Whisky Week review

Edinburgh

The splendid Castle Suite at the Caledonian Hilton, overlooking Edinburgh Castle, provided the perfect setting for the first Whisky Week Experience. The pre-dinner tasting included Drambuie, Chivas Regal 18, The Famous Grouse, Antiquary, Johhnie Walker, Bell’s, Buchnanan’s and Dimple and during dinner a selection of these excellent whiskies was enjoyed by all. In anticipation of an engrossing explanation of the great Rabbie Burns by Roddy Martine, the hour long fireworks display marking the end of the Edinburgh Festival, matched with live music, was directed throughout the Castle Suite much to guests’ surprise and enjoyment.

A selection of comments received the next day by email were; “The Castle Suite was absolutely palatial. We were given lots of whisky samples, an absolutely wonderful meal, followed by the added bonus of watching the Festival Fireworks. They even installed big speakers so we could hear all the music. We truly had a wonderful evening and feel very privileged to have been there.” And “Last night was fantastic - the food was good, the whisky was excellent and the fireworks outstanding.”

Speyside

The second Whisky Week Experience was held at the magnificent Glenfiddich Distillery, with a guided tour in the late afternoon followed by an extensive tasting of Speyside whiskies in the café area. Whiskies enjoyed were Glenfiddich 15, the Glenlivet Nadurra, The Macallan, Glen Garioch Founder’s Reserve, Glenrothes 1991, 1978, 1985 and Select, Glen Elgin 12, Cardhu 12, Cragganmore 12, Glendullan 12, Knockandhu 12 and Glen Spey 12, and during dinner speeches were given about the Glenfiddich 15 from Bert Macor, the Glenlivet Nadurra from Hamish Proctor, The Macallan from Thomas Thomson, Glen Garioch Founder’s Reserve from Tom Jones, the Glen Elgin 12 by Duncan Tait and the Glenrothes 1985 from Ronnie Cox. An impromptu piping display from Thomas Thomson rounded off the evening as a birthday guest was presented with a surprise gift.

Inverness

The New Drumossie Hotel, Inverness, was the furthest North Whisky Week reached, taking in the northern Highland and Island whiskies, with such variety as Tomatin 12, 15 and 18, Highland Park 18, Dalmore 12, Clynelish 14, Singleton of Glen Ord 12, Talisker 10, Scapa 16 and Glenmorangie 10 all presented before dinner. And during dinner the salmon was paired with Glenmorangie 10 Original, and presented by Andy MacDonald, the rib of beef was paired with Dalmore 12, presented by Morag Swanson, and the Highland Park 18, presented by Russell Anderson. And to round off the evening Tomatin 18 was paired with the fresh Scottish berries by Stephen Bremner amidst cheers of delight as it was noted that it was the 9th day of the 9th month 2009…

Oban

Representing the whiskies from the West coast and islands, Oban was the venue for a memorable evening of tastings, fine food and incredible piping – held at the wonderful Oban Distillery. After a distillery tour, Warehouse No. 6 became the location of the pre-dinner tasting, with Oban 14, Bowmore 12 & 15, Jura Superstition, 10 & 16 and Ardbeg 10 all on display. Dinner continued the theme of pairing food and whisky, with John Ainsley presenting the Jura 16 with the delicious haggis parcel, the salmon paired with the Oban 14 by Brendan MacCarron and Graham Dunnet matching the rich trifle with Bowmore Darkest. When everyone was at their most relaxed more than 15 pipers assembled outside the distillery and led all guests, and many other visitors to Oban, through the streets of the town to the pier where they gave a stunning performance.

Glasgow

The last night of Whisky Week, before Whisky Live Glasgow came alive, was held at Auchentoshan Distillery. The pre-dinner tasting was held in the atmospheric Tun Room, sampling Auchentoshan, Springbank and Longrow and during dinner, at which the annual Icons of Whisky Scotland were also announced, whiskies were introduced by Alistair Taylor, Pete Currie and Grant Macpherson.

Whisky Live Glasgow

Scotland’s greatest whisky celebration, Whisky Live returns to Glasgow for its sixth year, now in the centrally located Thistle Hotel. To find out more, click here.