A Classic Whisky Cocktail – Old Fashioned: I love the fact that classic cocktails – the kind that my dad used to make without too much hassle – are making a comeback. One classic whisky cocktail, an Old Fashioned is one of the best ways I know to enjoy a single malt, and it’s also […]
WSET – Level 1 Award in Spirits
Never too old to learn? Inspired by my 90-year-old father, who has re-started art classes, I jumped at the invitation to undertake the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Award in Spirits course. I love experimenting when making cocktails, but I know that my knowledge about some of the spirits I use […]
Exploring Tay Country, Scotland – Feasting, Whisky and a Royal Visit
Crowning Scotland’s Kings and More – Perthshire: Despite my Scottish heritage, I’ve never spent much time exploring the East Coast to the north of Edinburgh. The MacLeans come from the Western Isles, specifically from Mull and so on family trips we generally turned left at Edinburgh or Stirling and head to Oban for the ferry. […]
Cocktails from Islay – the Bruichladdich Stinging Scot and the Botantist Lava Lamp
Two Cool Cocktails to keep you warm! I hate this time of year; it’s cold, dark, and more often than not, raining. Whilst a hot toddie is a great antidote to the British weather, sometimes something more sophisticated is desired. I have a small amount of Scottish heritage, one grandparent being a Mackenzie, and my […]
Whisky for Burns Night
Glen Moray Classic Port Cask Finish Single Malt: After the festivities of the Christmas season have died down and before Valentine’s Day looms, many of us with a Scottish heritage (and plenty without) celebrate Burns Night. It’s a unique event – I can’t think of another celebration for a National Poet – and certainly not […]
Balblair Whisky at Mac and Wild
Balblair with Mac and Wild: A match made in heaven is a term that’s often overused, but every now and again can be appropriately used to great effect. One of the oldest Highland Whisky distilleries in Scotland, Balblair, teamed up with Mac and Wild, a restaurant that serves the very best of Scottish ingredients, game […]
Old Pulteney Tasting and #PulteneyPairings
Old Pulteney at Manchester House with Aiden Byrne A moment of madness perhaps, or just a little curiosity led me to accept an invitation to travel up to Manchester for an evening of food and whisky pairings with Old Pulteney and Aiden Byrne. Living in London I know many of the top chefs and restaurants […]
Rusty Nail on a Plate – A Decadent Father’s Day Dessert
Personalised Treats for Father’s Day – and a Sinful Chocolate and Whisky Dessert Guest Feature by Sarah James: My father is a young at heart 86 year old, who happens to enjoy a good single malt. Alexander and James do more than just stock some very nice drinks, they also offer an engraving service to […]
Boisdale Canary Wharf
Jazz and fine Scottish Food at Boisdale Canary Wharf: Cabot Square, Canary Wharf is just off the main shopping area and as such has a slightly quieter, classier feel. On our way to Boisdale for dinner we stopped off at Iberico for apperitifs and I kept looking longingly at the legs of Iberico Jamon…we’ll definitely […]