Slainte Mhath!

Address: 354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE (on left hand side as you head towards Edinburgh Castle – Telephone: 0131 550 0441

Website: http://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScotchWhiskyExperience

Twitter: @ScotchWhiskyExp

Restaurant: http://www.amber-restaurant.co.uk (Telephone: 0131 477 8400)

Scotland is known the world over for its production of Scotch Whisky, which is a major export for Scotland. The main markets as of 2011 are USA, France and Singapore. (Source: BBC News)

If time is tight on your visit to Scotland and you don’t have time to visit one of the many distilleries around the country which offer tours, then a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience might prove an excellent alternative.

We have had guests at Craigwell Cottage who have come to Edinburgh to enjoy one of the Scotch Whisky Certificate Courses which are run monthly throughout the year, but you may choose to pay a visit for one of the three different tours which run frequently each day.

As a result of hearing about our guests’ experiences, and a chance meeting with Lara Dunston, a world travel blogger, I decided to pay a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience after the attraction had kindly hosted a Travel Tweetup in September 2011 and given me a couple of complimentary tickets to go on a tour.

At this point I have a confession to make.  Despite being Scottish, I don’t think I have ever sampled neat whisky more than a few times in my life, and can confirm that these times have been restricted to tastes of my Orcadian Uncle’s favourite tipple, Highland Park, or as a liqueur in the form of Drambuie, which I do like over ice.   And what’s more, I’ve committed whisky sacrilege by using up our supplies of whisky miniatures making our annual batch of mulled wine.  I feel better for these confessions – you know that any comments on the tour and the tastings are not being done from any past history of enjoying or knowing anything about whisky.

As I was going on the tour to represent the point of view of ‘ignorance of the product’, I thought it would be a good idea to bring along someone whom I know enjoys the odd dram or two.  I can tell he does because I’ve seen photographs on his daily photo blog on Blipfoto, where the subject often turns to which whisky he’s been sampling (whether a wee dram from a miniature; quaffing different samples in the pub or even taking his samples abroad and in my favourite blip of all time: a cold night on the Royal Mile).

So in early November 2011, Mr G and I set off to sample the delights of the Scotch Whisky Experience tour.  I knew that I’d selected the right man for the job when he sent me a message the night before saying that he was practising!

We arrived at the Scotch Whisky Experience a few minutes early and took the opportunity to have a little browse in the well stocked shop by the entrance.  There were plenty of gifts and cards of good quality to buy as well as whisky and whisky-related goods.  My companion became quite animated at the sight of a range of whiskies which were from the ‘Flora and Fauna’ range. He explained these were small batches of single malts released by producers who normally do not retail single malts, but usually provide the component malts for the production of blended whiskies.  Blends comprise over 90% of the global sales of whisky.

We were soon off on our tour, starting with a barrel ride where we learned about the ingredients which go into a single malt – barley, water and yeast.  We did observe that there was perhaps a missed opportunity in this area to present photographs of the beauty of the Scottish countryside where the barley is grown.

Our next stop was to learn about the different regions of production throughout Scotland, and the characteristic flavours and scents pertinent to each region.  In doing this we were able to identify which notes were most appealing to us and had the opportunity to select a sample to taste.

Mr G was soon armed with a peaty Islay malt, and I selected a floral Speyside.  We moved to the room housing the Claive Vidiz collection – the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky, where my companion was like a wee boy in a sweetie shop as he took some of the details of this vast collection.  In fact we could quite easily have spent a lot longer in this area poring over the labels, bottles and different varieties.

We were instructed in how to taste and savour the whisky we’d selected, and I can report that the AnCnoc which I’d selected was wonderful – I’m completely won over with the idea that there is definitely a whisky to suit every palette.  However,  Mr G’s selection smelled altogether less appealing, although very distinctive.  Even from yards away his selection was reeking like a fireman’s jacket, and I had real difficulty in understanding how he could actually swallow the stuff.  But that’s the lesson learned, and a great opportunity to find out more about our national drink.

I’d definitely recommend a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience to visitors who want to understand more about whisky before making a purchase to take home, or who would be interested in whiling away a couple of hours sipping some additional samples by extending their tour – either formally, or informally in the well stocked bar of the Amber Restaurant where I could quite easily have spent the rest of the afternoon.

