Food & Drink

The Whisky Event

One of my favourite whisky events of the year takes place in The Great Room at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane on the 2nd June. Over 60 exhibitors will be present with over 600 whiskies to taste. Unlike other events, the quality of the whisky here is always exceptional, with many fine and rare bottles shared by the distilleries and Independent Bottlers. One of the highlights of the evening is the food - a lavish Kosher buffet that is included in the entry price of £100 (£180 for two people).

In the heart of Scotland's rugged northeast, the Cabrach distillery is breathing new life into one of the country’s most storied whisky-producing regions, 170 years after the last distillery here closed. Nestled within the wild, windswept landscapes of the Highlands, this distillery, with the legendary Master Distiller Alan Winchester, formerly of Glenlivet, at the helm, Cabrach Distillery is poised to make a significant impact in the whisky landscape over the coming decades.

The uniqueness of Glenturret and Last Drop Distillers lies in their unwavering commitment to quality over quantity. Glenturret, releases far fewer bottles than many of its contemporaries, and is now firmly positioned in the luxury end of the market. Last Drop Distillers, holds the philosophy that great whisky should be savoured like a time capsule. They source their spirits from the rarest stocks and most prestigious distilleries, unearthing treasures that might otherwise be forgotten. 

The global spirits industry is witnessing a significant shift towards premiumisation, with consumers increasingly seeking out unique, high-quality products with authentic stories. This trend is particularly pronounced in whisky, where there is a growing appreciation for craft spirits that offer something beyond the mainstream offerings. Arbikie’s launch of Scottish rye fits squarely within this narrative.

A few weeks ago I attended the Cognac Show in central London, organised by The Whisky Exchange. It offered an opportunity to taste the cognacs of several producers that are unfamiliar to me, which I shall be writing about in due course. One of those was Vallein Tercinier, who very kindly sent me a great selection of samples, covering a multitude of their cognacs, that I would like to introduce you to now. 

Scotch Malt Whisky Society

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.