Latest news with #Scotch
The Herald Scotland
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
This cocktail bar has one of the best views in Edinburgh
My first visit to the bar was actually for Burns Night two years ago when I discovered it through an event they were hosting alongside the Bacardi portfolio Scotch whisky brands: Craigellachie, Aberfeldy and Royal Brackla. The selected drams were paired with different small plates, and it was a lovely way to spend Burns Night. Perhaps not your traditional Burns Night celebration with tartan and haggis, but a great chance to showcase scotch whisky in a modern and fun way. João's Place is continuing their celebration of flavour by pairing food and drinks together as they are just launching their "Taste of João's" menu which includes an aperitivo cocktail and six different dishes where the Brazilian and Japanese influences are combined. Guests also have the option of adding on a drinks package of either paired wines or cocktails. It is definitely bound to be a great night out for those seeking something new and a bit different from their food and drinks. There always seems to be something fun and a bit different to be found on the menu. On this most recent visit, I tried a cocktail that combined the flavours of mint, cinnamon and pineapple, which certainly was unlike anything I have ever tried before, but it had such a refreshing and invigorating taste. Elsewhere, a fun feature on the menu is the "design your own highball" section, which involves picking your Japanese spirit - whisky, gin or vodka -, your season and your mixer. I am definitely coming back to João's Place just to try this out as I'm a big fan of highballs, and especially in the warmer months of the year. I think it is going to be the Japanese whisky paired with the autumn flavours of jasmine, plum and apricot with tonic water for me, but if I am in a different mood, I will let that decide my choices in the moment. If you fancy a small bite with your drinks, there are sushi plates available on the menu from Sushisamba, which is located on the same floor. I can tell you from personal research that sushi goes incredibly well with whisky, but I might be slightly biased, considering these are two of my top favourites in the food and drink world. My whisky of the week is Nikka Coffey Malt, which was one of the very first whiskies I tried from a Japanese whisky company. This whisky is made from 100% malted barley but has been distilled through a Coffey still. This might be the whisky I need to thank for my interest in grain whisky, but compared to many of the single grains I have tried from Scotland, the Coffey Malt has a lovely mix of spices like cloves and cinnamon, rather than a vanilla ice cream note. The spices are balanced out with a soft grassiness and elegant sandalwood.
Economic Times
18 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Scotch meets match; local Single Malts win hearts
More Indians are raising a toast to home-grown single malt whisky than ever before, reflected in rising sales of local brands, overshadowing the long-desired single malt Scotch. For the first time, among single malts, Indian whisky outsold Scotch in 2024. This was helped by increasing affinity for local premium malts even as sales of the Scotch fell. "After advancing by more than 75% in 2023, annual sales of Indian single malts came within 9,000 nine-litre cases of surpassing sales of single malt Scotch,' said alcohol market researcher IWSR. 'With a further advance in sales of more than 25% in 2024, Indian single malts significantly outsold their Scotch counterparts." IWSR did not divulge share sales performance data for individual Indian or Scottish single malts in the country. 'Sales of single malt Scotch fell back in 2024, further than they did in 2020, during the pandemic, and while the category remains aspirational, it seems many consumers have transferred at least some of their interest to Indian single malts,' it said. Single malt refers to whisky from one distillery—prized for its unique taste—as opposed to a blend of whiskies. Amrut and Paul John were the first Indian single malt brands, launched in the 2000s. However, in the past three years, the market saw a flurry of new single malt distillers, including Piccadily Agro—which launched Indri and Kamet — and the likes of Radico Khaitan with its Rampur single malt. Global liquor companies such as Pernod Ricard and Diageo are also adding their own Indian brands such as Longitude 77 and Godawan. 'Consumers don't shy away from stocking Indian single malts, along with other world whiskies, as the product quality, packaging and price is at par or even better than imported ones. The trend is similar to how Japanese malts gained popularity a few years ago," said Rakshit Jagdale, managing director, Amrut Distilleries. "Indian malts are also riding the wave of increased sense of nationalism and pride where they no longer perceive Scotch to be better than Indian single malts." For decades, the success of single malt whisky has been closely tied to perceptions about age, quality and price—the older the better, and more expensive. Indian single malts don't carry age statements because of local climatic conditions. In Scotland, for instance, the evaporation during barrel ageing—known as the angels' share—is just 2-3% a year, while in the heat of India, it is commonly more than 10%. Most