The Gala Tasting at the Dornoch Whisky Festival

Want to taste Whisky from 16 local distilleries all in one place? Like good food and a great atmosphere? Then book your tickets now for the Gala Tasting event at the Dornoch Whisky Festival!

Set in the grounds of the historic Dornoch Castle Hotel, The Gala Tasting is sure to be popular with Whisky connoisseurs and novices alike! This grand tasting event is the heart of the Dornoch Whisky Festival and will be taking place from 12pm unitl 4pm on the 29th October. Tickets are only £25 so it is an affordable day out for all whisky lovers.

Come along and sample a wide range of malt whisky from local distillers including Balblair, Clynelish, The Dalmore, Glenmorangie, Glen Ord, Old Pulteney & Wolfburn, as well as Gordon & Macphail, Benromach, Glen Scotia, Glenturret, Annandale and Douglas Laing. And we are very excited to announce that our very own Dornoch Distillery will have gin to sample!

Our very special guest Charles Maclean will be attending the tasting and be meeting and greeting everyone who comes along. Charles has written many books on Scotch Whisky and runs tastings and masterclasses world wide. He is very knowledgeable will be a fantastic person to spend the afternoon with!

Tickets are £25 each which includes 20 vouchers to be used on the drams of your choice as well as a plate of cheese, bread and grapes to be enjoyed at your leisure! You will receive a Goody Bag with a voucher card to be exchanged for drams (with option to purchase more) a Glencairn tasting glass, pen, program and a bottle of water. You will also receive a tombola ticket which enters you automatically into a draw for a place in the Chocolate and Whisky pairing masterclass run by Whisky Corner. We are very excited about this event and Whisky Corner are working with local distilleries and Cocoa Skye, a local chocolate producer, to create a very exclusive Chocolate and Whisky pairing workshop. Only 25 lucky people (chosen at random by Charles Maclean) will get a chance to attend this 45 minute workshop which will take place a 2pm. We can’t wait!

Alongside the Whisky tasting stalls we will also have chocolates, cake, Whisky flavoured candles, Gluten free beer and Gin!

In the evening after the Gala Tasting the Castle are hosting there a BBQ followed by a Traditional Ceilidh

Book your tickets now: www.dornochwhiskyfestival.com

 

 

For More Information Go Here: The Gala Tasting at the Dornoch Whisky Festival

The Gala Tasting at the Dornoch Whisky Festival posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk

Dornoch Whisky Festival by Angus Macraild

Tell someone you’re going to Dornoch and you can expect one of two responses: “I didn’t know you played golf?” or “Where?”. I’ve been coming to Dornoch and Sutherland for a number of years now for work (and more than a little pleasure to boot) and if there’s an unsung whisky nook of Scotland then it’s here among the sprawling coastal headlands and the seemingly distant mountains that heave suddenly from the earth as you move inland.

The idea of a ‘Dornoch Whisky Festival’ is one of those notions that might make you scratch your head at first but on further rumination makes you wonder why you didn’t think of it yourself. That northern vertebrae of the A9 from Muir Or Ord up to its termination in Wick boasts a scattering of some of Scotland’s most famous distilleries; as well as some of its most respected ‘under the radar’ and newer names. Indeed, in Dornoch itself with it’s fledgling eponymous wee distillery - currently undergoing finishing touches at Dornoch Castle Hotel - you’ll find one of Scotland’s most exciting and ambitious new distilling projects; one driven by ideology and smart economics rather than brute efficiency.

So given the wealth of local tradition, product and knowledge, it’s sort of odd this is only the second year of the Dornoch Whisky Festival. Looking over the event pages you can see the sheer scale and versatility of the events and people that will be involved, from local bars, shops and distillers, to international whisky figureheads such as Charles MacLean. The festival features dinners, Ceilidhs, all manner of tastings, lunches, tours and walks. One of the central highlights of the festival - and one which I’m particularly excited about - is the Gala tasting on Saturday 29th at 12pm in Dornoch Castle Hotel. Of all the events this is probably the key place for people to come and get a thorough understanding and overview of all the various malts that this region of the Highlands has to offer. The chance to meet, taste and talk with the people that make these great drams and garner some first hand knowledge is the key to a deeper appreciation and understanding of whisky. And for anyone who fancies a break from the drams or just wants a wee refreshment, I hear you’ll be among the first in the world able to sample the new craft gin from Dornoch Distillery at the event.

