Whisky lovers will soon be raising a glass to a new limited-edition single malt that has been specially ageing for nearly 23 years – and has only been released to mark Scotland’s reappearance at a major men’s football tournament.
Released by the Gleann Mòr Spirits Company, the Rare Find whisky has been produced in a unique partnership with the Scotland National Team.
The dram was first poured into its cask on 24 June 1998 – the day after Scotland went out of the World Cup to Morocco, losing 3-0 in St Etienne, France.
After decades of hurt, it will now be bottled the day before Scotland’s opening fixture of Euro 2020 against the Czech Republic on 14 June 2021at Hampden Park, Glasgow.
Karin Mair of Gleann Mòr Spirits said: “We are delighted to finally be able to share this special edition with Scotland’s long-suffering football fans.
“During the almost 23 years that it’s been ageing, Scotland may have endured football heartache, but this sublime single malt has been waiting patiently, developing its distinctively divine character.
“Along with the rest of the nation, we’ve also waited patiently, but the time has finally come to crack open this whisky and toast Scotland’s return to the major football stage.”
Only 280 individually numbered bottles will be made available, giving aficionados an unrivalled opportunity to own a unique piece of Scottish footballing history.
Karin added: “This whisky is a truly historic collector’s item that no fan of football or fine malt will want to miss. Its creation has been a long time coming and we know there will be plenty to celebrate on and off the pitch when it’s finally poured.”
Tasting notes
Big, bold and salty on the nose with a hint of sweet autumnal peat and baked apples in the mouth, the sweet peat develops into a sugary cereal layer with a softly spice, gentle ash and a dulcet phenolic finish.
How to buy
The limited-edition Rare Find, which originated from Cask 353892 at the Bowmore distillery, is the star player in a glittering line-up of Scottish National Team whiskies.
Only available to pre-order online, its team-mates in the Gleann Mòr squad are:
Glen Elgin 20-year-old single malt – a smooth and classy dram combining sweetly satisfying Scottish honey, warm spice and butter toffee.
Scottish National Team Blended Malt Whisky – a mix of select Speyside single malts, rich in lemon shortbread, dried fruit and toasted oak flavours.
Scottish National Team Blended Whisky – a winning combination of strength and style, with warming tones of toffee, vanilla, pears and spiced oak.
-Perfect for picnics in the park and alfresco get-togethers this Bank Holiday weekend-
– Available in eight crowd-pleasing flavours –
Morrisons has introduced the ultimate bank holiday staple as it launches a range of own-brand canned cocktails. New this week and for just £1 a can, customers can pick up a tipple of their choice: from classic G&Ts to more exotic Woo Woos.
Gin fans will love the classic botanical flavours of the Gin & Tonic, a steal at almost 50% cheaper than branded alternatives. Or for something more summery, thePink Gin & Tonic is guaranteed to hit the spot with its sweet and fruity flavours. Both are available in diet versions.
Others in the range include a Vodka Lime & Soda and a Rhubarb Gin & Ginger Ale. Customers can even be transported to sunnier climes by picking up a Woo Woo or a Mojito.
With warmer weather just around the corner and restrictions around group gatherings relaxed, the new range is landing in stores at the perfect time.
Jack Coleclough, Spirits Buying Manager at Morrisons said: “This summer will be packed with alfresco get-togethers, the perfect occasion for canned cocktails.
“We’re excited to be introducing our new range for the competitive price of just £1 per can. With eight options available there will be something to please everyone at picnics and parties.”
Morrisons new canned cocktails are available in the following flavours, priced at £1 per 250ml can:
Morrisons Gin & Tonic
Morrisons Gin & Diet Tonic
Morrisons Vodka Lime & Soda
Morrisons Pink Gin & Tonic
Morrisons Pink Gin & Diet Tonic
Morrisons Rhubarb & Ginger Ale
Morrisons Woo Woo Cocktail
Morrisons Mojito Cocktail
Last week, Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010 was also crowned the overall winner of the Good Housekeeping Institute English Fizz taste test as well as its best budget buy. The bottle costs just £18 – almost half the price of some of the other wines on test.
Seeing off competitors including Harvey Nichols, Denbies, Waitrose and Aldi the Morrisons bottle scored an impressive 89/100 with the GHI experts describing it as having ‘super smooth bubbles and a touch of honeymaking this a rich and exceptionally easy-drinking drop.’
As we start reuniting with friends and family, the Morrisons award-winning fizz will be the perfect choice to toast to the Great British summer.
