October 31st 2024.
If you've ever walked along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, you may have noticed a striking building that stands out among the rest. That's the Scotch Whisky Experience, a must-visit destination for any whisky lover. This iconic spot not only serves as a landmark, but also invites curious tourists to discover the rich and fascinating world of Scottish whisky before continuing their journey up the hill to the historic Edinburgh Castle.
Established in 1988 by 19 whisky companies, the Scotch Whisky Experience is a true testament to the passion and pride that Scotland has for its national drink. Its mission is to showcase the wonderful world of Scottish whisky to the wider international public, and it has been doing so through various interactive tours and exhibitions throughout the years.
I was lucky enough to be invited to their Platinum Taste of Scotland Tour, a unique experience that takes you on a journey through the whisky making process in Scotland. Our guide, Beki, led us through a dark room illuminated by fluorescent mushroom-shaped lights, which reminded me of beautiful jellyfish. After everyone in our group was accounted for, we were taken through the steps of whisky making with the help of a short video. We then moved on to three other rooms, including the interactive "Inside the Cask" room, where we learned about the art of whisky making and maturation.
But the highlight of the tour was, without a doubt, the whisky tasting. Beki expertly guided us through the different types of whisky available in Scotland, including grain, blends, blended malts, and single malts. As we sipped on the mystery drams presented to us, the group was buzzing with excitement. It was a fantastic introduction to the world of whisky, with many engaging in friendly debates about their preferred dram.
The second whisky tasting was truly magical, as it took place in the Diageo Claive Vidiz Whisky Collection, home to over 3000 bottles of whisky from all over Scotland. I spent a good ten minutes admiring the shelves and discovering some rare drams and distilleries that are no longer in existence. We were then treated to two more delicious drams, both on the sweeter side, which were very well-received by the group.
The final part of the tasting took place in a cozy tavern-like room, where we tried the most controversial whisky of the night – a heavily-peated dram. I was seated with two lovely ladies who were both new to the world of whisky. As we sipped on our drams, they expressed how much they enjoyed the tour, not only for its informative nature but also for the opportunity to discover their own preferences in a non-judgmental and open environment.
After the tour, we were led to the Amber Restaurant, the perfect setting for our Taste of Scotland three-course tasting menu. As we made our way to the downstairs restaurant, I couldn't help but admire the ambience of the place. The illuminated bar wall, lined with an impressive collection of whisky, added to the overall charm of the place.
Our charismatic host, Billy, welcomed us and gave us a rundown of the evening's events. As servers brought around a manuscript-like book of whisky for us to order from, we were served a trio of starters that included pressed ham hock with homemade piccalilli, whisky cured smoked salmon with caviar, and vegetarian haggis bon bon with whisky ketchup. While I thoroughly enjoyed the first two, especially the tangy piccalilli, I found the bon bon to be a bit too soft for my liking.
The main courses were equally impressive, with a trio of chicken balmoral with whisky sauce, beef shin Wellington with spring greens and dauphinoise potato, and pan-roasted steelhead trout with pea puree and parsley & anchovy butter. The trout, in particular, was a standout dish – bursting with complementary flavors and practically melting in my mouth. The beef Wellington was also delicious, and my American companion couldn't stop raving about the chicken balmoral.
For dessert, we were served sticky toffee pudding, on the sweeter and cakier side compared to others I've had, but it paired perfectly with the syrupy whisky that Billy prepared for us with a toast.
Overall, the Platinum Taste of Scotland tour at the Scotch Whisky Experience is a truly fabulous experience. It's perfect for anyone looking to learn more about the whisky making process in Scotland, guided by engaging storytellers and accompanied by dynamic visuals and audio. While it may not be the ideal experience for those who are already well-versed in Scottish whisky, it does an excellent job of making whisky accessible to those just starting their whisky journey. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting from outside of Scotland who wants to enjoy a fun and flavorful evening of all things Scottish.
If you want to experience this for yourself, head to the Scotch Whisky Experience at 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE. And be sure to keep up with the latest news and stories by subscribing to Scottish Field and reading the latest issue. Cheers!
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