Drink:
Scapa distillery unveils new visitor centre
Scapa distillery is set to open its doors to the public for the first time in its 130 year history. The Orcadian distillery, owned by Chivas Brothers unveiled its first-ever visitor centre as it seeks to offer whisky fans the chance to learn about its unique production process.
Bruichladdich's Jim McEwan announces his retirement
In what is a sad time for the world of whisky, one its true icons has announced he is set to retire from the industry. Bruichladdich confirmed that Distillery Production Manager and Master Distiller Jim McEwan, will be stepping down and retiring in July, after 52 years in the industry.
Speaking on the news of his retirement, Jim McEwan said: “This has been an incredible journey. As I take a small step across the road to spend more time with my wife and family, I leave behind a truly great team of eighty men and women who will carry this distillery and its spirit forward."
Glenturret release rare single cask whisky
Glenturret Distillery has released a rare 28 year old single cask malt whisky, described as the best cask that has ever been released by Scotland’s oldest working distillery. Approximately 240 bottles of The Brock Malloy Edition #Cask 328 will be available to buy online.
Stuart Cassells, General Manager of The Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret Distillery said: “Glenturret single malt is a hidden gem in the whisky world. A genuinely handmade malt crafted with passion and care, or as we like to say: By Hand and By Heart. Cask 328 has always been known to be special and I’m delighted we are able to give people the opportunity to sample and buy this rare and exceptional whisky.”
BenRiach launch new 10-year-old
Elgin distillery BenRiach has launched a 10-year-old single malt – its first core range expression produced predominantly from spirit distilled under The BenRiach Distillery Company’s 11-year ownership.
Bottled at 43% ABV, the BenRiach 10 Years Old is classic Speyside in character. The cask formula focuses on ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks – the types of wood favoured at BenRiach.
Sales director Alistair Walker says: “The BenRiach 10 Years Old is a key new launch for us as it marks a significant milestone – it is the first core range expression to be created predominantly from whiskies distilled at BenRiach since we took over in 2004."
First ever Scottish tonic water announced
The award-winning Summerhouse Drinks brand is excited to announce the launch of its newest product this week - Scotland’s first ever tonic water. The Walter Gregor tonic water is already beginning to see results with demand already outstripping initial supplies.
Food:
Holyrood park to host pop-up restaurant
On Friday 8th and Saturday 9th May, the Holyrood Kitchen pop-up restaurant will be offering tourists and locals alike the very best in locally sourced ingredients from independent suppliers and producers from throughout Scotland.
Two of Scotland's top chefs to head to St Andrews farmers market
Martin Hollis, Executive Chef at The Old Course Hotel, and Scott Davies, Head Chef at The Adamson will begin a series of seasonal feasts at St Andrews farmers market on 2 May 2015.
ASDA sign up Scottish food suppliers
ASDA has shown its faith in two Scottish food suppliers by signing exclusive contracts with Border Biscuits and Grant's Foods.
Picture: TSPL
Lanark-based Border has built on its long-running links with Asda by striking a deal to sell the winning recipe from this year's Big Baking Bonanza exclusively in the grocer's stores.
Grant's Foods, best known for its tinned haggis, has signed a deal with Asda to stock its new range of soups and ready meals in the grocer's Scottish stores.
CalMac recognised for services to sourcing and serving Scottish produce
Caledonian MacBrayne’s commitment to sourcing and serving Scottish produce has been recognised with a nomination at the Scottish Food and Drink Awards.
Honouring excellence in the very best of Scottish food and drink, and run in conjunction with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, the awards have recognised CalMac in the Scottish Sourcing category. Almost 240 hopefuls entered the 2015 awards across 19 categories.
Bar, restaurant and hotel news:
• Dundee has a new Japanese restaurant named Kobee. Situated on the site of the former Marco Polo on Dock Street. Offering a teppanyaki experience, the restaurant will also serve sushi and some more recognisable European style fare.
• Fergus McVicar, who has had previous success with the Variety bar and Chinaski's, has opened a new bar named Tabac on the site of the former Bar 10 in Mitchell Lane, Glasgow.
• Bill's restaurants have opened their first site in Glasgow on the city's West Nile Street.
Upcoming events:
The Whisky Stramash, Edinburgh
(Sat and Sun, 23-24th May)
The Whisky Stramash returns for its fourth year in the Scottish Capital this month and if you haven't been before it is well worth checking out.
The popular two-day experiential event - celebrating Scotland’s national drink - has a host of impressive brands lined up to showcase and sample their whiskies in weird and wonderful ways during the Saturday and Sunday sessions.
Ticket price: £26
The Whisky Stramash 2015
Brew at the Bog, Inverness
(Sat and Sun, 02-03 May 2015)
Based at Bogbain Farm, Brew at the Bog presents two days of one of Scotland's most dynamic food, drink and music festivals. The event will feature street food, a gin bar, a prosecco bar and even a cider bar in addition to the two BrewDog bars on site as well as great Scottish bands.
Wigtown and Bladnoch Food Festival, Wigtown
(Sat and Sun, 23-24 May 2015)
An annual celebration of local/seasonal produce with cooking demonstrations and talks from the producers themselves.
Recipe of the week:
Tom Kitchin's grilled haddock and mushy peas
Tom Kitchin's refreshing recipe for grilled haddock with mushy peas - simple to make and perfect for Springtime.
Distillery of the week:
Arran Distillery, Isle of Arran
Set in the beautiful locale of Lochranza on the Island of Arran you'd be hard pushed to find a more aesthetically pleasing distillery.