There is something about Scotland when you travel north of Inverness - beyond the wall if you will - the character of the land, the people and the produce changes. Whenever I drive up the A9 there’s a feeling when you get over Kessock bridge and into the smaller towns and villages that you’re somewhere with its own identity. I’ve always looked forward to heading north but to head up to a festival that gathers together some of the best local produce and the people that source and make it - that’s a special occasion, one worth the effort of the trip and one not likely soon forgotten. I look forward to sharing, and discovering, a few great drams with even greater people.

(Angus Macraild is a writer for www.scotchwhisky.com and Whisky Online Shop)

Read More Here: Dornoch Whisky Festival by Angus Macraild

Dornoch Whisky Festival by Angus Macraild posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk

Ten things to DO in Dornoch: Whisky

Lovers of single malts or those keen to learn about Scotland’s national drink are spoilt for choice when visiting Dornoch and the surrounding area, Dornoch is the perfect centre point for your Whisky Tour of the area. You can visit 6 famous distilleries within an easy drive of Dornoch. Clynelish, Balblair, Glenmorangie, Dalmore, Glen Ord and Old Pulteney are all close by so there is every opportunity to raise a glass to your holiday in Scotland. Sample and compare a range of malts on this 'Whisky Trail' by participating in distillery tours and tastings as well as visiting famous Whisky venues in Dornoch itself.

1) The Dornoch Castle Whisky Bar

The award winning Whisky Bar is renowned for its selection of incredible vintage malts and rare bottling, with their vast selection at hand there is a whisky to suit every palate. The Thompson brothers, Simon and Phil, host regular Whisky Tasting for groups who wish to find out more about their favourite drams.

For more information visit: www.dornochcastlehotel.com 
Email: enquiries@dornochcastlehotle.com
Telephone: 01862 810216

2) Dornoch Distillery

Simon & Phil from the Castle Whisky Bar are now onto their next venture. Having successfully developed one of the best Whisky Bars in Scotland they are now putting their vast knowledge and experience to the test and have begun the process of building their very own distillery on the grounds of the Dornoch Castle Hotel.

The construction has begun on the old “Fire House” which was built in 1881, situated in the rear of the Castle’s garden. Although the building is small it has plenty of room for the boys to create their own hand crafted ‘old style’ whisky and organic gin from scratch.

For more information visit: www.dornochdistillery.com
Email: info@dornochdistillery.com
Telephone: 01862 810 216

3) Dornoch Whisky Festival

Our annual Whisky Festival is held in October every year. It includes Tastings, Distillery Tours, Amazing menus throughout the town, a Ceilidh and more. Take a look at our website for more details of the next festival and ‘like’ our Facebook page to keep up to date with the latest news.

For more information visit:www.dornochwhiskyfestival.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dornochwhiskyfestival

4) Carnegie Whisky Cellars

The Carnegie Whisky Cellars is situated on the Carnegie Courthouse on the ground floor in the former Royal Burgh of Dornoch. Opened in 2016 this new Whisky shop focuses on local distilleries, as well as stocking  a unique range of malt whiskies from across Scotland. We also offer a great selection of Blended Whiskies, Independent Bottlings, Liqueurs and other spirits.
The Carnegie Whisky Cellars gives customers the opportunity to get involved with one of our vibrant tastings. These include Malt and Blended Whiskies, Gin, Local Beers and Cocktails.

For more information visit: www.thecarnegiecourthouse.co.uk/whisky-cellars/
Email: info@thecarnegiewhiskycellars.com

5) Clynelish

Clynelish Distillery is located in the popular coastal holiday town of Brora, around half an hour north of Dornoch. The Distillery has beautiful views of the North Sea and the hills to the North. The Clynemilton burn runs over seams of gold in the rock and with this water, the distillery produces a fruity, waxy, slightly smokey single malt Scotch whisky using six traditional copper stills. A warm welcome awaits every visitor to Sutherland's only distillery and they offer a variety of tours including private and group bookings. Tours, tastings and distillery shop available all year. Please contact Clynelish for more details or to book and see the webiste for opening times: www.discovering-distilleries.com/clynelish

Address: Clynelish Distillery, Brora, Sutherland.  KW9 6LR
Email: clynelish.distillery@diageo.com
Phone: 01408 623000
Time from Dornoch: 30 minutes

6) Balblair

 

