Benriach prepares to open its first official visitor centre

Speyside distillery, Benriach, is gearing up to welcome visitors through the doors of its first ever official visitor centre next month following the completion of a six-figure investment project. Featuring a bar, tasting lounge, and retail space, the distillery’s visitor experience will open on Friday 21 May. Initially offering a variety of flavour-focused tastings following…

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Glasgow Whisky announce distillery purchase in global expansion

Glasgow Whisky has bought Tromie Mills Distillery Limited, owner of the site in Drumguish, Kingussie, renowned as one of the most picturesque distillery sites in Scotland. Located in the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, the new owners have undertaken to commit significant investment to build a contemporary, more environmentally sustainable and energy efficient distillery, whilst remaining…

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What does ‘foraged’ beer taste like?

A brewery in Fife is creating beer from yarrow, sea salt, and even hogweed seeds, writes Peter Ranscombe. ONE of the most exciting aspects of Scotland’s craft beer scene is its creativity. Gone are the days of brews being made with just water, barleys, hops, and yeast. Instead, the sheer variety of ingredients that go…

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Following the spice route to Azaline

Peter Ranscombe samples a pinot noir-driven vermouth that takes drinkers on a trip to the Orient. ONE of the most exciting aspects of tasting a new drink is pulling it apart to study its components. Why does this wine taste of lemons, and butter, and vanilla? Why does this whisky taste of dark chocolate, and…

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What’s the craic with Beer 52’s Irish craft ales?

Peter Ranscombe joins drinks website Beer 52 for a virtual road trip around the island of Ireland’s breweries. FEW countries are associated as closely with a single drink as Ireland and stout. Guinness flows through Dublin’s veins, and few beers can claim to match its global brand recognition. Yet Ireland also has a thriving craft…

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The hills are in this author’s blood

Born in Bonnybridge, author Ian McNeish is an unlikely climbing enthusiast, but the hills are in his blood. This endearing memoir details the lifelong love aff air with the mountains enjoyed by this self-confessed ‘dedicated amateur’, yet there is much to like about this book. While its production values are weak and it could do…

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All is still no more at the Falkirk Distillery

The Falkirk Distillery is now distilling single malt whisky, after a frustrating period of delays. Issues relating to planning due to the proximity to a section of the Antonine Wall and the global pandemic slowed down their progress. But, finally, founder George Stewart is delighted to be back on track. He said it was ‘a…

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Barra Distillery reveals its £5million plans

Isle of Barra Distillers have revealed plans to build a whisky and gin distillery on the island. They plan a £5 million distillery, with a visitor centre, which is expected to bring at least 30 jobs on the island and generate tourism both locally and further afield. Kate and Michael Morrison started developing the plans…

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Bladnoch Distillery in global whisky launch

The Bladnoch Distillery has unleashed its biggest global release since it was revived in 2015. The 204-year-old Lowland distillery, has announced the global release of the Bladnoch Vinaya Single Malt Scotch Whisky. ‘Vinaya’, a Sanskrit word meaning respect and gratitude, pays homage to the original founders of the distillery who paved the way, as Bladnoch…

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A £6million boost for the Glen Garioch Distillery

Beam Suntory is making a £6 million investment in a Scottish distillery. Glen Garioch’s renowned distillery in Oldmeldrum, near Aberdeen, will return to more traditional production processes, while also introducing new cutting-edge technology for direct-fired distillation. The planned changes will also reduce the distillery’s carbon footprint. Work began in 2020, and various stages are expected…

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