a superb range of whisky coupled with well-trained staff who have an incredible knowledge, making this a whisky lover’s delight.” The George Hotel, another whisky lovers’ favourite, was also named ‘The Sunday Mail Pub of the Year’, the biggest accolade of all at the awards which are run by our sister magazine, DRAM.
GAME OF THRONES LIVES ON IN WHISKY
THE MACALLAN DISTILLERY AND VISITOR EXPERIENCE WINS TOP ARCHITECTURAL AWARD The architects behind The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience in Speyside, Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) have been recognised for their work on the new distillery. The architects were the recipients of the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award from the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) for the building. Each year since 2002, the award has celebrated the best building in Scotland in memory of its founder and patron Andrew Doolan. The judges said about the project “The attention to detail and the consistency and control of aesthetic decisions in this building is incredibly impressive. A worthy winner.” The owners and client, Edrington,
wanted a building that could reveal the production processes of their exceptional Single Malt Scotch Whisky and welcome visitors while respecting the idyllic landscape of the Speyside region. Toby Jeavons, Associate Partner and Project Architect of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners said “We are thrilled that The Macallan distillery has been awarded the Doolan for 2019. It was an incredible project to have been a part of and which was only possible due to our forwardlooking and ambitious client in The Macallan. A sustainable response to a fascinating and challenging brief in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes.”
If you’re suffering from serious Game of Thrones withdrawal symptoms now that the series has ended, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can relive all the drama by raising a Johnnie Walker limited edition celebrating its legacy. There are three of them actually, based on the houses of Westeros - House Stark and House Targaryen – and are successors to the White Walker by Johnnie Walker limited edition blend launched in 2018. From House Stark comes A Song of Ice, from House Targaryen A Song of Fire. Together, the two whiskies celebrate the relationship between the houses, represented by their house sigils – the Direwolf and the Dragon – adorning each bottle.
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WHISKYNEWS BARS THE BALMORAL RECOGNISED AS TOP HOTEL IN EUROPE BY THE READERS OF CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER US
Scotland is punching above its weight when it comes to the best hotels in the land. Condé Nast Traveler US has ranked The Balmoral, in Edinburgh as the top hotel in Europe after it was voted for by the magazine’s readers. The hotel, which also boasts a great whisky bar, was ranked #1 in the top 35 hotels in Europe/UK
while The Fife Arms in Braemar and Cromlix House in Kinbuck and Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh The Caledonian, also made it into the Top 10. More than 600,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the globe submitted a recording-breaking number of responses rating their travel experiences to provide a
full snapshot of where and how we travel today. The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longestrunning and most prestigious recognition of excellence and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel.” The Balmoral’s General Manager, Richard Cooke, said of the award, “We are deeply honoured to be so highly rated by the readers of Condé Nast US. The US market is very important to The Balmoral and one we truly enjoy working with, thus this recognition means a great deal to us. “We are delighted that Scotland has been received in this way by our US guests. Our team are always striving to enhance and renovate our legacy building to ensure that we are at the very forefront of British hospitality and are showcasing what the city of Edinburgh has to offer, providing each guest who walks through our door a unique and inspiring stay.”
OVER 250 MALTS ON OFFER GREAT LOCAL FOOD - ALL DAY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY DAY CITY CENTRE LOCATION BESPOKE WHISKY TASTINGS 57 Cochrane Street, George Square, Glasgow G1 1HL
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A& DI
MARKET IN G
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OF THE YE AR
PIPER BAR
BEST ME
Tel: 0141 552 1740 www.thepiperbar.com
LD AWARD GO
Campbeltown's Glengyle distillery is in production September to December this year distilling Kilkerran single malt, making this the ideal time to head to the town to see the process in action. For the remainder of the year the team distils at sister distillery, Springbank. History was in the making when Glengyle started production in 2004, becoming Scotland’s first distillery of the millennium. The original Glengyle Distillery was opened by William Mitchell in 1872 and continued operating until 1925. William was brother of John Mitchell who founded Springbank Distillery in 1828. This year marks the distillery’s 15th anniversary distilling Kilkerran single malt and to celebrate they are releasing a selection of single casks which were all distilled in the first few months of production. This range of single casks all spent 10 years in their respective casks - port, olorosso and madeira to name a few - and were then re-racked into re-fill bourbon casks for five years. It’s certainly an interesting twist on maturation thanks to that uncommon bourbon finish. Although production is limited, they have a growing product range, with the Kilkerran 12yo being its flagship whisky, a yearly release of a special edition Kilkerran 8yo Cask Strength and the new "Peat in Progress" - an ongoing experiment of the Kilkerran Heavily Peated.
