Published in Whisky Magazine Issue 33 on 25/9/2003.

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From Tobermory to Tobago

Burn Stewart has a global presence after its recent purchase by a Caribbean based
company. Peter Mulryan finds out what its plans are

Idon’t know about you, but I just hate traffic jams, which is why I am sitting on the M9 distracting myself by compiling a list of the World’s best bars.

There’s Abaco in Palma, Neary’s in Dublin and Smokey & Bunty’s in St James, Trinidad – where the seats aren’t that soft, the air conditioning is non-existent and glasses aren’t always that clean. But on the up side, parties that start there on a Thursday night usually go on ‘till way past
bedtime Sunday.

Although it’s a while since I’ve been there (and to be honest my last visit is a bit of a blur), I know for a fact the place has got even better.

How? Well Smokey & Bunty’s is rightly proud of its local Caribbean produce, which is why alongside some of the best rums you have ever tasted and an amazing fresh lime drink cut with Angostura Bitters, right now the bar is probably stacking its shelves with the latest drink to come from the islands of Trinidad & Tobago – Scotch.

You see the reason I am now speeding out of Stirling is that I am on my way to meet Ian MacMillan, who is distillery manager and Burn Stewart master blender; to discuss life, whisky and the recent company takeover by the Trinidad and Tobago based CL Financial.

This development is big news for what was one of Scotland’s last remaining independent whisky concerns, as C L Financial intends Burn Stewart to become a key part of a new global brands business headed by Ian Bankier, current Burn Stewart managing director.

If like m.....

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By Peter Mulryan

Section : Whisky Trends

Page number : 48