Whisky Month May 2017

Cask Is King
The Truth Behind The Taste

To celebrate Whisky month, The Real Mary King’s Close will be launching ‘Cask Is King’, an exciting new experience for the budding whisky connoisseur. Following the 2016 sell out ‘The Perfect Blend’ tour, every Thursday evening this May a limited number of guests will be guided through the dark streets of Mary King’s Close where they will enjoy a dram with a difference.

Combining Scotland’s best known exports of whisky and history, this specialist tour blends two must do experiences; whisky tasting and our capital’s fascinating history. Guests will travel back in time through the underground closes of Mary King’s Close as they uncover the incredible story of not only Edinburgh but also Scotland’s national drink.

From the humble beginnings of brewing ale to whisky and its many medicinal uses through to global appreciation, hosted by Mary King’s Close and partner Skene Whisky this bespoke tour tells the story of whisky. During their journey visitors will enjoy an authentic historical experience which goes beyond guide books and bus tours, including samples and stories from the experts, topping off the evening with a whisky cocktail which has been created especially for The Real Mary King’s Close.

The tour will also see the launch of The Real Mary King’s Close blend. Bottled at 40% ABV, this exclusive expression is mellow on the nose with a well-integrated aroma and a fruity top note. The taste is smooth with a citric note and a thread of smoke and butterscotch, with a spicy warming finish. Presented in a bespoke bottle which is decorated with The Real Mary King’s Close tartan, the malt is available in 50ml and 200ml, retailing at £5.95 and £18.50 respectively. The perfect souvenir for anyone visiting Edinburgh or a treat for a whisky fan.

Craig Miller, General Manager of The Real Mary King’s Close comments:
“This is a really exciting opportunity for visitors to enjoy a truly unique Scottish experience for Whisky Month. This tour will not only give guests the chance to sample some fantastic whisky, they will also discover the fascinating history behind the cask in the unique environment of The Real Mary King’s Close.”

Andrew Skene, founder of Skene Whisky adds:
“We’re incredibly excited to be working with The Real Mary King’s Close to celebrate Whisky Month. From its origins as a local “moonshine” to the leading international spirit it is today, we take you on an underground whisky journey. We can’t wait to share Edinburgh’s unique place in the turbulent and yet remarkable history of Scotch Whisky.”

Tours are taking place every Thursday in May at 9.15pm, advance booking is highly recommended. Tickets are priced at £35 per ticket and can be purchased online at www.realmarykingsclose.com, by phone on 0131 225 0672 or in person at The Real Mary King’s Close.

Continuum Attractions is the leading operator of cultural heritage experiences in the UK. Continuum currently manages an award winning portfolio of visitor attractions including Oxford Castle Unlocked and York’s Chocolate Story.

Date: Every Thursday in May at 9.15pm
Duration: 90mins
Ticket Price: £35
The evening includes 3 x whisky samples, 1 x cocktail
Over 18s only (ID may be required)

NOTES

The Real Mary King’s Close

Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, lies one of Edinburgh’s deepest secrets – The Real Mary King’s Close. This warren of hidden ‘closes’ or narrow streets where real people lived, worked and died, lay forgotten and covered by the City Chambers on the Royal Mile for centuries, until in 2003 it opened as a fascinating new visitor attraction for Edinburgh.

Operated by Continuum Attractions, this VisitScotland five-star attraction allows visitors to step back in time and be guided through these famous underground closes to witness some of the most dramatic episodes from Edinburgh’s incredible past.

For more information on Continuum Attractions, please visit www.continuumattractions.com
Continuum Attractions owns, operates and manages cultural attractions across the UK:
• Continuum Heritage Attractions
– The Real Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh
– The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury
– Oxford Castle Unlocked, Oxford
– York’s Chocolate Story, York

• Continuum Icon Attractions
– Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
– The Royal Mint Experience, Cardiff
– Emmerdale Studio Experience, Leeds
– Emmerdale Village Tour, Leeds

The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology

The 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, running from 1 January to 31 December, is a celebration of Scotland’s people, our traditions, our distinct culture, our landscapes, attractions and icons, as well as our hidden gems.

More information: https://www.visitscotland.com/about/themed-years/history-heritage-archaeology/