Morrisons is taking its doughnut game to a whole new level as it launches brand new flavours of its ever-popular doughnuts. Fans can upgrade their classic jam filling by choosing from three decadent new flavours: Loaded Brownie, When Life Gives You Lemons and Sweet as Candy.
Customers already go mad for Morrisons doughnuts which are freshly made and filled in store each morning. The new additions are topped with flavoured glazes and a range of tempting toppings which taste just as good as they look; from Loaded Brownie for chocoholics, to Sweet as Candy for sweetie fans. What’s more, the doughnuts are great value; costing just £2 for a pack of three.
Caroline Bates, Morrisons Head of Bakery and Cake Shop, said: “We are really proud of our doughnuts and the fact we make them fresh in stores each day. Our customers are always on the lookout for the latest addition, so we can’t wait to see their reaction to these delicious new flavours.”
Sweet-toothed customers will discover lots of other treats as Morrisons launches new cakes, cupcakes and cheesecakes. Morrisons range of cookies also now includes a classic white chocolate option; The Best Belgian White Chocolate Cookie.
Morrisons new doughnuts are available in 428 stores, priced at £2 for a pack of three.
The Best Belgian White Chocolate Cookie is available now, priced at £1.50 for a pack of 4, or two packs for £2.
RETIREES prove you are never too old to travel as they make their way across the continents sampling different cuisines and experiencing new cultures all from the comfort of their home.
Cramond Residence care home in Edinburgh have been running themed events during lockdown, each one based on a different culture, to continue providing enriching experiences and keep residents entertained.
Each themed event consists of traditional music from the chosen destination, culturally appropriate activities, and a special menu to match. Residents will be took a trip to Italy in April, after visiting India in March and China in February.
Lisa Sohn, Lead Lifestyle Coordinator at Cramond Residence, said: “The residents love our themed events as it gives them a chance to reminisce on their favourite holidays and trips whilst some can experience new cultures of countries they haven’t visited before.
“In our ‘trip’ to Italy, our head chef, Patsy McKenzie (above), will be hosting a master class on pizza making where Residents will be encouraged to make their very own pizzas.
“There will also be games and a presentation on the history and culture throughout the month.”
Since restrictions were reinforced at the beginning of the year, residents have been isolating in nine self-contained small-group living units within the purpose-built care home, to help with infection control.
Residents have access to Android tablets and are encouraged to use video conferencing apps to stay connected with friends. Each group’s lounge area can be connected via video to bring the whole home together.
The innovative use of technology has meant that Lifestyle Coordinators at the plush home have been able to deliver a rich activity schedule, including a virtual reality whisky distillery tour, a St Andrew’s Day ceilidh and a trip around the world.
Lifestyle Coordinators lead activities from the high spec cinema room, connecting into each lounge, or each bedroom, encouraging two-way communications with the residents.
Lisa added: “Staff have been working extremely hard over the past few months to think of new activities to keep residents entertained and connected during lockdown.
“It’s so important to organise meaningful and stimulating activities for the residents as this boosts their mental and physical well-being. The themed events have been a major hit across the board. It’s something fun for everyone to get involved in.
“We’re constantly receiving suggestions of where residents would like to travel to next, the list is never-ending!”
Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents utilising a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from our highly-trained team.
Delicious hand-crafted cocktails, inspired by nature, delivered direct to your door
Wild foragers, Buck & Birch, are bringing you the epitome in thirst-quenching treats this Bank Holiday weekend.
With the pubs back in full-swing and the sun guaranteed to (well, fingers crossed!) make an appearance, you can be sure of one thing – no free seats to be had at your local. To avoid disappointment, we suggest you remove the queues, the lukewarm pints and the sticky tables and instead enjoy one of Buck & Birch’s bottled cocktails, delivered straight to your door.
Each hand-crafted drink is individually bottled and can be ordered online, giving customers a true taste of the wilderness from the comfort (and peace) of their back gardens.
Purchased individually for £8, with 2 servings per bottle, or bought as part of signature gift pack combining all three flavours for £24, there is surely a tempting tipple to tickle your tastebuds. For those ready to completely let go of the last year, there is also the option to purchase an ‘Adventurer Pack’ containing all five cocktails (£40).
To start us off, is the incredibly popular Thornstar Martini– anew wild twist on the classic Pornstar martini. The combination of Amarosa, woodruff vodka, hawthorn syrup and sea buckthorn results in a tasty tropical treat. The ingredients may all be from Scotland, but this little number will transport you straight to a Caribbean paradise.