Balblair is situated on the beautiful Dornoch Firth in the village of Edderton. It was featured in the film The Angel's Share, directed by Ken Loach. Each Balblair Vintage captures the essence of its year in a bottle. They are only ever selected at the absolute peak of perfection and hand picked to represent the very best the Distillery has to offer. Balblair offers 3 tours: Experience tour - £7 (tasting one vintage), Vintage tour - £20 (tasting 3 vintages), Enthusiast Tour - £45 (Extra tastings including wort and wash). The Balblair Distillery tours are intimate and personal – an insight into their pursuit of producing the finest quality Vintage Malt Whisky, using methods that have changed very little over the years. Tours, Tastings and distillery shop available all year. Please contact Balblair  for more details or to book and see the website for opening times: www.balblair.com

Address: Balblair Distillery. Edderton, Tain, Ross-Shire. IV19 1LB
Email: jross@inverhouse.com
Phone: 01862 821273
Time from Dornoch: 15 minutes
7) The Dalmore

Dalmore Distillery sits on the banks of the Cromarty Firth overlooking the Black Isle, the "big meadowland" from which it takes its name. This award winning distillery creates a number of whiskies that are produced in a combination of different stills of various sizes which give the whisky a complex character. Take a tour  to get a rare insight into the skill, expertise and craft that goes into each precious drop of The Dalmore.  Tours, Tastings and distillery shop available all year. Contact for more information or to book. Please contact Dalmore for more details or to book and see the website for opening times: www.thedalmore.com

Address: Dalmore Distillery, Alness, Ross-shire. IV17 0UT
Email: shaun.jennens@whyteandmackay.com
Phone: 01349 882 362
Time from Dornoch: 30 minutes

8) Glen Ord

Situated on the edge of the Black Isle, an hour south of Dornoch, Glen Ord continues to malt its own barley and to use the long fermentation and slow distillation methods followed there for generations.
The soil, the barley, the sea air and the marvelously soft water that imparts Glen Ord Single Malt Whisky with has earned it the name the “Richer Malt”.
Take a tour of the distillery and watch the distillers at work creating a magical malt whisky which is sweet, malty and dry on the palate. Tours, Tastings and distillery shop available all year. Please contact Glen Ord  for more details or to book and see the website for opening times: www.discovering-distilleries.com/glenord

Address: Glen Ord, Muir Of Ord, Ross-shire. IV6 7UJ
Email: glen.ord.distillery@diageo.com
Phone: 01463 872004
Time from Dornoch: 1 hour

9) Old Pulteney

The Pulteney Distillery is the most northerly on mainland Scotland. Made near Wick's historic harbour, the quietly maturing spirit lies in hand-selected oak casks, slowly capturing the unique character of this stunning landscape with its long seafaring history. Old Pulteney is the embodiment of history, people and place: the Genuine Maritime Malt. A tour is the ideal way to experience this craftsmanship first hand. You can try a complimentary dram and discover the taste of this award-winning whisky for yourself. Tours, Tastings and distillery shop available all year. Please contact Old Pulteney for more details or to book and see the website for opening times: www.oldpulteney.com

Address: Pulteney Distillery, Huddart Street, Wick. KW1 5BA
Email: mwaring@inverhouse.com
Phone: 01955 602371
Time from Dornoch: 1 hour 30 minutes

10) Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie Distillery sits on the shores of The Dornoch Firth, just north of Tain. It is in this peaceful setting, this most beautiful of natural environments, that the Glenmorangie whiskies are created. Alongside the classic ‘Original 10 year old’, Glenmorangie produces a range of other whiskies including the limited edition ‘Dornoch’. The stills are the tallest in Scotland, which means that only the very lightest and purest vapours make it to the top, giving a smoother, more elegant whisky. There are 3 different distillery tours available, all of which include tastings. Tours, tastings and distillery shop available all year  (tastings and distillery tours by appointment only Nov-March) Please contact Glenmorangie for more details or to book and see the website for opening times: www.glenmorangie.com

Address: Glenmorangie Distillery, Tain, Ross-shire. IV19 1PZ
Email: tain-shop@glenmorangie.co.uk
Phone: 01862 892 477
Time from Dornoch: 15 minutes

 

 

 

See Full Article Here: Ten things to DO in Dornoch: Whisky

Ten things to DO in Dornoch: Whisky posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk

What’s on at Dornoch Whisky Festival- Saturday 29th October

The second day of the Dornoch Whisky Festival 2016 includes our main tasting event, The Gala Tasting, at the Dornoch Castle Hotel, a Ceilidh, BBQ, tastings, tours and amazing menus throughout the town.

