Meet Alan Clarke, head chef at Maryculter House

I signed up for a professional cookery course when I was 16 or 17. At 21, I joined Ardoe House where I was the runner up in the group’s global competition for young chefs. I worked at Skye’s The Three Chimneys, before heading back to the Ardoe and then moving to Maryculter House Hotel.

When I’m not in the kitchen, Finley, our baby, and our new house keep me busy, though I still like to get out and about when time allows.

At Maryculter House, we change the menus every three or four weeks to make the most of seasonal produce. We have six starters, six main courses and six desserts, each of which involves a lot of different elements.

As a chef, I’m always interested in food. Some of the best I’ve ever eaten would be from Michael Smith, of Loch Bay in Skye. His Orbost skink is amazing, though the weirdest thing I’ve tried was during a blind taste test. Let’s just say you’ll never find dried crispy spiders on the menu here!

Maryculter House, South Deeside Road, Aberdeen Tel: 01224 732124 maryculterhouse.com

STRAWBERRIES 500g Castleton strawberries 60g caster sugar 14g water 30g butter 1tsp lemon juice FOR THE TOPPING 80g plain flour 50g caster sugar 20g brown sugar 55g butter CRÈME ANGLAISE 150ml double cream 150ml full fat milk 5ml vanilla extract 4 egg yolks 75g granulated sugar

METHOD

Crumble topping Pre-heat the oven to 160oC (fan-assisted) or 180oC (no fan). Rub the butter into the flour until you get a breadcrumbs texture. Mix through both sugars and then spread the mixture evenly onto greaseproof paper on a flat tray. Bake in the oven at 160oC for eight minutes.

Then use a cookie cutter roughly the size of a saucer and cut through it while still warm. Put back in the oven for a further three minutes to fully cook the crumble disk, remove from oven, set aside and allow to cool

Crème anglaise Put the cream, milk, and vanilla extract into a small saucepan and bring to a slow boil. Then whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until its paste like. Once the liquid has boiled, slowly add the egg and sugar paste and whisk continuously until it thickens. Once thickened remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Strawberries (make once crumble disks are made) Make a caramel with the caster sugar, water and butter in a small saucepan on a high heat. Add strawberries and lemon juice, then heat through again. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

PLATING

Spoon strawberries and caramel into the base of a bowl and place the crumble dish on top. Serve with the warm custard.

Historically, Aberdeen has been the home to some of the most influential and famous whisky companies over the last 200 years. However, there may be a case that the Aberdeen’s Whisky history books go back much further and a new chapter is about to be written.

Ardent Spirits, the company behind Burn o’Bennie Distillery in Banchory, is about the launch a new range of independently bottled whiskies. There has been an exciting renaissance in the Scotch Whisky industry but looking to lead that renaissance in Scotland’s third most populous city is Ardent Spirits. As well as bottling single cask whiskies and rums, Ardent Spirits also began producing its future whisky at its new Burn o’Bennie Distillery, based in Banchory the gateway to Royal Deeside. Burn o’Bennie has recently expanded and will now have the capability to produce over 400,000 litres a year.

In 2019, researchers from the University of Aberdeen found records from 1505 proving there was a still for making ‘aquavite’ (Middle Scots word for ‘Water of Life’ referring to Whisky) in the city’s UNESCO records. Although not the first reference to whisky (that was in 1494), it is the earliest mention of a still used to distil a spirit for consumption.

In far more recent history, Scotch whisky lovers will be aware of the Chivas Brothers opening their Aberdeen

emporium after being fascinated by the world of taste and smell. This emporium was the start of one of the most sought after Blended Scotch Whiskies in the world, Chivas Regal.

As well as the industry giants Chivas Regal having been born in Aberdeen, the independent bottlers William Cadenhead Ltd was founded in 1842 and was in the ownership of the same family until it was taken over by the well-known Campbeltown firm of J & A Mitchell & Co. Ltd who own Springbank Distillery. The home of Cadenhead’s was in the Netherkirkgate area of Aberdeen and operated there for 130 years of their trading.

Ardent Spirits is a company full of whisky geeks that aim to breath some fresh air into the industry and looks to revitalise Aberdeen’s strong whisky heritage as well as represent the local Aberdeen community. Aberdeen is home to some of the most revered academic establishments as well as hosts of the only street art festival in Scotland. Ali Baxter says that “The whisky industry can seem like a very serious and daunting place at times, we want to create a brand in which everyone is welcome, and we can have a laugh. Let’s make whisky fun again!”

Much like the city of Aberdeen itself, Ardent Spirits looks to tie the traditional with the modern and add a fresh new perspective on the industry.

Ardent will be releasing their inaugural bottling later on this year, a 2012 Caol Ila matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry, which combines the aromatic smokiness of the Islay spirit with the rich sweetness of the PX sherry cask. To receive more information, please visit ardentspirits.co.uk/shop

Alistair Baxter, Brand Director of Ardent Spirits, discusses the opportunities surrounding whisky investment – why it’s appealing to buy whisky from a distillery rather than a broker, the process of owning a cask and why some people just want to enjoy a bottle from their investment on a special occasion.

What is “Whisky Investment”?

Whisky investment covers a wide range of products within the whisky industry. It could be that someone has bought a bottle to save for a rainy day and it has gained value over the years and they look to make a small profit on an auction site. However, it could be more tactical investments such as in casks of whisky, or collections.

Whisky is for drinking, so why invest?

For years, cars were simply a mode of transportation getting you from A to B, but as interest grows in any sector, so do the avenues for individuals and businesses to look to make a career out of their passion.

Can you actually make money investing in whisky? I have read some big claims, it seems too good to be true?

We would always recommend doing due diligence. There are some fantastic Whisky Brokers out there! However, being a distillery, it is easier for us to show you first hand our process, as well as sitting down and chatting through any concerns face-to-face.

I have always wanted to buy a cask of Whisky, does it have to be an investment?

Of course not! Your cask of whisky is yours to enjoy. That may be for bottling for a significant anniversary, or to enjoy with family and friends.

There is an element of risk with any investment. However, the folks over at ‘Rare Whisky 101’ have data showing the incredible rise the whisky bottle market has seen over the last decade.

CURIOUS DISPOSITION

Ingredients:

Tequila | Aperol | Blood Orange | Rose Wine & Coriander

Flavour Profile: Bitter & Fresh

A slightly bitter but refreshing cocktail with strong hits of orange throughout. A great and playful twist on the classic Margarita and Aperol Spritz .

orchidcocktails.com