The people behind the whisky tell us that they are very much looking forward to next year when they’ll be releasing Kilkerran 16yo, a new addition to the core range. And speaking of next year, in May 2020 the distillery celebrates its success by being part of the Campbeltown Malts festival - from the 19th-22nd May. On Thursday 21st May, Springbank Distillery will host a range of tastings, live music and an exquisite whisky bar. On Friday 22nd May, Glengyle distillery hosts tastings at the distillery, local music and food and will release a special bottling of Kilkerran, as they do every festival, and which is only available for purchase in Campbeltown (a special treat for those who make the journey). The re-opening of Glengyle distillery not only restored the distillery to its former glory but also ensured Campbeltown’s status as a whisky region that’s a must-see for all lovers of our national drink. And Campbeltown is definitely back on the map. Recently restoring their Art Nouveau style Campbeltown Picture House, one of the earliest surviving purpose-built cinemas in the UK. Campbeltown is also home to Scotland’s current reigning Scottish Bar & Pub Awards’ Whisky Bar of the Year, The Ardshiel Hotel.
Tours of
Springbank and Glengyle Distilleries Tickets available from: DISTILLERY SHOP
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Telephone: 01586 555468 / Email: tours@springbank.scot
NEWS
DISCOVERING DUNDEE Dundee is the city that’s been on everyone’s lips over the last 12 months and it’s certainly living up to its tagline ‘City of Discovery’. Penny Devlin reports
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THE WINE PRESS
undee for many years has been known as the city of the three Js - Jute Jam and Journalism. But just over a year ago, the V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum, opened in the city and as the only Victoria and Albert museum outside London, it has been attracting world-wide interest. Perhaps now it is time to add V&A in too. Particularly since it contributed to the fact that Dundee last year was included in a list of top European destinations. The Scottish city was the only UK entry on the list. Dundee is the fourth-largest city
in Scotland and encompasses Broughty Ferry, once referred to as the richest square mile in Europe. There is some dispute over the origin of its name but it is Celtic and it likely translates as – Dun – a ‘fortified place/fort.’ Some Gaelic speakers refer to the city as Dùn Dè - ‘the fort of God’. Some say it also translates as ‘the fort of the Tay’. The fort in question is The Law – the 400 million-year-old extinct volcano is a popular landmark for locals and visitors alike in the centre of Dundee which can be easily accessed on foot. The reference to Jute comes from 29
GALLERY 48 the fact that Dundee was known as the city of the jute industry because it was a world leader at providing it – indeed in the American Civil war, it provided sacks to both sides. Dundee marmalade was the jam launched by James Keiller in the 1790s from a cargo of Seville oranges – today it may no longer be made in Dundee, but it is still famous the world over. The final J is journalism and Dundee newspaper company D.C. Thomson, was founded in 1905 and produces more than 200 million magazines, newspapers, and comics per year. The Sunday Post was at one point the world’s most popular newspaper according to the Guinness Book of Records in 1978. You may have seen a few of the company’s iconic ‘Oor Wullie’ statues around Scotland this summer – some 200 in total. They were created especially as part of Oor Wullie’s BIG Bucket Trail and they are been auctioned off for charity. But back to the V&A. Since it opened has attracted half a million visitors and its popularity has also also led to an appetite for Dundee’s other tourism attractions including Discovery Point, which is right next to the V&A and which has as its 30
centerpiece the RRS Discovery, the ship that took Scott and Shakleton on the expedition to the Antartic in 1901, as well as the McManus Art Gallery & Museum. But if you are going to Dundee then why not go for an overnight. Then you can take in some of the great bars and restaurants - and there are some great hotels too. For cocktail lovers there is Draffens, a small speakeasy, located on Couttie’s Wynd; it is called by some Dundee’s “Secret Bar”. But not for long. Wine is definitely on the menu at The Wine Press, on
INNIS & GUNN BREWERY AND TAPROOM
