Whisky's jewel
Amber at the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre has established itself as a class act. Now it's taking whisky and food pairings to new heights. Dominic Roskrow reports
Itâs one thing putting on an expensive and elitist whisky dinner and matching specially-sourced food with the finest whiskies. But itâs quite another to do so and pitch it at a wider audience.
When Amber at the Scotch Whisky Experience, formerly the Heritage Centre, opened its doors a couple of years ago, that was part of its brief; be a restaurant with great whisky and not just a whisky restaurant. Steer clear of the old-fashioned and staid image that quite often goes with malt, and offer something contemporary and fresh. Create a new stage for whisky to star on.
And it has been doing so with some style.
Now, though itâs raising the standards again as it faces a new set of challenges and an increasing demand for its services.
The Scotch Whisky Experience plays a major role in promoting whisky to visitors to Scotland. Its position under the shadow of Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile guarantees it a higher than average tourist profile, and with funding from most of the major distillery owners, it is in a unique position to promote interest particularly to overseas visitors.
But it realised a couple of years back that it needed to upgrade its offering. With the distilleries themselves investing in better and better visitor centres and offering them a wider range of attractions, the Experience needed to raise its game. And thatâs exactly what it set about doing in 2006.
Amber has spent the last two years building its reputation.
âThere can be no dou.....
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By Dominic Roskrow
Section : Whisky and Food
Page number : 44
