Scotsman Whisky Blog

Pot Still launches women only tasting sessions

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:28:14 GMT

A wiser man than me once told me that he had only two vices; women and whisky. After which he’d produce a sly smile and inform me that he wasn’t sure which he had found to be more dangerous.

Sean Murphy: meet the new owners of the Pot Still

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:11:38 GMT

The old adage of Murphy's Law, created by my late, great uncle General Audey Murphy (unconfirmed family tie at time of writing) reads 'if it can go wrong, it probably will and at the worst possible time.'

175 years and still counting: a very independent Scottish distillery

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:41:19 GMT

Glenfarclas Distillery celebrated a unique milestone in its long history last year, having been owned by the Grants of Glenfarclas since the family signed the tenancy for Rechlerich Farm on 8th June 1865. As part of the transaction, the distillery was purchased for the princely sum of £511.19s.0d by John Grant, great, great grandfather of John L.S. Grant, the present Glenfarclas chairman.

Glenmorangie adds third whisky to Private Edition range

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:41:14 GMT

THE Glenmorangie Company has unveiled a groundbreaking new whisky called Artein, the Gaelic word for ‘stone.’

Competition: win a two night stay at the Craigellachie Hotel

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:46:31 GMT

www.spiritofstirlingwhiskyfestival.co.uk is delighted to have Hotel Connexions as one of our partners in the inaugural Stirling whisky festival. Hotel Connexions is the premier short breaks booking agency, consistently offering the very best rates on three, four and five star hotels in the UK and Ireland.

'Tailor-made sessions lead drinkers on a jourey'

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:15:22 GMT

FIRST impressions are of some sort of curious museum, with row upon row of cabinets lining the gallery, each encasing its precious exhibit behind glass.

Glen Garioch visits Rugby World Cup in New Zealand

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:37:59 GMT

When the good people at Glen Garioch Distillery in the village of Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire (now owned by Morrison Bowmore), found out someone from the Ealain Gallery whisky shop andamp; Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival was popping over to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup, they suggested I take something to do a tasting.

Sean Murphy: learning tact and tradition - and my first tasting

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:57:39 GMT

The following blog is the first one bereft of my mentor Kenny and like my life, is all the poorer for it. I guess this is as good a time as any to do what I should've done earlier and dedicate this to Kenny, who sadly passed away last year. If you didn't know the man then you've missed out and if you did well, that which I write here will have significance to you. I hope that the next time you raise a Glencairn; be it filled with a malt, blend or Bourbon, that you'll say a toast to him. Thank you.

Dalmore distillery opens new visitor centre

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:27:57 GMT

The Dalmore distillery has launched an exclusive bottling to mark the opening of its new visitor centre.

Cameron McCann: profile of Tomatin distillery

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:55:46 GMT

You will find Tomatin Distillery just south of Inverness on the A9. Those familiar with this stretch of road may remember when the Little Chef sat overlooking the junction or, perhaps like me, you remember it as where you’ve collected a few speeding tickets.

Cameron McCann: Tomatin launch ‘Decades’

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:58:52 GMT

The Decades bottling is a special limited edition from Tomatin Distillery to celebrate the 50 years service of current Master Distiller Douglas Campbell. Douglas joined Tomatin in 1961 and worked in several areas of the distillery before moving into his current role in 2008. ‘Decades’ is born out of this loyalty and longevity.

From illicit beginnings to its unique approach today, Glenrothes has always strived to be different

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:27:48 GMT

The history of distilling in Scotland is filled with stories of illicit stills and anecdotes lauding those who outsmarted the detested excise men.

Sean Murphy: Shackleton - a story over 100 years in the making

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:45:29 GMT

I love whisky. The story of Shackleton and his whisky which has all the hallmarks of a story dreamed up by Hollywood, it has to perfectly encapsulate why I love it so much.

Cameron McCann: New distillery for a new website

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:40:24 GMT

Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival’s look at Abhainn Dearg Distillery, Isle of Lewis

Blog: Introducing the Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:31:14 GMT

Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival is delighted to be involved in writing for the Scotsman Whisky over the coming months.

Why not to drink whisky with ice

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:09:09 GMT

The perfect serve. Three words guaranteed to get any barman in a sweat.

Archaeologists' finds put Highland glen at hub of illicit whisky industry

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:32:18 GMT

ARCHAEOLOGISTS have uncovered dramatic evidence that one of the most remote glens in the Highlands was a major centre for the production of illicit whisky at the height of the illegal trade in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Stirling to host first whisky festival

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:50:19 GMT

Stirling is set to host its first ever large-scale whisky festival next summer.