Shore Terrace and Charcuterie sharing boards are the perfect accompaniment to a glass or two. If beer is your preference Dundee has a variety of good bars but the Innis & Gunn Brewery and Taproom is hard to beat, offering 50 craft beers and tank fresh lager. The Taybridge Bar offers a fine selection of whisky, it’s a real traditional Scottish bar on Perth Road. Live music aficionados should head along to Clarks on Lindsay Street. This award-winning venue regularly plays host to an eclectic range of artists, from established to emerging artists, both touring and local. On the food front, there is also tapas at Gallery 48, as well as art – it doubles up as a small art gallery, and if you are in the vicinity of Broughty Ferry Sol y Sombra Tapas Bar gets a great write up. As does The Tayberry which is a more modern fine dining experience, also in Broughty Ferry. For lunch or brunch, there is the White Goose – which also does amazing cheesecake and Bubu which offers a variety of Meditteranean dishes to eat in or take out. There is an abundance of new hotels to choose from and old favourites too. The new ones include Hotel Indigo, set in a
Kidd, known simply as Captain Kidd, was also born in Dundee. He was a Scottish sailor who was tried and executed for piracy. But there are now plans afoot to get him a pardon. This whistlestop tour of Dundee is just that. So why not visit the city yourself and find out more. You could also get a hold of our ‘ Wee Guide to Dundee’ which has plenty of other suggestions of places to eat and drink.
TAYBERRY former textile mill, and the Sleeperz Hotel at the waterfront. The Apex Hotel and the Malmaison are also a stone’s throw from the V&A. And talking of the V&A – admission is free, although some exhibitions are chargeable but showing at the moment are Studio Nicholas Daley, Ciara Phillips, and Maeve Redmond. But there’s always plenty going on so its best to check the website www.vam.ac.uk/dundee/whatson And to whet your appetite even further here are a few historical
facts. Dundee was the birthplace of James Chalmers, inventor of the adhesive postage stamp who was born in the city in 1782. In 1832 Lindsay Bowman sent the first wireless radio broadcast from Dundee and of course, there is William McGonagall – reportedly Scotland’s worst poet. The word ‘Beatlemania’ was also coined in Dundee – by concert promoter Andy Lothian after organizing an early series of successful performances for the band. William
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GIFTS
Hotel Chocolat Whisky Truffles £3.95 www.hotelchocolat.com/uk
Peaky Blinders Whisky £25 www.debenhams.com
For your favourite family member of pal that loves chocolate and of course whisky. Merge two loves together with a shot of 12 year old single malt nestled in a soft chocolate truffle.
An Irish whiskey finished in Sherry casks, it’s the perfect gift for a Peaky Blinders fanatic to accompany a binge watch over the festive period.
GIFTING Ridley’s - Whisky Lovers Jigsaw Puzzle £16 www.amara.com
Playing Cards with a difference £10 www.whitestuff.com
The perfect rainy-day activity for whisky lovers, this 500 piece jisaw puzzle features a collection of whisky regions, tasting notes and cocktails.
A deck of cards featuring all things whisky, from regions to cocktails. The pefect game for after Christmas dinner.
Accessory & Tasting Kit £34.99 www.gettingpersonal.co.uk For the budding whisky connoisseur - a tasting kit with everything you need to become a whisky connoisseur, minus the tipple. Includes tumblers, coasters, whisky stones and a notebook. 32
WHISKY COCKTAILS
Why should cocktails be confined to summer when there are so many wonderful whisky ones to try. Here’s a selection, including three from bars participating in Edinburgh Cocktail Week.
LIVE NAKED
NORTH STORM
THE PINK DAHLIA
COURTESY OF TONIC
COURTESY OF GLASSHOUSE HOTEL
THE WHISKI ROOMS
INGREDIENTS:
INGREDIENTS:
Famous Grouse Whisky
Johnnie Walker Double Black Label
Malic Acid Ginger Syrup Sparkling wine
Apricot Liqueur Pineapple juice Lemon juice Bitters Fennel Syrup
INGREDIENTS: Johnnie Walker Black Label Hibiscus & Pink Peppercorn Syrup Cardamom infused Martini Rubino Leon juice Egg white
WINTER WHISKY SOUR INGREDIENTS: • 2 1/2 oz rye whiskey • 1 oz fresh lemon juice • 1/2 oz rich brown sugar simple syrup • 1 tsp Cynar • 1 egg white • Directions METHOD: Combine all ingredients, shake, add ice, then shake again. Strain into a coupe glass, and garnish with grated allspice berry.