Next up is the The Aelder Sour, known for its rich, dark and fruity flavours. The cocktail combines their award-winning elderberry liqueur and Aelder elixir, with whisky and citrus. Smooth as silk, casually complex and with a gentle whisky glow.
Then we have The Amarosa Old Fashioned which blends aromatic rose-hip rum liqueur with dark rum and wild bitters, creating a delicious twist on this classic cocktail. With hints of juicy green apple, honey, herbs and a spiced vanilla and molasses finish, this is the perfect end of evening drink.
And who could forget the almighty Espresso Martana? This cocktail packs a powerful punch. Sweet, smooth and indulgent, Ana liqueur is combined with the finest birch vodka and coffee resulting in a delightfully sweet espresso martini laced with notes of butter caramel and toasted nuts.
Then there’s The Atkinson, which has been cleverly crafted from all things rowan. Bitter sweet notes of almond and vanilla combine beautifully with a touch of red currant sharpness for a cocktail perfect as a dessert substitute. Great served with an afternoon tea – the drinkable equivalent to a lovely slice of Battenberg.
Last but certainly not least, we have The Dandy Lion. Perhaps the most fitting for Bank Holiday with its beautifully light and refreshing taste. Dandelion wine, birch caramel vodka, and sweet dandelion jam are combined with apple juice and a touch of citrus for the perfect summer sipper – a drop of golden sunshine in a glass.
To view and purchase the full selection of their bottled cocktails, visit www.aelderelixir.com
– Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010 crowned the best English sparkling wine –
– At just £18, the wine is a fraction of the price of others on the market –
Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010 has been named the winner of the Good Housekeeping Institute and Cosmopolitan taste tests. At just £18 a bottle it is notably cheaper than renowned English sparkling brands; making it an affordable choice for a special occasion.
In a week where Morrisons was the most-awarded retailer at the International Wine Challenge, the supermarket has scooped yet another endorsement for its great quality wines. The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010 was described by the GHI experts as having ‘Super smooth bubbles and a touch of honeymaking this a rich and exceptionally easy-drinking drop.’
As we start reuniting with friends and family, the winning fizz will be the perfect choice to toast to the Great British summer. Each bottle has been stored in cool cellars for eight years to develop its fine bubbles and intense biscuity flavours which sit alongside a citrussy palate. The ultimate pairing for fish and chips this summer.
Morrisons wins didn’t stop at just wine, with its The Best Gin being ‘Good Housekeeping Institute Taste Approved’ from the Best Supermarket Gin Taste Test.
Mark Jarman, Senior Wine Sourcing Manager at Morrisons said: “Our English Sparkling Brut Vintage has always been popular with customers and wine experts alike, so it’s great to receive this recognition from the Good Housekeeping Institute.
“To be crowned the best in the category when our bottle is one of the cheapest really aligns with our aim to provide great quality at affordable prices.”
Shoppers could be paying almost four times more than they need to for the same branded grocery products at certain times, Which?’s biggest ever supermarket pricing investigation has found.
The consumer champion analysed more than a million prices for 493 branded grocery items at six major supermarkets – Asda, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose – throughout 2020.
The investigation revealed not just the pricing secrets that mean shoppers could be paying over the odds for the same products depending on the days they shop, but also the types of grocery products that fluctuate the most when it comes to price, as well as the supermarket that almost always beats its rivals when it comes to the cost of branded groceries
Lavazza Qualita Rossa Ground Coffee (250g) at Ocado had the most dramatic price difference, as the investigation found shoppers could pay almost four times more for the same product on different days.
It was at its cheapest price of £1.30 for 63 days in 2020, however for more than a third of the year (130 days), it cost an eye-watering £5 – a 284 per cent difference for the same product. Ocado said this price fluctuation was an error that has now been corrected.
The price for Müller yogurts illustrates the so-called “high-low” tactic used by many supermarkets – when prices are dramatically hiked and then slashed at regular intervals.
For example, Müller Light Greek Luscious Lemon yogurts fluctuated substantially at Sainsbury’s during 2020, flipping between £1 and £2.75 – a 175 per cent price difference – at roughly three-week intervals. The same product was also available for £1 or less in at least one of the major supermarkets for about 85 per cent of the year.
Other products that saw significant price variations included Carte D’Or Vanilla Ice Cream and Loyd Grossman Tomato and Basil Sauce at Asda – with prices fluctuating by 133 per cent and 125 per cent respectively.
At Morrisons, shoppers could pick up a bottle of Shloer’s Red Grape Juice Drink for just £1 on a good day, however it cost more than double (£2.25) on other days – representing a 125 per cent increase.
Which? also found there were price variations of 122 per cent for Jordans Country Crisp Four Nut Cereal at Tesco. Shoppers could sometimes pay just £1.35, yet on other days the same pack was more than double the price at £3.
The investigation also analysed pricing at a category level, looking at 19 areas from chocolates to cheese, and found the price for branded cakes and biscuits fluctuated by 48 per cent on average – more than any other category.
In this category, Which? analysed the price of 14 products and found a 10-pack of Cadbury Chocolate Mini Rolls at Asda had the biggest price difference. It cost just £1.20 at its cheapest but was more than double the price at £2.60 on certain days.
Shoppers should also keep a close eye on the price of juices and smoothies, as prices in this category varied by 41 per cent on average. This was followed by cooking sauces (38%), crisps (36%) and cereal (35%).
Across all 19 categories analysed, Asda had the lowest average prices for branded groceries, making it the best option for shoppers who prefer branded items but do not want to pay over the odds.
Waitrose was the most expensive supermarket for branded items in eight categories including energy drinks, ice cream and tea, and Ocado for seven categories including juice drinks, coffee and cheddar.
Almost all the products in the investigation varied in price and could be found discounted at one or more supermarkets at any time. However, a Which? survey found one in five shoppers are confused by grocery promotions and the majority (73%) would prefer consistently low prices.
While Aldi and Lidl were not featured in the investigation as they stock fewer branded goods, they have won legions of customers by focusing on consistently low prices rather than deals and discounts. In Which?’s monthly price analysis, the cheapest supermarket is invariably either Aldi or Lidl.
Ele Clark, Which? Retail Editor, said: “Our research reveals just how wildly food and drink prices can fluctuate from day to day, meaning people are at risk of massively overpaying for branded groceries depending on when and where they shop.
“We would recommend keeping an eye on the prices of your favourite products and stocking up when they’re discounted to avoid paying over the odds.”
Please see a link below for the average price fluctuation for all 19 categories:
Don’t pay full price – If you regularly buy non-perishable branded groceries such as crisps, cereal and tins of soup, make sure you stock up when they’re discounted and avoid paying full price for them.
Shop around – Although they don’t offer online grocery shopping, Aldi, Lidl, Home Bargains, Wilko and others often offer good deals on branded products too. It’s also worth trying own-label alternatives, which can offer great quality at even better prices.
Watch out for pricing tricks – Discounts are great but don’t be manipulated by other pricing tricks. The strawberries may be on offer but what about the price of the upmarket pouring cream temptingly positioned next to it?
Scrutinise price-matching claims – Sainsbury’s and Tesco both shout about their Aldi price-matching schemes, but they actually only cover a limited range of products, so the total cost of your shopping may still be higher than it would be at Aldi.
Take advantage of supermarket loyalty scheme discounts – Lidl Plus and Tesco Clubcard are just two examples of supermarket loyalty schemes offering exclusive discounts to members.
Which? awards various endorsements to supermarkets:
Lidl was awarded Cheapest Supermarket of 2020 – link here.
Waitrose won the Which? Award for Supermarket of the Year in 2020 – link here.
Aldi was named the UK’s favourite in-store supermarket for 2021 in Which?’s annual satisfaction survey – link here.
Sainsbury’s was the highest-scoring online supermarket of 2021 in Which?’s annual satisfaction survey and was also named a Which? Recommended Provider for its online services – link here.
Aldi was awarded the Cheapest Supermarket for April – link here.
An Asda spokesperson said: “We have a long heritage in providing customers with the brands they love at the best possible prices and we’re really pleased the Which? survey found that Asda is the cheapest supermarket for branded products.
“Investing in price to provide even greater value for customers when they shop remains our key strategic priority. In tandem with everyday low prices, we are also focussed on a number of other price investments to deliver great value, including our regular rollbacks and price lock events, where prices are reduced across thousands of food and non-food categories.”
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We’re committed to offering our customers the best possible quality and value and prices fluctuate up and down for a variety of reasons.
“Our Price Lock and Sainsbury’s Quality Aldi Price Match campaigns ensure customers can feel confident they are getting the best possible prices at Sainsbury’s, while not compromising on quality.”
An Ocado spokesperson said: “Ocado is committed to offering customers the best range, service and value in the market. As part of this commitment, we are proud to offer over 49,000 products – more than any other supermarket.
“Our Value Delivered range offers hundreds of everyday items at low prices. The fluctuation in price for the Lavazza product was due to a technical error and has since been resolved. The regular price is now back in place and is in line with most other major grocery retailers.”
Morrisons, Tesco and Waitrose did not provide a comment.
– Morrisons has scooped a silver prize at the International Wine Challenge for its own brand Soave 2020 –
– The £4.25 Italian white also took home a Great Value Award –
– Morrisons The Best Amarone 2017 was awarded a Gold medal –
Morrisons Soave 2020 has triumphed at the annual International Wine Challenge, being awarded an impressive 92 points, a Silver medal and a Great Value White under £8 Award.
This put it ahead of iconic wine of the region, Pieropan La Rocca Soave Classico; which, at £30 a bottle is more than six times the price of Morrisons £4.25 offering.
The International Wine Challenge sees thousands of wines from all over the world blind tasted by a panel of experts. The judges’ tasting notes described the wine as ‘Lemon sherbet and cream on rose. Textured, round and soft with great balance and subtle yet lingering flavours on the finish.’
Overall, the supermarket took home one Gold, 20 Silvers, 49 Bronzes and 33 ‘Commended’s.
The Gold was awarded to The Best Amarone 2017 (following a Gold at last year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition), while other highlights included a Silver for The Best Cremant de Limoux which is currently on offer for just £10 down from £12 (until 1st June).
Three brand new additions to the range – The Best Vinho Verde, The Best Gavi di Gavi and The Best Alto Adige Pinot Grigio – won Bronze medals before they even launched in stores.
Mark Jarman, Head of Wine Sourcing at Morrisons said: “At Morrisons we pride ourselves on offering our customers fantastic quality wines for affordable prices.
“The Silver award given to our own-brand Soave exemplifies this; it may have a small price tag, but the judges still appreciated its balance, distinctive nose and lasting finish. We’re delighted that so many of our wines have been recognised at this year’s competition.”
Morrisons Soave 2020 is available in stores and online now for £4.25.
Other award winners include:
Morrisons The Best Cremant de Limoux – £12 (down to £10 until 1st June)
Morrisons The Best Vinho Verde – £8.75 (down to £6 until 13th June)
Morrisons The Best Gavi di Gavi – launching soon
Morrisons The Best Alto Adige Pinot Grigio – launching soon
Pupils at schools across the City of Edinburgh Council region will be able to enjoy a new lamb based dish from this month as the Scotch red meat makes a welcome return to school canteens.
Owen McLeod, Catering Manager at Trinity Academy, first crafted his Spring Scotch Lamb PGI koftas with a rainbow rice pot for the School Cook of the Year Competition in 2019 and the dish proved so popular it has made its way onto school lunch menus across the capital.
The City of Edinburgh Council already uses Scotch Beef PGI in its red meat dishes and the introduction of Scotch Lamb will for many pupils be the first time they experience the quality and taste of this type of red meat, not least from their school cafeterias.
Campbells Prime Meat at The Heatherfield near Linlithgow is the district’s regular supplier and will be providing the Scotch Lamb which is sourced from trusted Scottish farms that adhere to the highest animal welfare and quality production methods.
Cllr Ian Perry, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We are big believers in education through food and using it as an opportunity for pupils to try new flavours and styles of dishes that take expression from different cultures, so we thank Owen for inspiring our new Scotch Lamb dish for schools.
“We hope this will be the first of many and we look forward to continuing to provide high quality school meals to pupils throughout Edinburgh.”
Iain Brown, Director at Campbells Prime Meat, said:“We enjoy a fantastic working relationship with the catering teams across the City of Edinburgh Council region and are delighted to be expanding our partnership with them so they can offer Scotch Lamb in schools again.
“We take huge pride in only sourcing top quality red meat from local Scottish farms so it’s great to work with a schoolboard that values giving their pupils the best produce available.”
Lesley Cameron, Director of Marketing and Communications at Quality Meat Scotland, the industry body that promotes Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI, added: “It’s vitally important for children and young people to gain exposure to top quality, locally sourced ingredients at every stage of their development.
“Not only can it teach them the importance of supporting Scotland’s butchers and farmers, the way they are used can educate them about different cultures and tastes, as well as the nutritional value of meat in the diet.
“We are thrilled to see these two partners working hard to show Edinburgh school pupils the quality, provenance and depth of flavour found in Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI.”