Win a bottle of whisky signed by Jesus - well almost!

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:55:52 GMT

Whisky enthusiasts are being given a one off opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit as part of a special auction which includes a bottle of 10 year old Jura signed by Jesus Christ.

Sean Murphy: Malt barley and water

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:32:48 GMT

Once at university I was in a class that was being taught by a motivational speaker. andquot;You are all winnersandquot; he cried out.

Darroch Ramsay's top ten drams to have in your drinks cabinet

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:25:16 GMT

As a brand ambassador working throughout Europe, I’ve had the opportunity to try some amazing different drams from all parts of the world. I have always endeavoured to not to be conceited about what I drink and I judge each whisky or whiskey on its own merits, regardless of category, country or age.

Tweeddale Blend launches second batch

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:06:04 GMT

An email from Alastair Day over the weekend revealed that the next batch of the Tweeddale blend will be in the shops as of this week.

Visiting Dr Bill Lumsden, the creator of Glenmorangie expressions

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 13:46:40 GMT

My visit to his Edinburgh base is to witness the unveiling of Lumsden's latest whisky, the culmination of 28 years of passion and artistry. However before the big reveal, Lumsden takes us on a sensory journey.

Win a rare bottle of Jura

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:37:52 GMT

Scotsman Whisky is delighted to offer its readers the chance to win a bottle of Jura Boutique Barrel 1996 vintage.

A rewarding experience awaits whisky enthusiasts on Jura

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:34:39 GMT

It's only a ten-minute journey in a raft-like boat to Jura but only a small, albeit growing, band of whisky enthusiasts make the trip across during the annual Islay whisky festival.

Tales from the 'still - the distillation of a whisky barman

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:38:31 GMT

So what was your first whisky experience? Mine was like losing my virginity. Awkward and not very enjoyable. When I was younger an uncle had offered me a Whyte andamp; Mackay one Hogmanay.

Jura Webchat transcript

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:50:54 GMT

Scotsman Whisky held a webchat with distillery manager Willie Cochrane and ambassador Willie Tait on Thursday. Below is a transcript of the event.

Scotch Whisky Experience blog: Enthusiasm for Scotch course announced

Tue, 31 May 2011 10:41:34 GMT

Still searching for the ideal Father’s day gift? With only 2 weeks to go, time is running out to find the perfect gift! If you want to find something that you know your dad will love and something that you haven’t given him before then your search is over! Why not purchase our ‘Enthusiasm for Scotch’ half day course? The course is taking place on Sunday 10 July, so you dad doesn’t have to wait long!

Scottish whisky events 2011

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:49:36 GMT

Welcome to Scotsman Whisky's events guide. Here you will find events running throughout year that are dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of our national drink.

Live webchat at the Jura whisky festival

Thu, 12 May 2011 16:55:04 GMT

If you're not amongst the army of Diurachs making the pilgrimage to Jura for the distiller's annual whisky festival then why not let us take you there?

Charity Malts and Cocktails Soirée III event scheduled

Tue, 24 May 2011 12:30:34 GMT

In the aftermath of the 2011 Edinburgh Marathon, Scotch Malt Whisky Society Ambassador Craig Johnstone andamp; Maxxium UK Mixologist Patsy Christie have organised a charity Malts andamp; Cocktails Soirée III.

Chef Tom Kitchin's whisky-inspired recipes

Mon, 23 May 2011 21:03:26 GMT

WHISKY is Scotland's national drink. I love that people have their individual preferences as to variety and ways to enjoy it. Personally, I most appreciate whisky in its natural state and simply add a splash of water to open up the flavours.

Whisky from the freezer? The Snow Grouse is launched

Thu, 19 May 2011 17:29:53 GMT

The Famous Grouse chose the Arctic room, complete with iceberg, of Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh for the UK launch of The Snow Grouse - the first Scotch whisky specially designed to be served from the freezer.

Review: The Naked Grouse

Tue, 17 May 2011 16:11:13 GMT

These are not easy times for the whisky drinker on a moderate pay packet.

The Black Grouse

Thu, 12 May 2011 16:11:38 GMT

It is a scene of sexual bravado which takes place in pubs and clubs the country every weekend. Young alpha-males spruce themselves up, adopt a gallas-like persona and attempt to woo the opposite sex through some elaborate dance moves.

Isle of Jura

Wed, 11 May 2011 14:06:58 GMT

Seated off the west coast of Scotland and tucked into the Inner Hebrides, Jura is famed for its cultural history, vibrant wildlife and its whisky.

