Autumn is a great time to explore Scotland, and enjoy a warming drink or two. Fortunately, those looking to do both can now book for an autumnal feast night at Ballintaggart, a picturesque cook school with accommodation in Perthshire.
The business is teaming up with the Isle of Harris Distillery to offer a night of good food and excellent drinks, including the distillery’s award-winning Harris Gin and Hearach whisky.
Located in Perthshire, Ballintaggart will play host to the Autumn Feast Night on Friday 1 November, where guests will be treated to three courses with a focus on late autumn flavours, paired with three specially crafted serves of Isle of Harris Distillery’s premium gin or single malt whisky.
The exclusive collaboration embodies the shared values of both brands, with an evening dedicated to celebrating the bounty of Scotland’s natural larder from land to sea.
Opened in 2015, Isle of Harris Distillery was built to create sustainable jobs and support the island economy, crafting premium spirits that reflect an ethos of ' people and place’ made entirely on the island by a local team.
Ballintaggart began as a refined rural B&B in Highland Perthshire, which has now grown to become an indulgent foodie escape comprising a Cook School, event space, luxury exclusive use accommodation - including a five bedroom farmhouse with cinema room - and a nearby hotel, bar and restaurant, The Grandtully Hotel, as well as private catering and a retail destination for the best in Scottish products.
On the autumnal feast night, guests will enjoy plates of seasonal dishes from Scottish producers prepared by the Ballintaggart team.
The evening will begin with an introduction from the distillery while guests are served Ballintaggart’s own freshly baked sourdough with whipped butter, Perello olives and Great Glen charcuterie. Each course will then be introduced by the chefs and the distillery team, describing how the drinks have been paired to complement the flavours of the season.
A starter of Isle of Lewis mussels, fennel, Goan curry, and a seaweed scone will be paired with an Isle of Harris Gin & Tonic – a classic serve with Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water, Isle of Harris’ Sugar Kelp Water, and pink grapefruit.
For the main event, the flavours of the season come to life with an ‘Island Orchard’ – a highball serve consisting of the award-winning Isle of Harris gin, pear Cognac, lime, and cloudy apple – paired with a main course of venison loin, hash brown, apple and sprout slaw and smoked yoghurt that pick up on the sweet orchard fruits of the season.
Dinner will finish with a dessert of The Hearach and caramel rice pudding, ginger shortbread and burnt orange, accompanied by The Hearach Old Fashioned, the classic whisky cocktail made with Isle of Harris Distillery’s distinguished single malt.
Guests will then be invited to toast marshmallows under the stars with a dram of The Hearach’s newest expression, Oloroso Cask Matured.
Chris Rowley, executive chef and co-owner of Ballintaggart, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Isle of Harris, and to showcase these incredible flavour combinations to our guests.
“I’ve created a menu that will bring the flavours of Isle of Harris to Perthshire, and to truly demonstrate the outstanding produce available in Scotland.”
Sam Cain, regional business manager from Isle of Harris Distillery, added: “We have long admired the Ballintaggart brand, and their dedication towards taking the very best of Scottish ingredients and craft to create truly exceptional shared experiences for their guests.
“It’s a privilege to be partnering on this curated Autumn Feast to provide guests with a real flavour of the season from the islands to the Perthshire countryside - and celebrate coming together around one table to appreciate the flavour of the season with a unique chance to learn about the distillery and our spirits in a relaxed and intimate setting.”
Tickets for the Autumn Feast Night are priced at £68 per person. As spaces are limited, guests are encouraged to book soon, with tickets available for purchase here.
Accommodation will be available at the Grandtully Hotel for guests who wish to stay overnight.
