Latest news with #SpiritofSpeyside
Scotsman
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Final countdown for The Scotsman Scran awards 2025
The third annual Scotsman Scran Awards are taking place in June, and we've been inundated with nominations which our panel of judges have whittled down to the finalists. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... These finalists will be invited to the awards ceremony on 23 June at Oran Mor in Glasgow and you're invited to join us there. The Scotsman Scran Awards have been developed to celebrate the individuals, establishments and products that make the Scottish food and drink sector what it is. From Michelin-Starred fine dining to coffee shops and celebrated chefs and spirits, the Scottish food, drink and hospitality scene is a melting pot of talent and innovation, and these awards will be celebrating the very best of this. The Scotsman has been championing Scottish food and drink on its dedicated site for ten years, and, in 2019, launched Scran, its food and drink podcast. A mulit-award-winning podcast, it's presented by food and drink editor Rosalind Erskine. Past episodes include the return of Spirit of Speyside and Feis Ile, how to celebrate Burns night as a vegan, the launch of a new dining concept with Michel Roux Jnr, a celebration of Scottish seafood, authentic fusion food with Julie Lin and talking whisky, gin and life after Outlander with Sam Heughan. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Now the finalists who are shortlisted have been announced after the judging panel of industry experts - including The Scotsman food and drink editor Rosalind Erskine, Rosemary Gallagher, head of commercial content at The Scotsman, Julia Bryce, food and drink journalist and content creator, and chef and restauranteur Dean Banks - made their decision. 2024 Scran award winners | john devlin Among the awards are: Scottish restaurant of the year, chef of the year, employee of the year, best Scottish pub, newcomer of year, best spirit and sustainability awards. We're also asking you to choose your favourite local restaurant. Scotsman food and drink editor Rosalind Erskine said: 'It was a really tough job to pick the winners for this year's awards due to how many quality and innovative businesses we have in Scotland's food and drink sector. Despite years of challenges, it's heartening to see so many passionate business people going above and beyond to showcase, and champion our wonderful Scottish larder. I'm looking forward to seeing the shortlisted finalists on the night of the awards.' Judge Julia Bryce added: 'The calibre of entries this year showcases the quality, creativity and passion those working in food, drink and hospitality in Scotland boast. It was truly inspiring to get an insight into their businesses and their teams, and while it made the judging process a difficult one with lots of deliberation, it shows we have plenty to celebrate and be proud of.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Scotsman
14-05-2025
- Scotsman
I tried the £50 ‘world's best single malt whisky' - and was surprised by one thing
We're fully into whisky month, which kicked off with the Spirit of Speyside whisky festival at the end of April, but before then, the World Whiskies Awards had named their top whiskies for 2025. There were 23 Scotch whiskies in total, among other whiskies from around the world. But it was a Scotch whisky that took home the coveted title of 'World's Best Single Malt.' There was worldwide competition from Brazil, Belgium, America, Ireland, Canada and Australia for the best single malt, but it was the GlenAllachie 12 year old whisky that took the top spot. Judges described it as having: "A nose of rich sultanas, flapjacks, and milk chocolate, alongside acetone notes. On the palate, dried apple, gourmet chutney, orange zest, nutmeg, and cinnamon emerge, complemented by vanilla custard. The finish is medium-long, oily, and slightly warm, making for a very enjoyable dram." I tried the whisky during a warm and sunny spell of weather, and was keen to see if it was one to potentially add to a highball or cocktail and enjoy al fresco. What I found was a nose of spice, red and tropical fruits, vanilla, oak and a hint of creaminess. On tasting the whisky, I got notes of stewed apples, vanilla and citrus while the sweet finish lingered. With water, there was a touch of old school cola cube sweets. What surprised me the most, was how smooth and easy to drink this whisky is. I'd highly recommend it to those curious about whisky but unsure about the strength and associated alcohol burn. At £50 it's also a bargain given the age and weight the GlenAllachie brand has. Pick up a bottle now and enjoy. Our verdict GlenAllachie 12 year old single malt Score: 5/5 Best for: whisky novices and cultured drinkers Buy a bottle for £48.50 from the Whisky Exchange here.
Scotsman
14-05-2025
- Scotsman
I tried the £50 ‘world's best single malt whisky' - and was surprised by one thing
We're fully into whisky month, which kicked off with the Spirit of Speyside whisky festival at the end of April, but before then, the World Whiskies Awards had named their top whiskies for 2025. There were 23 Scotch whiskies in total, among other whiskies from around the world. But it was a Scotch whisky that took home the coveted title of 'World's Best Single Malt.' There was worldwide competition from Brazil, Belgium, America, Ireland, Canada and Australia for the best single malt, but it was the GlenAllachie 12 year old whisky that took the top spot. Judges described it as having: "A nose of rich sultanas, flapjacks, and milk chocolate, alongside acetone notes. On the palate, dried apple, gourmet chutney, orange zest, nutmeg, and cinnamon emerge, complemented by vanilla custard. The finish is medium-long, oily, and slightly warm, making for a very enjoyable dram." I tried the whisky during a warm and sunny spell of weather, and was keen to see if it was one to potentially add to a highball or cocktail and enjoy al fresco. What I found was a nose of spice, red and tropical fruits, vanilla, oak and a hint of creaminess. On tasting the whisky, I got notes of stewed apples, vanilla and citrus while the sweet finish lingered. With water, there was a touch of old school cola cube sweets. What surprised me the most, was how smooth and easy to drink this whisky is. I'd highly recommend it to those curious about whisky but unsure about the strength and associated alcohol burn. At £50 it's also a bargain given the age and weight the GlenAllachie brand has. Pick up a bottle now and enjoy. Our verdict GlenAllachie 12 year old single malt Score: 5/5 Best for: whisky novices and cultured drinkers Buy a bottle for £48.50 from the Whisky Exchange here.