You can book online now here: www.dornochwhiskyfestival.com. All events outside of Dornoch include return transport.

Independant Bottling Masterclass, Carnegie Whisky Cellars: 11am, £50pp

The Carnegie Whisky Cellars opened in May this year. Not only do they run fantastic tasting sessions, but they also have a whisky shop selling a wide range of whiskys from around the world. Join them for a preview of 6 of the showcased northern distilleries at the festival. We'll be opening some very special independent bottles for your enjoyment. Starting at 11am, places are limited to 16 only, at a cost of £50 per place. Book now to sample some aged and exciting single malt whiskies.

The Dalmore Discovery Distillery Tour: 11am, £30pp

The Dalmore Distillery sits on the banks of the Cromarty Firth overlooking the Black Isle. Dalmore means the "big meadowland" from which it takes its name.
This award winning Highland Single Malt is renowned for its rich sherry cask finishes and rare expressions. The Dalmore Discovery Distillery tour gives a rare insight into the skill, expertise and craft that goes into each precious drop of The Dalmore.
The tour is £30 per person, which includes three drams and transport from Dornoch.

Signet Tour of Glenmorangie: 11am, £30pp

Glenmorangie Distillery sits on the shores of The Dornoch Firth, just south of Dornoch.
To complement your Distillery Tour a visit to our Signet Room is included, where you can sample Glenmorangie Original and Glenmorangie Signet which is one of our rarest expressions and undoubtedly the richest whisky in our range. A complex vatting of our oldest whisky stocks combined with whiskies matured in the world's most expensive designer casks we bring alive Glenmorangie Signet's rich dark layers of flavour with a very unusual and alluring sonic tasting experience.
The Signet Tour of Glenmorangie is £30 per person, which includes transport from Dornoch.

The Gala Tasting: 12pm, £25pp

Come along and sample a wide range of malt whisky from local distillers including Balblair, Clynelish, The Dalmore, Glenmorangie, Glen Ord, Old Pulteney & Wolfburn, as well as Gordon & Macphail, Benromach, Glen Scotia, Glenturret, Annandale and Douglas Laing. And we are very excited to announce that our very own Dornoch Distillery will have gin to sample in this year! There will be a FREE cheese and bread table, chocolates, cakes and even a Chocolate and Whisky pairing Masterclass run by Whisky Corner (only available to people attending the Gala Tasting, £15 per person) There will also be food available ranging from Tapas to Burgers!
Tickets are £25 each for which you will receive a Goody Bag with pen, bottle of water, Gala Tasting brochure,  voucher card to be exchanged for drams (with option to purchase more) and a Glencairn tasting glass.

A Taste of the Highlands Tour: 3pm, £150pp

Charles Maclean was trained in 'the sensory evaluation of potable spirits' by the Scotch Whisky Research Institute in 1992 and has presented numerous tastings and talks in the U.K. and abroad for whisky companies, corporations, universities and clubs, and on radio and TV. He is a member of the Judging Panel (Spirits) of the International Wines & Spirits Competition, and was runner-up as 'Communicator of the Year' in the 2003 IWSC Awards.
We are delighted to welcome Charles to the Dornoch Whisky Festival and you can be assured of an entertaining and informative "Taste of the Highlands". The venue is newly opened Carnegie Whisky Cellars in the old Courthouse building. The atmospheric tasting room is housed in the 200 year old original court record vault - complete with steel security door and Caithness slab flooring.
16 places are available at this exclusive event, at £150 per person

Dinner Service at Links House: 6.30pm, £55

You can always expect wonderful food and wine when you visit the award winning Links House.  Their head chef's focus is on seasonal delicacies, locally sourced from a selection of speciality suppliers.
We offer a small choice menu constructed daily dependent on our chef's network of specialty suppliers. Whether fresh Dornoch mussels, Langoustines from nearby Scrabster or game from Bonar Bridge, you will find it delightful. Dinner is priced at £55 with an appetiser. Reservations are from 6.30pm. Complimentary dram/ Prosecco and canapés upon arrival.

BBQ and Ceilidh at the Dornoch Castle Hotel: from 7pm

After an afternoon of whisky tasting, sit back, relax and enjoy a Barbeque to recharge your batteries and get ready for a traditional Ceilidh! The Barbeque runs from 7pm and is £8 per person. The Ceilidh starts at 9pm so stick around and finish off the evening in true Highland style- Get your dancing shoes on and dance to the music of the Red Reel Ceilidh Band - with Magnus Orr on the pipes.