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What’s On? October 25 - October 28
Dornoch Whisky Festival The festival highlights some of the most talented local makers. It’s a showcase of the local talent and what they can do, and each business’s knowledge of whisky is broad enough to answer any whisky lovers’ questions. Spread over various venues in Dornoch, the festival allows guests to get a feel for each business and learn more about them in their own environment. This year’s venues include Dornoch Castle Hotel, The Carnegie Whisky Cellars, The Eagle Hotel, Thompson Bros Distillers, Royal Dornoch Golf Club and last but not least, Links House at Royal Dornoch. Tickets: Individually priced by venue dornochwhiskyfestival.com 20 November
Scotch Whisky Training School
354 Castlehill The Royal Mile Edinburgh EH1 2NE Held in the Scotch Whisky Experience, this popular day-long whisky training is the perfect way to brush up on all things Scotch. Tickets: £225 scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk 9 November
Glasgow Whisky Festival
Hampden Park Glasgow G42 9BA The 11th annual whisky festival held at Hampden Stadium not only highlights the best of Glasgow’s distilleries, but celebrates drams from across Scotland. There will be over 70 stands featuring whisky, gin, rum and other spirits all within Scotland’s national stadium. Tickets: £40 glasgowswhiskyfestival.com 34
30 November
Drambusters Whisky Festival
The Easterbrook Hall Dumfries The 9th instalment will be particularly spirited, being held on St Andrews Day no less. Kicking off with a master class hosted by William Grant at 1pm, the day promises whisky lovers the chance to meet the makers and sample the best drams as well as some other spirits. Tickets: £36 drambusters.com/ whisky-festival 28 November
The Vaults: Novembrr Winter Warmers
The Vaults 87 Giles Street Edinburgh EH6 6BZ Take a break from Christmas shopping to enjoy a warming supper, SMWS drams dug up especially for this evening. The flavour focus will be on deep, rich and dried fruits, very popular at SMWS. Tickets: www.smws.com/ novembrr-winter-warmers 30 November
St Andrews Day Whisky Dinner with Douglas Laing 278 West George Street Glasgow G2 4LL David McCalum of Douglas Laing will be hosting a 3 course Scottish meal and interactive whisky masterclass at Malmaison. Tickets: £35 20 December
Chivas Whisky Tasting 354 Castlehill The Royal Mile Edinburgh EH1 2NE
A free tasting from the Chivas portfolio in the on-site shop of the Scotch Whisky Experience. Tickets: FREE www.scotchwhisky experience.co.uk Running throughout winter:
Whisky Tour and Tasting
Megget’s Cellar Blair Street Edinburgh A tour through the Edinburgh Old Town focussing on the growth of one of the world’s biggest whisky producers. The tour concludes with a candle-lit whisky tasting. Tickets: £30 mercattours.com/view-tour/ tour--whisky-tasting 25th January 2020
The National Whisky Festival of Scotland Glasgow Edition
SWG3, 100 Eastvale Place, Glasgow Celebrating Scotland’s national drink, and the fundamental effect it has on the nation’s culture. There are generally 30-50 exhibitors and there’s never an extra charge for tasting - they’re all included in the ticket price. This is about having fun and celebrating our national drink together in great company. And while you don’t have to wear even an inch of tartan - they wouldn’t say no to a kilt or two! Tickets £38.50 25 January 2020
Chinese New Year at the Scotch Whisky Experience
354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile Edinburgh EH1 2NE Scottish tapas plates with a Chinese twist will be served up along with a whisky cocktail to toast the New Year. Tickets: FREE scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
GLENCAIRN GLASS OFFER Get a FREE Glencairn Glass with your order, when you use the code WEEDRAM at the checkout. Valid on orders in 2019, one use per customer.
With a wide collection of Whisky, Gins and Liqueurs, ranging from rare exclusives to standard collections, there’s something for everyone. Worldwide shipping available
www.thegreenwellystop.co.uk Tel: 01301 702084 Address: The Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum, Scotland, FK20 8RY
BENROMACH.COM
gorgeous a wisp of smoke.
A SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT BEAUTIFULLY BALANCED WITH TM