Indian single malts, therefore, have an optimum maturation of five to eight years. "Indian single malts are progressively contributing to the expansion of the overall single malt segment. This will further enable faster transition for even more consumers to upgrade to single malt scotch brands like Glenfiddich and The Balvenie,' said Sachin Mehta, country director, India, and Indian subcontinent at William Grant & Sons. NEW NAMES With more than a dozen new Indian single malt brands entering the market, the initial numbers reflect sales to the channel and not end user consumption, note experts. These brands also offer a wider choice and availability in retail stores, as well as the advantage of sales through the defence ministry's Canteen Stores Department, where the sale of imported brands is barred. While the current strong consumer interest in Indian single malts is expected to sustain, growth momentum may be impacted by availability. Investments made in the last two years in whisky production will take at least five years to yield mature whisky. Paul John, founder of John Distillers, said many companies are currently scrambling to launch single malts. "We have an advantage and a great start as far as the single malt is concerned with products which cater from newcomers to seasoned connoisseurs. The launch of multiple expressions with clear differentiation in liquid profiles supports our portfolio's appeal,' he said.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Scotch meets match; local Single Malts win hearts
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel More Indians are raising a toast to home-grown single malt whisky than ever before, reflected in rising sales of local brands, overshadowing the long-desired single malt Scotch. For the first time, among single malts, Indian whisky outsold Scotch in 2024. This was helped by increasing affinity for local premium malts even as sales of the Scotch fell."After advancing by more than 75% in 2023, annual sales of Indian single malts came within 9,000 nine-litre cases of surpassing sales of single malt Scotch,' said alcohol market researcher IWSR.'With a further advance in sales of more than 25% in 2024, Indian single malts significantly outsold their Scotch counterparts." IWSR did not divulge share sales performance data for individual Indian or Scottish single malts in the country. 'Sales of single malt Scotch fell back in 2024, further than they did in 2020, during the pandemic, and while the category remains aspirational, it seems many consumers have transferred at least some of their interest to Indian single malts,' it malt refers to whisky from one distillery—prized for its unique taste—as opposed to a blend of whiskies. Amrut and Paul John were the first Indian single malt brands, launched in the 2000s. However, in the past three years, the market saw a flurry of new single malt distillers, including Piccadily Agro—which launched Indri and Kamet — and the likes of Radico Khaitan with its Rampur single liquor companies such as Pernod Ricard and Diageo are also adding their own Indian brands such as Longitude 77 and Godawan.'Consumers don't shy away from stocking Indian single malts, along with other world whiskies, as the product quality, packaging and price is at par or even better than imported ones. The trend is similar to how Japanese malts gained popularity a few years ago," said Rakshit Jagdale, managing director, Amrut Distilleries . "Indian malts are also riding the wave of increased sense of nationalism and pride where they no longer perceive Scotch to be better than Indian single malts."For decades, the success of single malt whisky has been closely tied to perceptions about age, quality and price—the older the better, and more expensive. Indian single malts don't carry age statements because of local climatic Scotland, for instance, the evaporation during barrel ageing—known as the angels' share—is just 2-3% a year, while in the heat of India, it is commonly more than 10%. Most Indian single malts, therefore, have an optimum maturation of five to eight years."Indian single malts are progressively contributing to the expansion of the overall single malt segment. This will further enable faster transition for even more consumers to upgrade to single malt scotch brands like Glenfiddich and The Balvenie,' said Sachin Mehta, country director, India, and Indian subcontinent at William Grant & more than a dozen new Indian single malt brands entering the market, the initial numbers reflect sales to the channel and not end user consumption, note experts. These brands also offer a wider choice and availability in retail stores, as well as the advantage of sales through the defence ministry's Canteen Stores Department, where the sale of imported brands is the current strong consumer interest in Indian single malts is expected to sustain, growth momentum may be impacted by availability. Investments made in the last two years in whisky production will take at least five years to yield mature John, founder of John Distillers, said many companies are currently scrambling to launch single malts. "We have an advantage and a great start as far as the single malt is concerned with products which cater from newcomers to seasoned connoisseurs. The launch of multiple expressions with clear differentiation in liquid profiles supports our portfolio's appeal,' he said.
