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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Innis & Gunn’s new brewery plans are approved

Planning permission for Innis & Gunn’s brewery at Heriot-Watt University’s Research Park has officially been granted by The City of Edinburgh Council. Spanning a two-hectare site, the new facility will provide increased brewing capacity which will ultimately support the brewer’s continued growth, both in the UK and internationally. This will be the first major brewery…

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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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Cask and Still Magazine Issue 6

Issue six of Cask & Still has some northern exposure, as we head to the world’s most northerly distillery, Aurora Spirit, is situated deep in the stunning Arctic Circle. Our featured whisky bar is the dizzying selection of drams at the Jack Rose Dining Saloon in DC. We stay in America as we meet Scottish…

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Cask and Still Magazine Issue 3

Cask & Still’s third edition takes a journey into bourbon with comic genius Bernie Lubbers. The stand-up comic is also a bourbon ambassador and bluegrass musician. Our whisky bar of the issue takes us to the Flatiron Room in Manhattan, New York. We meet Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith, who, as well as…

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Cask and Still Magazine Issue 2

The second issue of Cask & Still takes us behind the scenes of the remake of the classic film Whisky Galore. We are given an all-access preview of the film, this time starring Gregor Fisher, Eddie Izzard, James Cosmo and Sean Biggerstaff. Our Bar Snap of the month takes us to enjoy cocktails at Bangkiok’s…

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Cask and Still Magazine Issue 1

Cask & Still’s debut issue features Game of Thrones actor Clive Russell sharing his love of whisky. The Fifer – who played Blackfish Tully in the hit series – talks about his home area, life, love and Lagavulin. We feature the inside stories behind six new artisan distillers, In our The Rant column, Andy Byers…

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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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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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