WHISKY is that go-to gift that never goes wrong. Its enduring appeal with aficionados of all ages is guaranteed to put a smile on someone’s face when they find a bottle of their favourite – or one they’ve never tried before – under the Christmas tree.
The number of new whisky distilleries opening in Scotland and in the planning stages continues to climb as producers create evermore interesting expressions of single malt Scotch whisky and boutique brands in direct response to demand both at home and in lucrative export markets around the globe.
One of the newest kids on the block is Glasgow 1770 Peated Rich and Smoky, an interesting single malt from The Glasgow Distillery Company. While its inaugural 'Peated' release was matured in first-fill ex-sherry casks and finished in virgin oak, the succeeding iteration has been matured in virgin oak and finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, resulting in an exciting and intriguingly different spirit.
It's described as 'crafted from the finest malted barley which has been smoked with the aromatic heather-rich peat of the Scottish Highlands, combined with the exceptionally pure water of Loch Katrine and distilled in traditional copper pot stills, resulting in a rich, deeply satisfying spirit with soft smoky notes'.
Liam Hughes, the company’s co-founder, said: “After receiving such a fantastic response to our first smoky single malt, we have been working tirelessly to bring you something slightly different, but equally as impressive.”
Glasgow 1770 Peated Rich and Smoky is bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural in colour. It is now available to purchase for £49 at www.glasgowdistillery.com
Pop-up shop in Glasgow city centre
Glasgow Distillery’s festive gifts are sure to go down a storm this Christmas and you’ll find plenty of inspiration in the firm’s pop-up shop in the city’s Buchanan Galleries, on the ground floor opposite John Lewis.
Alongside the distillery’s multi-award-winning Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whisky Signature Range and the city’s first-ever gin brand, Makar Gin, it will also be selling its Glasgow-spiced Banditti Club Rum, G52 Botanical Vodka range and the most recent addition to the portfolio, Malt Riot Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – all of which are handcrafted just a few miles away in the distillery at Hillington.
The shop, open every day until December 30, is also offering a range of gift sets, glassware and merchandise as well as a complementary gift-wrapping service. What’s more, there’s an opportunity to 'try before you buy', with a knowledgeable team on hand to talk you through each spirit and recommend gift items for friends and family.
Available to order via the firm’s website is a luxury whisky gift set containing each of the three Glasgow 1770 single malts in miniature form alongside some extremely festive Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whisky Christmas crackers, also containing a Glasgow 1770 Single Malt miniature.
Coming soon is a whisky personalisation service which will allow you to gift the whisky-lover in your life their very own bottle with personalised bottle and gift carton labels, all for no additional cost.
Mr Hughes added: “We understand that while some people will be more likely to shop online this Christmas, some still like to visit a physical store. For this reason, we are happy to offer both options to our Glasgow-based customers.
“All our offerings are available both online and at our pop-up shop, where we have multiple health and safety measures in place to ensure the shopping experience is as safe as possible at this challenging time.”
www.glasgowdistillery.com
Whisky tasting at home
YOU can’t take tour of Glasgow Distillery just yet so how about gifting a virtual tasting instead?
Your loved one, friend or relative can then enjoy an interactive whisky tasting from the comfort of their own home?
Brand ambassador, Camilo Gómez, will guide you through five Glasgow Distillery whiskies, including an exclusive dram specifically for its virtual tastings. You will also learn a bit about the history of Glasgow Distillery Company and what makes its whiskies so distinguishable – and get an insight into the craftsmanship and care that goes into each dram.
Mr Gómez, the founder of Once Upon A Whisky, has several years of experience in the drinks industry. He holds numerous degrees from prestigious institutions, including the New York Bartending School, the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, and an MBA at the University of Glasgow. He has travelled extensively across Scotland, Europe, USA, Asia and South America researching the art of whisky.
More details at www.glasgowdistillery.com
Have a virtual festive night out with work
With work Christmas nights out looking unlikely this year, The Glasgow Distillery has created its COCKTAILS@HOME party pack, which employers can purchase for members of their team.
Each party pack contains all the perfect ingredients for a party, including four Glasgow Distillery award-winning spirits, alongside cocktail ingredients, garnishes, mixers, nibbles and more.
A complimentary virtual party host can be provided for larger parties along with a virtual meeting room link (via Zoom) – you can even play games, or do a quiz as well as enjoy which cocktail masterclasses, led by a mixologist.
Festive party packs cost £30 plus P and P per person – find out more at www.glasgowdistillery.com
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