Producer’s Corner: Joe Sykes from Joelato

While many people dream of giving up the day job to turn their hobby into a business, not many actually do.  But someone who did take the plunge is Joe Sykes, turning his love of making gelato at home into a thriving artisan business.  The 40-year-old had fallen out of love with his day job…

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Distillers One of One auction raises £2.25 million

This year’s Distillers One of One charity whisky auction broke 19 auction records and raised a whopping £2.25 million for charity. The 39-lot sale, held at Hopetoun House, near Edinburgh, was the second edition of the auction which saw Sotheby’s partner with The Distillers’ Charity.  Some 200 guests from across the world gathered for the…

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Bowmore whisky sells for more than £500,000 at auction

A bottle of Bowmore whisky has sold for more than £500,000 at auction. Distilled in 1962 on Islay, it’s Bowmore’s oldest dram and sold for a record-breaking £562,500 at the Distillers One of One auction. The rare single malt was presented in a stylish bottle inspired by its island surroundings. Proceeds from The Distillers One…

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The only way is up as Port of Leith Distillery is completed

The UK’s first vertical distillery, Port of Leith, has been completed ahead of opening next month. More than a decade since the idea for the distillery was conceived by wine merchant Ian Stirling and finance director Paddy Fletcher the £12m nine-storey distillery is finished and is now taking bookings for tours ahead of welcoming guests…

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Scotch Whisky distilleries attract more than 2 million visitors

Scotch Whisky distilleries attracted more than 2 million visitors in 2022, it has been revealed. A Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) survey found footfall more than doubled (114%) compared to 2021.  Total spend by tourists last year was up by 8.65%, with more than £85m spent in total at sites across Scotland’s five whisky regions, up…

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Isle of Harris: Distiller launches long-awaited first whisky

The Isle of Harris Distillers has launched its long-awaited single malt Scotch whisky. The Hearach – the Scottish Gaelic for a native of Harris – will be available to purchase from 23 September. The first legal dram from the Outer Hebridean Isle of Harris, The Hearach offers an elegant single malt, with fruit and floral…

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Lombard Collection takes centre stage at whisky auction

Some of the world’s finest whiskies, part of the Lombard Collection, are set to be auctioned off. Part 1 of the Lombard Whisky Collection will feature more than 200 whiskies from world renowned distilleries including, Springbank, Bunnahabhain, Brora, Glenury, and Glen Keith. The rare lot will be auctioned on 4 October at McTear’s in Glasgow. …

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West Lothian Teenager Wins Inspirational Young Person Award 2023

A teenager from West Lothian has won this year’s NFU Mutual’s Inspirational Young Person Award.  Sophie Mackenzie, a 19-year-old hotel supervisor won the award which honours those who own, work or study in the food and drink sector. With a prize of £500, the award aims to highlight not only the contribution young people make…

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