The Joy of Independent Bottlings: Glendullan 1993

When I first started drinking whisky, it was simpler. I wanted to try everything I could lay my hands on but that wasn’t a vast range. Most of it was major brands that were instantly recognisable. As with most things though, over time your understanding deepens and you start to see with better eyes. I began to labels that were nearly written in code, with colours, maps and distillery names I’d barely heard of.

How to do Whisky Tasting

Firstly, the best thing about any whisky tasting will always or should always be the stories. Tastings are a chance to really indulge in the history, quirks, legends and rare tales. A great host will both inform and entertain, as well as answer your questions.

How To Whisky & Visit Bars

So whether you want to explore some whisky, cocktails or meet some new wines from people who know what they are talking about and have something to teach you – or you just need a drink at the end of a long day – here are some tips for how to whisky and visit bars whether you’re alone or with friends.

Tomatin 15, Tempranillo

For me, this whisky starts with a long, slow dinner in the middle of winter a few years ago, when I was first introduced to Tempranillo wine. The conversation was sweet and easy in the manner of old friends gathered around a table.

Cadenhead’s Springbank 15, sherry finished 

I was recently in Scotland and visited Kintyre, home to Campbeltown. Which is, in turn, home to Springbank. Few distilleries remain in Campbeltown, because there are comparatively few Lowland malt distilleries in production. New distilleries are being built, but mainly in the Highlands, Isles or Speyside/Fife. More on that later.  Perhaps it is the vast… Continue reading Cadenhead’s Springbank 15, sherry finished 

Why You Need More Whisky In Your Life

Whisky is elemental; it is earth, fire, water and air each playing its part in telling you the story of a place. And it is soul, the spirit of the people who made it that finds its way into the glass as well.