Scottish Sun
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘You just knew' – Scott McTominay's first coach reveals where Man Utd went wrong with ‘special player'
Scot was so good as a kid that those who worked with him kept mementoes SCOTT THE LOT 'You just knew' – Scott McTominay's first coach reveals where Man Utd went wrong with 'special player' SCOTT McTOMINAY was discarded by Manchester United but has stolen the heart of Naples. Named Serie A player of the year, the Scot fired Antonio Conte's men to the Scudetto and earned a place in Neapolitan folklore alongside the great Diego Maradona. Advertisement 9 Scott McTominay has quickly gone down in Napoli folklore Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 9 The midfielder and his flag took centre stage in the victory parade Credit: Reuters 9 Napoli heroes including the Scot met Pope Leo XIV Credit: Alamy 9 McTominay's dedication to football as a kid shone through And the midfielder celebrated in serious fashion — smoking, dancing and knocking back Scotch straight from the bottle during Napoli's trophy parade. He was even granted an audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and his new-found celebrity status is richly deserved, too. McTominay, signed for £25million from Old Trafford on deadline day last summer, bagged 12 goals and the Serie A Most Valuable Player gong in a stellar season. The 28-year-old got the title party started on their final day of the season with a stunning scissor-kick finish against Cagliari. Advertisement While United needed to flog the academy product for financial reasons, McTominay was also ready for a new challenge. At Napoli, he found a boss in Conte who sees him as the heart of a side, rather than someone who can fill gaps here and there. Conte's faith brought the best out of the Scot — who is on national team duty next week for friendlies with Iceland and Liechtenstein — and his exploits in Italy have surprised many back home. Though those who worked with him early on were so confident he would hit these heights, they kept mementoes from day one. Advertisement 9 All-time great Diego Maradona was at Napoli from from 1984 to 1991 Credit: Getty 9 Antonio Conte celebrates his first Italian title with Napoli, having won it three times with Juventus and once with Inter Milan Credit: Getty BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Charlie Jackson, founder of Matrix Soccer Academy, was McTominay's first coach at United when he joined as a five-year-old. Advertisement He told SunSport: 'There were no video phones in those days but I wish we could have filmed him as you'd have seen a special player. Scott McTominay dances with old fan while puffing on cigarette as never-ending Napoli title party continues 'I've got his first shirt, his first training shirt and his first football — that we've got in a glass case — because you knew. You just knew.' Jackson, who also aided the development of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, added: 'He was tenacious, he wanted to learn. 'We'd spend maybe 1½ hours on a session and he'd spend another 20 minutes afterwards, wanting to master what he'd just done. Advertisement 'I'd have to have another few kids to do a drill and do the same thing again with him because he just wanted to get it. 'It's rare you see that in a child that age.' McTominay was never fully utilised by successive United managers after being handed his Red Devils debut by Jose Mourinho in 2017. Jackson explained: 'Jose was just fantastic for him. Gave him his debut, looked after him. Advertisement 'Scott always works off confidence and a pat on the back. If you believe in him, he'll run over coals for you. Conte's done that. Mourinho did that as well.' 9 McTominay has had a dream year after exiting Old Trafford Credit: Getty Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford 9 Advertisement McTominay almost did not sign for Napoli, who were very close to landing Marco Brescianini until a late change. How glad they must be McTominay was their pick. Fans have donned kilts in his honour and a Maradona-style mural popped up on the streets of Naples. Everyone has been won over, with Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport hailing him as 'the highlander who came from Manchester to tear our championship apart' and 'the symbol of the Scudetto'. Advertisement There will certainly be some red faces in Manchester, seeing one of their own go on to this success. After a season of watching players lacking character and fight, and finishing a dismal 15th in the Prem, McTominay is exactly the sort of player they need. Earlier this season, former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shared his amazement by saying: 'How you can sell Scott is beyond me.' The biggest fear in Manchester is this might only be the start. Advertisement Jackson, who keeps in touch with McTominay, added: 'The best is yet to come for him. I don't think you've seen anything yet. 'I used to say to his dad Frank, 'He'll never be looked at as world class and it's a shame but he should be because he is'. 'He had success with Man United but to go and do what he's now done . . . and there is much, much more to come. 'That's the biggest thing that I can say about him — it's just the tip of the iceberg, honestly.' Advertisement 9 Maradona won two Serie A crowns with Napoli Credit: AP MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from Old Trafford
