Sunday 25 May 2014, Paul travels to the capital.

I caught the 09.36 train to Edinburgh frae Perth, the train that stopped at EVERY station in between, too just over 2 hours! Och well, got there at last, took a taxi to the first hotel in the west end – dropping off tour notes for guests. Then to the south of the city, another hotel, more tour notes. Headed then towards the venue for the Stramash whisky fest. Took an early lunch, healthy stuff to line my belly to make ready for the juice to follow. A wee bit early so took photos of the Edin University – part of it, really good Georgian buildings.  Nearing 12.20 I thought “to hell with this waiting aboot” and went to the door, some big ape asked what I wanted, luckily I was wearing my Glen Moray jacket “am setting up on the stand with Glen Moray mate” he let me in, some security eh! Even later as I went to get my tickets, none there, I had pre – arranged for these months back and was told they would be there – nope! Anyhow, went in early, saw a few old pals and took some pix and had a few drams. After a few hello’s I flew over to to the Japanese whisky table, Suntory. A friend from the Highlander was ambassador for Suntory, hell’s and chatted bewfore a good slug of Hakushu Distillers Reserve, interesting, I hadnee seen this before, a green bottle, 12 year old single malt, from the mountain distillery, it was herbal? Wee bit of smoke, fruity and a wee bit minty. Apparently, it has only been available in Europe one month, so very pleased to try it.  I did go back later for more! I also enjoyed the 12 year old Hibiki, banana, pepper, fruits, almost a sweet and sour, lovely! I like the bottle also! There then followed samples of Glen Moray, who were a busy table as usual, drifted over to Stewart at GlenDronch/BenRiach/Glenglassaugh table… “where’s the kilt Stew?”, a smile… “just home from China, its in the cleaners, mingin!” I do like the sherry finish to the drams here, tried all 3 labels on the stand, top end; sherry hogshead, 35 year old Glenglassaugh – thanks Stew! Superb.  The festival opened and filled quickly, but – not as mad as Saturday many told me. There’s a suggestion folks; if you attend next year, try out the Sunday, no as crowded.

A good venue, the Surgeons Building, but fer an old codger like me, too many stairs! Sat doon wi a dram and made these notes, took it easy. As mentioned, Sunday is easier, especially for first timers, but still awash with the Scottish juice. Plenty of opportunity to get a dram from each table.  Other tables there of note, Glenfiddich, Deanston, Drambuie, Scallywag, Famaous Grouse, Dewars and so on … a good fest for a first time reveller I would say, not panicked like Speyside or Islay, nice and easy (Sunday). By the time I escaped it was raining. Then debunked around the corner to a favourite capital pub, the Brass Monkey, a traditional pub, not touristy, good ales, drams and spirits of all kind, good staff too! As it was chuckin it doon wi rain, it was the nearest I could fall into – honest! Enjoyed a Silent Sun beer and a chat with a local and the staff, shared some fun here, stayed longer than planned – I only went in oot of the rain and to make a few notes. Er, the toilets are something to be seen! Say no more. I decided enough was enough and took a taxi towards the train station, still pouring down, at the traffic lights I said to the driver “this will do mate, thanks”. Got out at the Balmoral 5 star hotel – I needed to do some research here at their whisky bar. Over 400 drams on offer, leave some for another day perhaps. Started with a Glengoyne 1985 summer release, butterscotch, fruits and lovely! Michal was on duty at the bar, very good, he knew his tuff and fed me stories and drams; Signet is superb! Most of the bottles are “behind bars” (d’you like that?) and found easily by the staff, a relaxing but high end bar – a nice touch, when you order a dram, you also get almonds and chocolates etc, nice touch. This bar has been assisted by Diageo and Glenmorangie, evident when you look at the bottles in the menu.

Again, stayed longer here than intended – research is a hard job, serious research is even harder, I put myself through the wringer on your behalf, hope all appreciate this. The station is just around the corner, wandering through the rain I found the platforms and ticket barriers, asking “where is the Perth train please?” I was shown a platform to the left, I think the guy was havin a laugh, I woke up an hour later in the Borders! Wrong train, took me ages then to get home on two more trains, once home – rain – I looked longingly at a bottle of red wine, but that’s all I did; look. Bed!

Paul McLean

www.mcleanscotland.com    www.angelswhiskyclub.com