Wholly smoke: enjoy a puff in relaxation

Tue, 10 May 2011 17:55:11 GMT

Wholly smoke: enjoy a puff in relaxation Surrounded by luxury, you sit back in a sumptuous leather chair in front of a roaring fire and smoke some of the world’s finest cigars… welcome to the smokeasy.

Scotch Whisky Experience: An enthusiasm for Scotch

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:47:15 GMT

Scotch Whisky Experience followed by a dram and Scottish tapas. One of our specially trained Whisky tasting team will take you through the differences between Scotch Whisky and some other world renowned drinks before you embark on a sensory perception journey where we will test your nose on some everyday aromas. Finish the day with a tutored tasting of 4 specially selected malt whiskies.

Sampling the Dalmore Aurora under the auspices of the Northern Lights

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:05:34 GMT

The Aurora Borealis or in less Latin-sounding lingo the Northern Lights are a curious yet fascinating phenomenon.

Discovering Glenfiddich's extended distillery tours

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:55:51 GMT

Stepping inside warehouse number one at Glenfiddich distillery is like taking a walk back through history. On the floor of the cool, dark storeroom sits barrel after barrel of Scotch whisky in rows, maturing until it’s ready to be poured into the firm’s distinctive triangular bottles.

Scotch Whisky Experience launches new promo video

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:35:43 GMT

The Scotch Whisky Experience has launched a new promotional video to highlight the main attractions of the Edinburgh-based venue. You can view the video below.

Exploring Scotland's oldest distillery

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:15:02 GMT

It may be Scotland's biggest selling whisky but at the core of the Famous Grouse's identity is a single malt which is one of the most manually produced in the country.

Blog: Annual Distiller's Fair at the Scotch Whisky Experience

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:08:03 GMT

Home to the world's largest whisky collection, the Scotch Whisky Experience is a Mecca for whisky lovers.

Chris Marshall: Whisky fads are enough to drive aficionados to drink

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:45:46 GMT

IT is perhaps our most iconic export and the one of which we're most protective.

Fancy a whisky mince pie?

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:36:54 GMT

Just in time for Christmas Teacher’s have submitted a recipe for a whisky-inspired mince pie.

Teacher's Hot Toddy recipe

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 14:19:35 GMT

The long winter nights are drawing in fast so what better way to warm up than with a refreshing Hot Toddy.Teacher's have submitted this recipe to Scotsman Whisky which puts a spicy twist on an old favourite.

Book review: Whisky in Your Pocket

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:09:45 GMT

The world's best-selling whisky pocket guide, credited throughout the industry for its simplicity and thoroughness, has been given a revamp and is set to make a return to book shops this month.

Blog: Glasgow Whisky Festival

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:25:36 GMT

Whoever came up with the idea for the first ever whisky festival deserves a medal.

Don your tweeds, wax that moustache and embrace the spirit of Whisky Picnic!

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:44:10 GMT

The annual Whisky Picnic event, now in its third consecutive year, will take place in Edinburgh on Sunday November 21st 2010.

Ardmore Traditional Cask - A perfect introduction to peat

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:58:58 GMT

Peat whiskies are cherished by the experienced whisky drinker for the complexity of their flavours but often for those new to our national drink they prove a bit overwhelming on the palette.

Brian Elliot: Judgements in Balvenie's whisky making process are governed by people not computers

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:09:48 GMT

I hit Scotland's whisky trail recently and found myself in Dufftown. Rather than write about William Grant's photogenic Glenfiddich, however, I opted to go next door to the sister distillery at Balvenie, now one of the few places where you can see the complete whisky process, from farm to glass.

Peter Ranscombe: Diageo hopes figures will prove sceptics wrong

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:37:51 GMT

CONSUMER confidence will be the subject of discussion this week with updates from Diageo, Punch Taverns and bookie William Hill.

Glenglassaugh launches new 'Spirit Drink' range

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:00:29 GMT

For whisky lovers with an adventurous palate, cocktails which draw our national spirit have always provided a welcome avenue of further exploration.

Glenglassaugh 'The Spirit' drinks cocktails: Clearac Manhattan

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:57 GMT

“CLEARAC” - brand new ‘new make’ spirit straight off the still CLEARAC MANHATTAN

Glenglassaugh 'The Spirit' drinks cocktails: Fledgling Sour

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:13:31 GMT

“FLEDGLING XB” - new spirit aged for - 12 months in Bourbon casks FLEDGLING SOUR

Glenglassaugh 'The Spirit' drinks cocktails: The New Yorker Revisited

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:05:07 GMT

“BLUSHES” - Glenglassaugh spirit aged for - 6 months in ex-wine casks THE NEW YORKER REVISITED

Glenglassaugh 'The Spirit' drinks cocktails: Peated Julep

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:09:45 GMT

PEATED” - brand new ‘new make’ spirit produced using peated malted barley

Emma Cowing: Cam dram plan from makers of his tipple

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:01:22 GMT

IT'S LIKELY to be medium-bodied, with a conservative nose, a liberal blend and a smooth finish. But then what else would you expect from "David Cameron, the whisky"?