Start planning your weekend now!

Read This Article & More Here: What’s on at Dornoch Whisky Festival- Saturday 29th October

What’s on at Dornoch Whisky Festival- Saturday 29th October posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk

What’s on at Dornoch Whisky Festival- Friday 28th October

The Dornoch Whisky festival 2016 begins with a fantastic evening jam packed with tastings and amazing menus throughout the town and in local distilleries. You can book online now here: www.dornochwhiskyfestival.com. All events outside of Dornoch include return transport.

Balblair tasting and Film with Charles Maclean: 5pm-7pm

The first event is a tasting at Balblair Distillery hosted by Whisky legend Charles Maclean. Charles Maclean is a well known whisky writer and taster, who starred in the film 'The Angel's Share', based in at Balblair Distillery. You are invited to take part in this unique opening event with Charles leading a welcome tasting prior to the viewing Angel's Share! This exclusive event is limited to 16 places. Booking in advance is essential. The costs is £80 per person, which includes transport from Dornoch.

Dinner in the Castle Bistro: from 6.30pm

Enjoy dinner in the informal setting of the Castle Bistro with its centre-piece a roaring log fire in the 11ft fireplace that was formerly the Bishop's kitchen in the 1500's.
Select a dram at the Whisky Bar that features 15th Century stonewalls, completed with oak paneling and Caithness slab flooring.
The chefs at the Dornoch Castle Hotel have been working exceptionally hard maintaining, for six years running, an AA Rosette Status. Using locally source produce to highlight all that Scottish cuisine has to offer. Our food and beverage team have crafted a wine and whisky list especially to compliment the chef's menu.

Gala Dinner at Links House: 7.30pm- THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

Join us at Links House for our 4 course tasting menu carefully created by our Head Chef Jon-Paul Saint and complimented by four of Balblair's finest Single Malt, including an exclusive bottling.The evening will be hosted by world renowned whisky expert and writer Charles MacLean. The evening begins with complementary canapes and a wee dram, to enjoy beside a roaring fire in the lounge, dinner is served in our Orangery Restaurant at 8pm. You will taste the very best of the Highland's seasonal fayre and our exceptional team will ensure that you have a memorable experience in wonderful surroundings.
There are 12 places at the Gala Dinner, at £95 each, so please book today to be part of this exclusive event.

The Dalmore Masked Dinner at the Royal Dornoch Golf Hotel: 7.30pm

Since 2010 the Royal Dornoch Golf Hotel's Head Chef, Saminda Mavilmada and his loyal team, have consistently produced exciting and seasonally changing dishes with the emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Here in the Highlands we are blessed with an abundance of quality produce especially Scottish beef, fish, shellfish and game.
The Dalmore Masked Dinner is a three course meal, followed by a cheese board, each beautifully paired with a Dalmore Expression.
Cigars will be served on the patio accompanied by The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve. Guests will each receive a signed copy of Richard Paterson's book “Goodness Nose".
There are 20 places at the Dalmore Masked Dinner, at £75 each, so please book today to be part of this special event.

Glenmorangie Masked Dinner: 8pm

Start the Dornoch Whisky Festival by enjoying a splendid meal in the Royal Dornoch Golf Club, currently celebrating 400 Years of Golf. Our team, under the guidance of Head Chef Helen Needs, continually develops dishes of taste and style, the quality of which has met with worldwide approval.
Here in the Highlands we are fortunate in that our local produce is of the highest quality, much sought after and exported around the world. Almost all of our dishes are locally sourced and all their menu items are freshly prepared in house.
The Glenmorangie Gala Dinner is 3 course dinner with coffee, each course matched with selected Glenmorangie whisky.
The cost is £45 per person, 40 places are available and booking in advance is essential.

Live Music at the Dornoch Whisky Bar: 8pm

Enjoy Traditional Live Music whilst sampling The Whisky Bar's vast selection of rare and unique vintage malts.

Live Music in the Dornoch inn: 9pm

Enjoy a meal and at the Dornoch inn and settle down for an evening of Live Music from 9pm. Free entry.

Live Music in the Eagle Hotel: 9.30pm

Enjoy an evening of music in The Eagle Hotel. Free admission.

 

Start planning your weekend now!

Originally Published Here: What’s on at Dornoch Whisky Festival- Friday 28th October

What’s on at Dornoch Whisky Festival- Friday 28th October posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk