Whisky news round-up: Tours, festivals and more

Looking up The UK’s first vertical whisky distillery has appointed its Head of Whisky as it prepares to turn on its stills and open its doors to the public. Vaibhav Sood, previously Operations Manager at The Lakes Distillery, has taken on the newly created role. The £13m nine-storey distillery is due to open later this…

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Book review: 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die

Sammi Minion reviews 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die by Ian Buxton who began working in the Scotch whisky industry in 1987. This compact guide is ideal for both seasoned whisky connoisseurs and those new to the world of whisky. Buxton recommends a perfect balance of classic brands alongside exciting new drams, ensuring accessibility for…

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Dundonald, Best of the West?

Editor Richard Bath travelled to his old stamping ground of Ayrshire to try out the acclaimed £25 million Dundonald Links golf course, plus its restaurant and lodges. Dundonald Links is right at the heart of Ayrshire’s golf coast, just a 45-minute drive south west of Glasgow. Formed from what was once Southern Gailes, it is…

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100 mile menu at Grazing by Mark Greenaway in Edinburgh

IT’S not unusual for restaurant menus to blow their own trumpets when it comes to locality and seasonality, says Morag Bootland. But, how many would be willing to really put their money where their mouth is? That’s exactly what chef Mark Greenaway is doing at his restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian.…

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Old whisky staves saved from landfill and upcycled into coasters

Meet the team saving old whisky staves from landfill by upcycling them into handmade coasters.  J Boult Designs has launched its latest creation, a handmade whisky coaster and glass gift set. The coasters are made using locally sourced whisky staves from oak barrels that once held the golden nectar of aged spirits. The wood itself…

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Review: Karma Lake of Menteith

Megan Amato enjoys a stay at Karma Lake of Menteith. As the sun begins to shine in Scotland, those of use keen to escape from dreich weather may start looking for breaks a little closer to home.  Located in Stirlingshire on Scotland’s only lake – and from what I’ve been told, great for fishing –…

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Tomatin crowned best whisky in the world

Tomatin’s 36 Year Old single malt has been named as one of the best whiskies in the world. The whisky won ‘Best in Show’ in the whisky category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2023. Leading figures from the industry come together to judge spirits for the prestigious international contest. ‘Best in Show’…

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