How whisky can add a finishing spark to your dinner party

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:51:20 GMT

YOUR dinner party is drawing to a triumphant close. You've stunned your guests with the starters, mesmerised with the mains and dazzled with the desserts. How do you cap that before sending them off into the night convinced you are the host with the most?

Charles MacLean: It's all in the wood: casks will make or break new challenger

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:18:27 GMT

THE good old boys in the Scotch whisky industry used to say, with the benefit of generations of experience: "the wood makes the whisky".

Whisky could go for £6,000 - and it's only a half-bottle

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:48:36 GMT

WHISKY lovers from across the world will have their eyes on Glasgow next week, as one of the world's rarest half-bottles goes under the hammer.

Inside Benromach distillery

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:36:54 GMT

WRITTEN in faded black writing on the roof supports of Benromach's filling room is the date March 24, 1983 - the day when the last cask was filled before the distillery fell silent.

Whisky tasting with Dave Broom

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:16:25 GMT

"You need to find your sweet spot," whisky expert Dave Broom tells me. He is trying to convince me, and 40 others grouped in a tent in Holyrood Park at Edinburgh's Clan Gathering, that he can find a whisky that will suit all our individual tastes.

Stephen Emerson: Benromach tasting on board the Edinburgh Inspiring Capital

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:27:54 GMT

You don't get many opportunities to attend a whisky tasting on a boat - especially one that's about to embark on a 35,000 mile round-the-world race.

Report: Special Releases Master Class, The Gathering

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:41:41 GMT

Second only to vintage wines in terms of its complexity and variety of styles as well as rarity and price, limited edition cask malt whiskies represents some of the most interesting and rewarding drinking sensations in the world.

Ross Lydall: Quick footwork needed to save striding man

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:57:12 GMT

WHEN you're told that you are at risk of losing your job, the one thing you want is clarity.

Will Lyons: The value of the whisky industry to Scotland is being questioned

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:46:25 GMT

ON the banks of the Forth-Clyde canal just outside the small town of Falkirk lies the empty shell of Rosebank distillery. Closed for more than 15 years it is still affectionally referred to among Scotch whisky enthusiasts as the "Queen of the Lowlands".

Glen Barclay: Tracking down a false 'Scotch'

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:54:07 GMT

IN 2005, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) became aware of a number of products falsely described as "Scotch Whisky" being sold in Australia. Similarities in the labelling, and enquiries made, indicated they all came from the same source.

Brian Monteith: Diageo deserves to be a lost cause

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:43:42 GMT

THERE'S nothing like a factory closure to get the blood of politicians boiling.

Charity tasting with Arthur Motley

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:55:48 GMT

FANCY trying out some speciality whiskies with Scotsman Whisky's resident expert while raising money for charity at the same time?

Andrew Morgan: Losing jobs now will keep us competitive in the long term

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:57:31 GMT

I CAN understand the reaction of our employees to the news that we propose closing our bottling plant at Kilmarnock, and the Port Dundas distillery.

Willie Coffey, MSP: Diageo mustn't turn its back on 200-year history and tradition

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:45:07 GMT

DIAGEO'S value statement says: "We are proud of what we do and how we do it - we behave responsibly with the highest standards of integrity." Last week, Diageo let go of those values.

David Maddox: Scots icons could feel chill without comfort blanket

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:26:55 GMT

THERE are few industries more iconic to Scotland than ship building and whisky. Not only do they symbolise a proud heritage of Scottish quality and industrial prowess but they also represent an important part of the country's immediate and long-term future.

Ask the expert: How many malt whiskies are out there

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:57:57 GMT

Hello Arthur,Can you help me find a list of the names of all the malt whiskies currently available.Many ThanksTony

Ask the expert: What happened to Imperial whisky?

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:23:14 GMT

Hi Arthur, When will we see the Imperial in shops again? Or, where can it be found today? Many thanks andamp; sounds like you have a great job! Eric

Need a whisky question answered?

Sat, 23 May 2009 17:03:03 GMT

Fiona MacGregor: Whisky everywhere but not a drop to drink

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:24:47 GMT

It's heaven and hell in one gorgeous black-and-whisky-gold room that serves as a dual monument to decadence and restraint.