The Irish Sun
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘You just knew' – Scott McTominay's first coach reveals where Man Utd went wrong with ‘special player'
SCOTT McTOMINAY was discarded by Manchester United but has stolen the heart of Naples. Named Serie A player of the year, the Scot fired Antonio Conte's men to the Scudetto and earned a place in Neapolitan folklore alongside the great Diego Maradona. Advertisement 9 Scott McTominay has quickly gone down in Napoli folklore Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 9 The midfielder and his flag took centre stage in the victory parade Credit: Reuters 9 Napoli heroes including the Scot met Pope Leo XIV Credit: Alamy 9 McTominay's dedication to football as a kid shone through And the midfielder celebrated in serious fashion — smoking, dancing and knocking back Scotch straight from the bottle during He was even granted an audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and his new-found celebrity status is richly deserved, too. McTominay, signed for £25million from The 28-year-old got the title party started on their final day of the season with a stunning scissor-kick finish against Cagliari. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL While United needed to flog the academy product for financial reasons, McTominay was also ready for a new challenge. At Napoli, he found a boss in Conte who sees him as the heart of a side, rather than someone who can fill gaps here and there. Conte's faith brought the best out of the Scot — who is on national team duty next week for friendlies with Iceland and Liechtenstein — and his exploits in Italy have surprised many back home. Though those who worked with him early on were so confident he would hit these heights, they kept mementoes from day one. Advertisement Most read in Football 9 All-time great Diego Maradona was at Napoli from from 1984 to 1991 Credit: Getty 9 Antonio Conte celebrates his first Italian title with Napoli, having won it three times with Juventus and once with Inter Milan Credit: Getty BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Charlie Jackson, founder of Matrix Soccer Academy, was McTominay's first coach at United when he joined as a five-year-old. Advertisement He told SunSport: 'There were no video phones in those days but I wish we could have filmed him as you'd have seen a special player. Scott McTominay dances with old fan while puffing on cigarette as never-ending Napoli title party continues 'I've got his first shirt, his first training shirt and his first football — that we've got in a glass case — because you knew. You just knew.' Jackson, who also aided the development of 'We'd spend maybe 1½ hours on a session and he'd spend another 20 minutes afterwards, wanting to master what he'd just done. Advertisement 'I'd have to have another few kids to do a drill and do the same thing again with him because he just wanted to get it. 'It's rare you see that in a child that age.' McTominay was never fully utilised by successive United managers after being handed his Red Devils debut by Jose Mourinho in 2017. Jackson explained: 'Jose was just fantastic for him. Gave him his debut, looked after him. Advertisement 'Scott always works off confidence and a pat on the back. If you believe in him, he'll run over coals for you. Conte's done that. Mourinho did that as well.' 9 McTominay has had a dream year after exiting Old Trafford Credit: Getty Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford 9 Advertisement McTominay almost did not sign for Napoli, who were very close to landing Marco Brescianini until a late change. How glad they must be Fans have donned kilts in his honour and a Maradona-style mural popped up on the streets of Naples. Everyone has been won over, with Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport hailing him as 'the highlander who came from Manchester to tear our championship apart' and 'the symbol of the Scudetto'. Advertisement There will certainly be some red faces in After a season of watching players lacking character and fight, and finishing a dismal 15th in the Prem, McTominay is exactly the sort of player they need. Earlier this season, former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shared his amazement by saying: 'How you can sell Scott is beyond me.' The biggest fear in Manchester is this might only be the start. Advertisement Jackson, who keeps in touch with McTominay, added: 'The best is yet to come for him. I don't think you've seen anything yet. 'I used to say to his dad Frank, 'He'll never be looked at as world class and it's a shame but he should be because he is'. 'He had success with Man United but to go and do what he's now done . . . and there is much, much more to come. 'That's the biggest thing that I can say about him — it's just the tip of the iceberg, honestly.' Advertisement 9 Maradona won two Serie A crowns with Napoli Credit: AP
