Whisky & Ice – Curling in Scotland for our Norwegian friends – Scotch Whisky News
Whisky & Ice – Curling in Scotland for our Norwegian friends
It is over, it was good, it was enjoyable, it will happen again. Our four intrepid curlers from Norway came to Scotland again for the curling, the scenery, the fun – and the whisky! They had it all.
2 November, an early start for Paul (driving), up at a silly hour to reach Broughty Ferry for Liz and 7am, a cuppa then on the road to Aberdeen airport to meet the guys at 9.20. Once we had them we wandered to the van and loaded luggage, even before the engine turned, Liz had given each of them an Innis & Gunn beer – Toasted Oak IPA 5.6% ABV. India Pale Ale first made its name in the 19th century. Its fervent hoppy character hails from the unique addition of large quantities of hops at three separate points during brewing. The result is a beer that’s rounded yet refreshing, with delicate floral notes and oodles of zesty freshness. It didnee last long! Almost an hour later we were at Huntly, where we turned off for Dufftown (and its 7 distilleries), sadly we drove through this time on our way to Rothes, where we did stop at Glen Grant distillery. Gruppo Campari is the 6th largest worldwide in the premium spirits industry, and marketed in more than 190 countries in the world. We toured their Rothes distillery – and enjoyed it and the drams that followed. Lunch break – we drove to the leisure centre, then met up with the opposing team – Elgin Rotary Curling Club, a very local club selected a team to compete with us in the first “International” curling for 2015. Sadly we lost, actually it was 4 ends each, but Elgin had more points, no matter, always another match to play. At the hotel they relaxed a wee while, then headed out for a fish supper (fish ‘n’ chips), a very good first day.
3 November, a wee lie in, as curling started at 10am, ten minutes from the hotel. Fochabers curling club were the team this morning and aye, we won! A good two hour session and the guys were overjoyed, handing out (as they do) drams and pin badges and saying thanks you and goodbyes. We scampered doon to Glenfiddich for a great lunch. This was a good easy relaxing lunch with great food I might add, they also enjoyed Spey Stout beers. This was followed at 2pm by The secrets of Solera. Including a visit to warehouse 8, the malt masters blending room: here they enjoyed tasting a number of cask-strength samples and a chance to step into Malt Master; Brian Kinsman’s role, preparing their very own version of Glenfiddich 15 year old by combining different cask samples together. A shopping diversion then back to the hotel. Rest – drink – chill out – take a walk – for later we met up and enjoyed a few drinks at the bar, followed by a Whisky Dinner. Whisky Cured Gravlax with Talisker 10 year old, Islay Beef Fillet with Caol Ila 12 year old, Vanilla Brulee with Ice Cold Dalwhinnie 15 yo., Coffee – After Dinner Mints. All enjoyed this, Liz and Paul have experienced this many times and once again it didnee disappoint. Specially the beef – oooooooooooooooooh! As the guys drank a few more drams, Liz and Paul took a taxi back to the cottage.
4 November, the main curling event – two sessions today: 10am and 1pm, each two hours duration. First up a ladies team Moray Firth ladies: Helen, Marilyn, Susan and Linda, the Norsemen won! They were delighted, second win in three matches. Lunch of soup and sandwiches, followed by a team potched together with whisky guys from Elgin, actually one lady also. I must say, our Vikings had met their match, aye they got hammered. After one end, they knew how good these folks were, but they enjoyed the time there, two wins, two defeats. We showed them Elgin cathedral, Johnstons shop, dropping them in town (they wanted to shop in M&S!). They ended the night with an Indian meal.
Innis & Gunn Original 6.6% ABV, whose accidental discovery in 2003 lies brings its singular taste – notes of biscuit, malt and vanilla swirling within a creamy, mellow character. A pioneering beer, its flavour finds favour with brewing juries, blind tasting panels and barflies alike, also our Vikings who drank it easily. As they did with several whiskies during the trip whilst aboard the van, we always have drams (in correct glasses by the way) on tour, our drams this time included, Indian peated, Scottish peated and non peated, and Scots blends, needless to say – all were happy – apart from Paul who was driving.
5 November, an early start picking the guys up at the hotel at 7.30 for the drive to Aberdeen airport. Reaching the airport just after 9am, sad farewells and hugs and the threats “we’ll be back!” It was yet another great tour we all enjoyed.
Liz, Paul and the Norwegian Curlers; Carl, Calle, Morten & Erik from the Stabek Curling Club.

































