On St Andrew’s Day, combine two of Scotland’s favourite things – whisky and food – with a visit to one of our top bars dedicated to the amber nectar
Where to go for:
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Angel’s Share
7 – 11 Hope St, Edinburgh
This smart bar with its silver tiles and airy feel provides an insta-perfect background for your night out. Purists will enjoy one of their carefully-curated whisky flights, such as ‘All Smoke, No Mirrors’ which includes Ardbeg 10 Year, Bunnahabhain 12 Year and Lagavulin 16 Year, while their mixologists have created cocktails that really show off the whisky, such as the Skye Storm, featuring pepper-infused Talisker 10yr Old, lemon juice and grenadine. Whisky even makes it into the food in creative dishes like the Picuillo peppers and vegetarian haggis with a whisky and maple vinaigrette.
Folk heroes
The Black Cat
168 Rose St, Edinburgh
There’s no place better to enjoy a wee dram to the backdrop of live folk music than The Black Cat. Standing out from its Rose Street brethren, this cosy pub has a huge selection of whisky packed on to its shelves and knowledgeable staff to talk you through your choices. The introductory flight is a good place to start if you’re not sure, but there’s a lot here for developed palates as well. Food tends to be simple and tasty, such as toasties and soup.
Unexpected journeys
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
28 Queen St, Edinburgh
The clue is in the name, as the Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the top destination for adventurous Edinburgh locals and visitors alike. The newly-launched Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar is the place to taste, and you won’t find any of the usual suspects here – instead, the Society bottles its own whiskies from top secret distilleries, all at cask strength from single barrels. You never know what you might find, but with names based purely on flavour profile, like Ginger Beer in a Champagne Flute, it’s sure to be unique.
Highland spirit
Usquabae
2-4 Hope St, Edinburgh
With a name based on the Gaelic word for whisky, and over 400 malts on offer, it might be tricky to know where to start in this cosy-but-modern basement bar. However, the Highlands and Islands 6-course menu, running until the 24th November, is a sure bet. Try an Atholl Estates Highland game sausage roll with piccalilli purée and pickled autumnal vegetables, paired with a Laphroaig Love, followed by a twist on traditional cock-a-leekie paired with Glen Garioch Founder’s Reserve. Top it all off with a homemade bramble fruit pastille – delightful!
Ultimate indulgence
Whiski Rooms
4-7 North Bank St, Edinburgh
For some of the best views in Edinburgh and an exciting selection of whiskies, you can’t go wrong at this bar and dining room. Daily tastings are on offer in a private room off the adjoining shop, with a particular favourite being the Whisky and Chocolate class. There is also a special dinner menu celebrating Ardbeg whisky, with dishes such as Ardbeg-cured salmon gravalax and Aberdeen Angus fillet steak with an Ardbeg sauce.
Global outlook
Ben Nevis
1147 Argyle St, Glasgow
The Ben Nevis bar is certainly no snob when it comes to the amber nectar. Alongside the traditional Scottish offering you’ll find Japanese whiskies and American bourbons, but look a little further and you’ll find malts from India, Australia and Sweden. There’s even a Welsh bottle on the shelves if you’re so inclined. If you’re taking a heathen – AKA a non-whisky fan – along with you, they’ve also got a fantastic selection of craft-beer.
Doggie delights
Dram!
232-246 Woodlands Rd, Glasgow
A diverse crowd favours this dog-friendly neighbourhood bar near Kelvingrove Park, and it’s easy to see why the relaxed atmosphere keeps drawing in the regulars. With folk music sessions every Sunday and Monday, it’s the ideal backdrop to sample a malt or two, including the Malt of the Month, which for October was a Tamdhu 12yr. The food is a bargain, with no dish on the dinner menu crossing the £10 mark, and in true, welcoming Glaswegian style, vegans are particularly well catered-for.
Elegant parties
Hutchesons
158 Ingram St, Glasgow
For the last word in single malt, round up at least nine friends and make your way to the top of the historic Hutchesons in the Merchant City. In the Private Dining Room you’ll be led through a tasting journey of Glenfarclas’ traditional Speyside whisky, all the way from 10 to 21 years old. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could even order a rare 1953 edition. Once you’re finished with dinner head downstairs to the glamorous 158 Club Lounge for jazz and cocktails.
One hell of a good time
Òran Mór
Byres Rd, Glasgow
When the witching hour approaches there’s no better place to be than snugly tucked away in a corner of Òran Mór’s whisky bar, where paintings of Tam O’Shanter’s encounter with the devil line the walls. No matter the hellish provenance, punters are in whisky heaven with the malts on offer, including their own 21-year-old cask strength single malt. Upstairs you can see the famous ceiling painted by writer and artist Alasdair Grey – the venue has been described as Glasgow’s own Sistine Chapel.
Cosy nights
The Wee Whisky Bar
12 Ashton Lane, Glasgow
Part of Glasgow institution the Ubiquitous Chip, The Wee Whisky Bar believes they serve more whiskies per square foot than any other bar in Scotland. Since it holds just 25 thirsty patrons, there’s certainly reason to believe them. Sit down for a flight – there’s lowland, Islay and Glendronach on offer, as well as a tour of all the whisky regions. If you get hungry, there’s the restaurant and brasserie next door.
