Tag: whisky

Scrum-ptious ‘hauf and hauf’ pairings return for Six Nations

EDINBURGH’S rugby fans can enjoy a fresh take on a classic Scottish serve this Six Nations, as two of the city’s leading independent drinks producers expand their collaborative ‘hauf and hauf’ offering.

Following a successful festive launch, Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing are rolling out their innovative whisky and beer pairings to an expanded list of pubs across the capital – timed to coincide with the 2026 Six Nations Rugby Championship.

The partnership, which has revived the time-honoured half-and-half tradition, now introduces an exclusive ‘hauf and hauf’ serve to mark the Six Nations, offering fans a great way to back Scotland with a traditional Scottish pairing.

The initiative celebrates not only Scotland’s sporting passion, but also its rich drinks heritage, with the two family-run businesses showcasing their shared commitment to quality, flavour and community.

William Wemyss, Co-Founder of Wemyss Family Spirits, said: “The Six Nations is the perfect moment to bring people together over great food, drink and sport.

“Building on our hauf and hauf collaboration with Stewart Brewing, this partnership is about celebrating Scotland through carefully paired flavours, giving fans an enjoyable and responsible way to mark match days during the Six Nations

“It’s about putting a fun, flavour-led spin on a beloved Scottish ritual, one that encourages people to slow down and savour the experience.”

Fans are encouraged to enjoy a classic Scottish hauf and hauf – pairing a Stewart Brewing beer with a Wemyss Family Spirits whisky – as a simple and sociable way to back Scotland on matchdays.

To get Scottish supporters started, we’ve pulled together our favourite pairings which we think best reflects the character of our national side.

Stewart’s 80/- with Wemyss Spice King

A modern take on a classic Scottish serve. Stewart’s 80/- is one of Scotland’s most recognisable beers, making it a natural choice for fans backing the home side, while Spice King adds warmth and depth for those choosing to enjoy a dram alongside the match.

Edinburgh Black with Wemyss Peat Chimney

A richer, more full-bodied pairing inspired by the capital, home of Scottish Rugby. The smooth roast character of Edinburgh Black complements the gentle smoke of Peat Chimney, offering a robust but balanced option for match days at participating pubs across the city.

The hauf and hauf collaboration is now available at a growing list of pubs, including:

  • Teuchters, William Street
  • Whighams Wine Cellars, Hope Street
  • Athletic Arms (Diggers), Angle Park Terrace
  • O’Connors, Broughton Road
  • Jeremiah’s Taproom, Elm Row
  • Mathers Bar, Queensferry Street
  • Ye Olde Inn, Main Street
  • No. 1 High Street, High Street
  • 56 North, West Crosscauseway
  • The Ensign Ewart, Lawnmarket
  • The Bow Bar, Victoria Street
  • The Black Cat, Rose Street
  • The Cambridge Bar, Young Street

Jo Stewart, Co-founder of Stewart Brewing, said: “We’re passionate about bringing people together in pubs, and there’s no better excuse than the Six Nations.

“By matching some of our most-loved brews with Wemyss Family Spirits’ distinctive malts, we’re creating a uniquely Scottish way to toast each nation, with a dash of humour and a whole lot of flavour.”

The initiative marks a continued commitment by both businesses to support Scotland’s vibrant pub trade, boost independent hospitality and bring heritage drinks traditions to a new generation.

Both Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing remain proudly family-run, fiercely independent and dedicated to producing characterful drinks that celebrate craft and community.

With the Calcutta Cup clash against England fast approaching, now is the perfect time to get behind Scotland and show your support. Join fellow fans in Edinburgh pubs, soak up the Murrayfield atmosphere, and enjoy a hauf and hauf ahead of the big match.

The Six Nations ‘hauf and hauf’ serve will be available in participating venues from February 2nd, 2026.

Celebrate Burns Night in an exclusive Edinburgh venue with rare whiskies and immersive storytelling

This month, The Lost Close invites you to experience Burns Night in a way few ever will – an intimate evening of Scottish heritage, exceptional whiskies, and captivating storytelling in two of Edinburgh’s most exclusive private spaces.

On 24th and 25th January 2026, only 20 guests per night will step inside a private luxury apartment overlooking St Giles’ Cathedral, Mercat Cross, and Parliament Square; a venue rarely open to the public with incredible views.

From the moment you arrive at 6pm to the sound of the pipes, the evening unfolds as a celebration of Scotland’s culture and history. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of fizz before the ceremonial “Address to a Haggis,” performed by a bagpiper as the haggis is led in.

Throughout the night, storytelling takes centre stage. Expert hosts will share tales of Robert Burns and the poet Robert Fergusson, whose work profoundly influenced him, alongside stories of Parliament Square, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the fascinating history of The Lost Close itself.

Between these moments, guests will enjoy a three-course Scottish dinner, with each dish paired with an exceptional whisky introduced by The Lost Close’s whisky expert.

The tasting features four remarkable Scotch whiskies, including Annandale Distillery’s Man O’Words, a single cask expression from the two-century old Scottish distillery, and An Edinburgh Dram, distilled in 1991 at North British and matured for over 33 years.

The evening concludes underground at The Lost Close, where guests will savour The Lost Close 2, a single cask release exclusive to the venue, bottled at 57.6% ABV with only 190 bottles ever produced.

After the final dram, guests are welcome to linger in the atmospheric underground setting until 11pm.

This is not just a Burns Night supper – it is an immersive journey through Scotland’s poetry, history, and craftsmanship in a setting few will ever experience.

Event Details:

  • Dates: 24 & 25 January 2026
  • Time: From 6pm
  • Price: £155 per person
  • Capacity: Limited to 20 guests per night

Booking is essential. 

For reservations and more information, visit: https://thelostclose.com/book-now

Talks at the White House

First Minister meets President of the United States

First Minister John Swinney has met with the President of the United States Donald Trump at the White House. 

The 50-minute meeting took place ahead of the US President’s State Visit to the United Kingdom next week, with the First Minister confirming to the President he would attend the State Banquet at Windsor Palace.  

During the meeting in the Oval Office, where the President was accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the First Minister used this latest opportunity to make the case for a better tariff deal for Scotch whisky.

The First Minister also raised the international situation including the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Qatar. 

First Minister John Swinney said: “With the US state visit to the UK just days away, we are now entering the critical days on which hopes of a better tariff deal for Scotch whisky rest.

“Scotch whisky holds a unique position, as it can only legally be produced in Scotland. During my discussions with President Trump, I made the case to reduce the tariffs on the Scotch whisky industry – something the US industry supports. 

“The United States is the largest market for Scotch whisky but Scottish distillers also spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year buying Bourbon casks from Kentucky. 

“The negotiations themselves are, of course, for the UK negotiating team but given whisky exports to the US were worth almost £1 billion in 2024, its importance to the Scottish economy cannot be underestimated and I am determined to do all that I can to protect and safeguard this iconic Scottish product.” 

The First Minister and the Scotch Whisky Association later met key Democratic and Republican members of Congress on Capitol Hill to promote a better tariff deal for Scotch whisky.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street lights up Edinburgh to mark world exclusive

  • New Blue Label variant capturing the elusive taste of umami, in first-of-a-kind collaboration with renowned Chef Kei Kobayashi, can only be purchased at Johnnie Walker Princes Street
  • Whisky fans can purchase the limited edition bottling from today, with bespoke cocktails and immersive tasting experiences available in the coming weeks.
  • Edinburgh’s West End will be illuminated with a stunning new projection as part of a complete takeover of the venue.

Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch Whisky brand1, today unveils Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami – a pioneering expression inspired by the enigmatic flavour also known as the fifth taste, which will be available exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street from today, before launching worldwide on October 16.

Taking inspiration from Japanese Zen Calligraphy, the projection onto Johnnie Walker Princes Street celebrates the ancient art form with silhouetted artists’ intricate brush strokes combined with elements from the beautifully crafted Umami Blue Label packaging on the side of Princes Street’s biggest canvas.

Arriving at Edinburgh’s eight floor whisky experience before anywhere else in the world, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami is a limited-edition release crafted by Master Blender Emma Walker and renowned Japanese Chef Kei Kobayashi of Paris’ three Michelin Star restaurant Kei.

The pair joined forces to create a Scotch that encapsulates the inscrutable taste of umami, a Japanese word used to describe what is a hard-to-define flavour, possessing mysterious qualities.

The result – a beautifully balanced Scotch of sweet and savoury flavours, with notes of blood oranges and red berries with sweet wood spice, a touch of smoked meat, a hint of salt and pepper with a long, sweet fruit finish. Selected casks from inland and coastal distilleries are hand-picked at the height of their maturation for their unique umami profile – only one in 25,000 casks succeeds in bringing this elusive character to life.

In addition to being the first in the world to get their hands on this incredible new whisky, Johnnie Walker Princes Street guests will also have the chance to enjoy a limited-edition Umami cocktail on the 1820 Bar roof terrace and take part in an immersive 60-minute tasting experience, with details set to be released on Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s social media profiles in the coming weeks.

Johnnie Walker Master Blender, Emma Walker, says: “When Chef Kei and I set out to capture the essence of umami, we wanted to push the boundaries of what Scotch could be and bring a truly innovative offering to the world of whisky and flavour.

“For Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami, only one in 25,000 casks in our unparalleled reserves of more than 10 million maturing casks made the cut in our painstaking search for that elusive flavour profile – each expression of whisky was hand-picked to create an umami profile, just like ingredients for a recipe, allowing us to bring the unique character of this innovative whisky to life.”

Chef Kei Kobayashi adds: “Umami possesses a mysterious quality that ignites our senses, revealing sumptuous taste, complexity, and depth.

“Encapsulating that alluring flavour through Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami allows you to immerse your palate in an exquisite Scotch Whisky of subtle richness.”

Rob Maxwell, Head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, says: “Johnnie Walker is renowned for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in whisky, and Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami does just that.

“This collaboration is an expression of taste that’s rarely seen in the world of whisky, and one that is set to inspire a new generation of whisky lovers. It’s exciting that we are the world’s first location to stock this exclusive dram at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. We can’t wait for you to taste it.”

Available exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh from September 18, 2023, and available to buy globally from October 16, 2023.

Follow Johnnie Walker Princes Street for more information:

https://www.instagram.com/johnniewalkerprincesstreet/

Mother’s Day Celebrations at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Treat your mother figure to an afternoon of whisky and chocolate tasting

On Sunday, March 19, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh’s five-star whisky attraction, will celebrate Mother’s Day by offering guests a chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to a guided tasting of three delicious whiskies, each perfectly paired with a chocolate truffle from The Highland Chocolatier lain Burnett.

Set to take place in the ground floor retail area at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, this 45-minute experience will give lucky mother figures a taste of some of Scotland’s best whiskies, as well as some Johnnie Walker hospitality at Scotland’s visitor attraction of the year, as awarded by Whisky magazine.

The tasting will start with the velvety smooth and aromatic Dalwhinnie 15-year-old, then the delicate fruity Cardhu 15-year-old with bitter chocolate notes that pair perfectly with The Highland Chocolatier. This will be followed by a classic Johnnie Walker old fashioned with a raspberry twist. Guests will also learn about these unique drams, their distinct flavours, their history and the delicious chocolate they are paired with.

As a parting gift, all the lovely mothers on show will be presented with a mini dried bouquet to take home. 

Rob Maxwell, head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street said: “Our mother figures play such important roles in our lives, and they always deserve to be celebrated. We are really looking forward to hosting a great tasting experience that’ll live long in the memories of all the whisky-loving mums in attendance.”

A 20% discount will be offered for the bottle of each whisky from the tasting, as well as 10% off other retail purchases of up to £500 and for drinks in the bar on the day of the experience, and for up to 7 days afterwards (T&Cs apply). 

To redeem, guests must show their confirmation ticket to a member of staff at the till. 

