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As a whisky lover, I am unsure why I hadn’t joined the Scotch Malt Whisky Society before. Not only are there a serious amount of their own bottles, but also members rooms throughout Scotland and one in central London. With 32k members worldwide, I am rather slow to get on board!
Jamavar, on Mount Street in London, draws inspiration from the Viceroy's house in New Delhi, marrying the opulence of India's bygone eras with the modernity of London's dining scene. The restaurant's name itself, is derived from the luxurious Jamavar shawls that symbolise Indian craftsmanship. Mount Street, known for its Victorian architecture and high-end boutiques, provided a fitting backdrop for the restaurant that aims to blend the rich culinary traditions of India with contemporary expectations.
My desk has been full of samples of late, from a diverse range of distilleries, with little time to write introductions to each. I have therefore elected to focus on tasting notes for this issue, from the historically rich Never Say Die Bourbon to the smoky depths of Morris Single Malt Smoked Muscat. I have included a large array of whiskies, from the peated complexities of Bruichladdich, to the innovative maturation processes seen in whiskies like Abasolo 100% Ancestral Corn from Mexico.
Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, with a commanding view of Tower Bridge, Le Pont de la Tour is a landmark restaurant that intertwines French cuisine with the dynamic backdrop of London's skyline. This culinary destination has been at the forefront of London’s high-end dining scene since opening its doors in 1991. I was offered a job there as a Sommelier around 1996, but declined as I wasn’t ready to move to London. I am not sure if I regret this or not. I think retrospectively I would have thoroughly enjoyed my time there.
In this article, I look at two American whisky distilleries that are making waves. Westland from Seattle has created a name for itself making single malt whisky and Uncle Nearest that is currently valued at $900m having only been founded in 2017.
Meandering along the streets of Clerkenwell, I found myself pondering why it had taken me so long to dine at Luca, a stalwart of Italian food with a distinctive British twist. Owned by the Clove Club, this Michelin-starred restaurant disguises its culinary skills behind a façade reminiscent of a local trattoria, with its inviting green exterior and modest double wooden doors.
In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, beside the picturesque shores of the Cromarty Firth, is The Dalmore. It is a distillery I have driven past numerous times on my way to, or from, Speyside, but have been unable to visit, as timings simply have not worked out. When I received an invitation from them to come to Scotland and sample a new release, I thought this would be my chance. It turns out it wasn’t, it was in many ways even better - an opportunity to visit V&A Dundee, with whom they have partnered for the release.
Established in 2005 by a group of friends passionate about whisky, Stauning blends traditional techniques with modern ideas. The team have swiftly carved out a niche for themselves with a commitment to craftsmanship and using local ingredients. At the heart of Stauning's philosophy is a desire not to replicate the time-honoured traditions but to refine and reimagine them for the modern era.
This edition kicks off with Idle Assembly rum, a gem I stumbled upon on Instagram (Clandestine Whisky Magazine) and felt an urge to explore further. My journey into the world of rum is fairly recent, yet it has quickly drawn me in. The category is so varied and presents a more complex proposition than whisky in many ways.
I have been suffering from a rather nasty cold, which has prevented me from tasting, so a little behind in my diaries. This edition focuses on a selection of wines that have passed over my desk recently. I believe it is important to enjoy everyday wines, to provide perspective on the finer wine we enjoy. I recently had lunch with an old friend at Luca (report coming soon), who happens to be one of the world’s finest wine writers. When he is not drinking 1st Growth Claret, or sipping on DRC, he often buys a £8 bottle of white from Waitrose to enjoy.
