Scotch whisky sells out after boost on Sunday Brunch

An Aberdeenshire whisky firm has been featured on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch. Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky in Huntly had one of their new Octave whiskies showcased on the latest episode of the popular lifestyle show which saw celebrity guest Alexandra Burke trying the whisky alongside the hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer. Tied in with…

Read More

New podcast lifts the lid on the passion of whisky

A new monthly podcast series from anCnoc whisky is set to lift the lid on the passion, process and personalities that go into making some of the world’s most expertly crafted products. Knock Tales Whisky Podcast with Gordon Bruce will hear the Knockdhu distillery manager enjoy a dram and a bit of ‘craic’ with fellow…

Read More

Speyside distillery enters the smoke season

Smoky whiskies are not traditionally associated with Speyside. Now creative Speyside distillery, Benriach, has released a brand new expression, Smoke Season, to add to its recently revamped portfolio. They have looked back through their archives and it’s clear that heavily peated single malts were the preferred palate of the region back in the 19th century.…

Read More

Mackie’s invests in the future after recording a strong year

One of Scotland’s top food brands has recorded bumper chocolate and take-home ice cream sales. And now it aims to reinvest millions into its sustainability drive. In the year ending 31 May 2020, Mackie’s of Scotland saw its revenue increase 1% to £16.7m and operating profits increasing 61% to £3.4m. Chocolate sales increased by 46%…

Read More

Why does Portuguese wine taste so different?

Peter Ranscombe hits the trail to find out what makes Portugal’s wine so special. IT WASN’T the grapes that first brought Peter Bright to Portugal – it was the surfing. Winemakers seem to have an affinity for the waves, no matter whether they’re from California or South Africa or Australia. Bright’s first visit to Portugal…

Read More

New Zealand syrah: Gimblett Gravels and beyond

After exploring syrah from Gimblett Gravels, Peter Ranscombe casts his net wider to look at other parts of New Zealand. WINES fall into two categories. There are the crowd-pleasing styles that most fans will recognise – Prosecco from Italy, shiraz from Australia, sauvignon blanc from Marlborough. Then there are the niches, the bottles about which…

Read More

Elixir Distillers’ new Islay distillery gets the green light

A new distillery is to be built on Islay after being given planning permission. The Argyll & Bute Council planning committee has green-lit the plans by Elixir Distillers to build on the island. Born from a love of Islay and its whiskies, co-founders of Elixir Distillers Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh have taken a big leap…

Read More

Find fantastic fizz for your Valentine’s Day at home

Whether you want splash-out sparklers or bubbles on a budget, Peter Ranscombe has you covered. FEW dates strike fear into the hearts of wine fans like the fourteenth of February. Should I buy bubbles? Should the wine match the food? Should I shake the bottle and spray the room like I’ve just won an F1…

Read More

A lavish book celebrating the Art of Whisky

A lavish new book celebrates and illuminates one of the world’s most iconic spirits, through the eyes of internationally acclaimed and award-winning photographer, Jon Purcell. The Art in Whisky provides a captivating and unique photographic interpretation of the fascinating world of whisky. Taking readers on a visual journey that percolates through the entire crafting process…

Read More

The first legal whisky from Stirling Castle rock

The first-ever whisky released from the Stirling Castle rock is now available. Stirling Distillery, in the heart of Scotland, has released two new single cask whiskies under their Sons of Scotland label. Having produced gin right next to the historic castle since mid-2019, Stirling Distillery co-founders Cameron and June McCann are now turning their hand…

Read More