For more information and to book an experience, please visit: 

www.johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com

Going green: Glenmorangie’s bottling plant switches to solar

– New solar array reduces bottling plant’s national grid reliance by one-third –

The Glenmorangie Company has installed a new solar array at its bottling plant in Livingston, as part of a significant eight-figure investment in its operations, which will reduce its current on-site energy consumption by 30 per cent.

The 1,476 panels cover the majority of the building’s roof, allowing Glenmorangie to generate its own renewable energy, delivering significant savings and at the same time reducing its carbon footprint. 

It forms part of the company’s overarching sustainable strategy to achieve net zero carbon by 2040. The installation has been carried out by West Lothian based DB Group, in partnership with Emtec Energy. The DB Group will offer energy management support as The Glenmorangie Company continues to reduce energy consumption and works towards its green targets. 

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The Company’s purpose-built Livingston site was opened in 2011. As global demand grows for both its Glenmorangie and Ardbeg Single Malt Whiskies the Company is doubling capacity at its bottling plant through an expansion due to complete in 2023. The solar array forms part of that development.

Michael Scotland, Facilities and Projects Director at Glenmorangie, said: “We’re putting sustainability at the heart of the expansion of our Alba bottling plant. Our capacity will be increasing with new high-speed lines being installed over the coming year.

“At the same time, we have installed solar panels to reduce our current reliance on the national grid. This also gives us a clear pathway to maximise green energy across our site as we work towards our sustainability targets.”

Peter Nelson, Operations Director at Glenmorangie, added: “The Glenmorangie Company has ambitious plans for growth while we are fully committed to building a sustainable future for our business and communities across Scotland.

“We have key projects already in motion or completed at our sites including the solar array at Livingston, the installation of an anaerobic digestion plant in Tain as part of our Dornoch Environmental Enhancement Project (DEEP).

“We also continue to work in partnership with other Distilleries on new hydrogen energy trials with many more projects in the pipeline to achieve our 2040 net zero ambition.”

Wemyss Malts launch limited edition: Smoky Shores

Scottish independent whisky bottler Wemyss Malts launches Smoky Shores, a brand-new limited-edition blend.

The non-age statement expression is released as just 5,526 bottles, bottled at 46% ABV and priced at £50 available globally here: https://wemyssmalts.com/.

Smoky Shores delivers notes of snuffed smoke, salted lemons and sweet cured bacon on the nose, followed by notes of wild oats, orange peel, and malted bread toasted over embers of heathery peat on the palate.

The limited expression is packaged in an intricately foiled gift carton, inside a bespoke decanter bottle, with an illustrated label design that takes inspiration from the barley malting process.

Smoky Shores is a sister whisky to Peat Chimney, a popular choice among smoky whisky fans from the core range of Wemyss Malts. Flavour-wise, the new limited release has the characteristics of Peat Chimney, with an extra blast of punchy peated malt.

Wemyss Malts core range also includes The Hive, a Speyside blend with honey-like sweetness and flavours of citrus zest, and Spice King, a complexly sweet yet salty expression, an ideal alternative to rye or spiced rum.  

Commenting on the release of Smoky Shores, Isabella Wemyss, owner and Director of Production, said: “We’re delighted with our new Smoky Shores bottling. Our existing smoky favourite from the core range, Peat Chimney, is already a big hit among our peat fans, and Smoky Shores has an even more intense, delicious smoky flavour, a real treat for peated whisky enthusiasts.  

“Adding to the all-round flavour experience, you’ll find hand-crafted illustrations on the packaging inspired by the malting process. These really bring to life the tasting notes and flavour within the bottle, transporting you to coastal seashores.

“On 25th January, we’ll be raising a glass to our smoky whisky fans around the world – Smoky Shores is the perfect accompaniment to a Burns Night supper.”

The packaging derives inspiration from the barley malting process, where the peat is added to develop the smoky flavours found in this whisky. The name is acquired from the long, salty finish reminiscent of bonfires ablaze seashores.

FULL TASTING NOTES

NOSE

Robust peaty smoke mingles with intense aromas of crushed mint leaves that fuse with aromatic rosemary.

PALATE

A sudden and explosive mouthfeel comes to the fore with earthy white pepper and zesty lemons.

FINISH

Bitter espresso sinks into the palate before a long salty mouth-coating finish drifts away.  

Gift Guide: Smokehead Whisky Expressions

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, one of the fastest growing single malts in the UK and globally, is once again twisting tradition with their latest release, Twisted Stout.

The brand-new limited-edition expression has been part finished in stout casks, priced at RRP £49.99 and with an ABV of 43%, it is only available to purchase exclusively from www.smokehead.com 

Intertwined with the intense smack-in-the-tastebuds smoke you’d expect from Smokehead, the creamy, malty stout flavour adds unfamiliar notes of rich chocolate and treacle toffee, vanilla ice cream, roasted nuts, and toasted biscuits. 

Wrapped up in a striking new pack design, the ever-courageous brand’s new and innovative release is available to buy now only from www.smokehead.com

Commenting on the launch Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director said “Our unique  and disruptive Smokehead thinking has led to some convention challenging, trail blazing, rule breaking whiskies over the years that don’t follow the usual traditions and rituals. 

“We’ve clearly struck a chord with those who do things their way, live life on their own bold terms, and pick a whisky that’s as disinterested in the status quo as they are. Twisted Stout is as far away from a standard single malt as the combination of tastes, aromas and flavours inside the bottle. 

“So, while all our releases come with an original twist, our latest might just be our most twisted yet. Which is just how we like things.” 

SMOKEHEAD TWISTED STOUT TASTING NOTES:

THE FIRST IMPRESSION

The usual island intensity of Smokehead comes cloaked in sweet aromas of chocolate and treacle toffee. Maritime air meets a decent pint on the shore. Unexpected. Unusual. And unsettling for the senses. 

THE FULL-ON FLAVOUR

You’re past the point of no return now. Hot and soothing at the same time. Salty smoke weaves its way around dry roasted nuts, toasted marshmallow, vanilla ice-cream and… is that someone putting a pot of fresh coffee on? 

THE FINALE

New flavours unlocked. Old favourites reunited, wood smoke and spices. Malty, toasted biscuits. Zingy citrus. Dark and delicious. A fitting sign-off from the twisted lovechild of whisky and beer. 

Smokehead also grabbed the headlines recently with the launch of the first-ever pre-mixed single malt in a ready to drink can serve. Kick-starting the brand-new ready to drink range with two eye-popping serves: ‘Smokehead mixed with Cola’ and ‘Smokehead mixed with Ginger and Lime’, both available to buy online via Amazon, Smokehead.com and other UK selected retailers.

The Smokehead core range (see below) is also available globally via online and instore.

CORE SMOKEHEAD EXPRESSIONS:

SMOKEHEAD

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the original expression, an intensely rich yet subtly sweet dram. With immense smoke and notes of sea salt and spice, this is a vigorous whisky that stands out from the crowd. 

HIGH VOLTAGE

If Smokehead is an assault on your senses, then High Voltage is an all-out attack. The breath-taking intensity of the peat and smoke is a red light for the faint of heart. 

RUM REBEL 

The rich, smoky, salty Islay whisky rebel is finished in spicy, sweet Caribbean rum casks creating culture colliding carnage and a melding of mouth-watering tastes. 

SHERRY BOMB

Smokehead Sherry Bomb is a peaty Islay single malt that has well and truly earned its name. Blasted by rich, sweet and spicy Spanish sherry casks, it had emerged as a fiery, explosive, heavy hitting dram that has even turned our skull red. 

Slàinte! New limited-edition whisky celebrates Scotland’s Euros return after 23 Years

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.

To find out more and order, please go to http://rarefindwhisky.co.uk/scottishnt.

Morrisons Hogmanay

Morrisons is slashing the price of selected premium scotch whiskies in its Scotland stores to help customers celebrate Hogmanay at home.

From Boxing Day, selected bottles of Glenmorangie, Highland Park, Glenlivet and Laphroaig will be just £20 each in Morrisons, saving customers up to £16 a bottle.

Charles de Villers champagne is also half price and Sorso prosecco has a third off.

The deals are available in Morrisons 60 stores across Scotland until New Year’s Eve.