Other ideas to try:

• Glenkinchie Distillery (near Pencaitland, only 20 miles from Edinburgh)
• Scotch Whisky Association
• Rabbie’s Day Tour from Edinburgh

Edinburgh Farmers' Market

Some of our guests come to Edinburgh to have a break from everyday routine, and like to eat out while they’re here.  Others arrive keen to find out more about the wonderful Scottish produce on offer here, and are delighted to find that if they’re here on a Saturday morning they can head to the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market to stock up on goodies for their stay.  We’ve got a reasonably well-equipped kitchen in Craigwell Cottage, and think that most keen cooks would find it possible to rustle up a feast there.

We really are lucky that in recent years the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market has settled to a regular Saturday morning slot at Castle Terrace, and as Edinburgh residents who live within walking distance of the Market we make forays there as often as we can to stock up.  If you’re resident at Craigwell Cottage, then walk to the top of the Royal Mile then take a left at the mini-roundabout by the Hub and go down Johnston Terrace where you’ll see the Farmers’ Market to your right on Castle Terrace.

We like to buy fresh seafood from one of the seafood stalls, follow it up with a purchase of meat from one of the many different producers, some fresh vegetables, bread and maybe some cheese and oatcakes or something sweet for dessert.  There is also an opportunity to stock up on preserves, oils and soaps – all of which might be a great souvenir or gift to take home from your weekend break in Edinburgh.

If you can’t bear to wait to get there for the surprise of which producers will be in attendance on any given day, then our top tip is to follow Edinburgh Farmers’ Market on Facebook where they regularly post the ‘running order’ for each market and keep us updated with news.

You’ll find some recipe books in our book case if you need inspiration or want to make up a shopping list before you go to the market, but if you’re in any doubt remember to ask the stallholders – often they’ll give you recipe leaflets or provide you with inspiration on how to prepare the delights you’ve purchased.  Or for an easy evening meal, smoked salmon, dressed crab, fresh salads, a wide variety of pies, oatcakes, cheese or baked goods will give you a fabulous repast for little effort.

Let us know what you enjoyed buying and cooking on your stay, by leaving a comment below, or letting us know via the Craigwell Cottage Facebook page.  Happy shopping!

Homepage QR Code

We’re experimenting with QR codes to help you find out more about our cottage.

Thanks for looking in our window!

Craigwell Cottage is available for holiday rental, and we’d love to have you stay with us when you need accommodation for 3 nights or more right in the heart of Edinburgh.

You can find out more by visiting our website: http://2edinburgh.co.uk – or check in via Facebook Places – you’ll find our page here on Facebook.  Or send us a tweet and say hello: http://www.twitter.com/2edinburgh

Taking a city break in Edinburgh for the August Bank Holiday weekend means that you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from, with our top attractions like Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Zoo, Royal Yacht Britannia and the Royal Mile. But if you’d like to try a host of different activities, we’ve put together a little list to suggest some different ideas for you.

Ten things to do in Edinburgh – 26 – 29 August 2011

1. Visit the Elizabeth Blackadder Exhibition at the National Gallery of Scotland.
2. Go to a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
3. The Edinburgh International Book Festival is staging its final events of the year this weekend
4. Find a haven of peace in the city by visiting the Royal Botanic Garden
5. Have fun at the Free Fringe on the Royal Mile or Mound Precinct
6. Go for afternoon tea – the Signet Library is only open from 5 – 29 August for a very elegant Champagne Afternoon Tea
7. Visit the Camera Obscura
8. Go underground and find out about Edinburgh’s Old Town life at Mary King’s Close
9. Climb a hill – we’re right between Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill
10. Debate the future of the web at Edinburgh Tech Festival.

We’d love to welcome you to Edinburgh!

Every so often, when there’s a gap in our bookings, I look back over reviews from past guests for inspiration and reminders of just how much there is to do in Edinburgh. When guests leave us, they’re always offered the opportunity to place a review of our cottage on our listing at TripAdvisor via the advert which we place on their holiday homes site, FlipKey.

Here’s a sample of a review from a recent guest:

“A special cottage; probably the best equipped accommodation that we’ve ever stayed in. So close to everything that matters in Edinburgh, the location could not be bettered. If you have energy, inclination and a sunny day climb Arthur’s Seat; the views are spectacular.” -from guests who stayed with us in May 2011

Do you write reviews when you go to stay at a holiday cottage? I’d love to hear what would stop you from writing a review.

Canongate Kirk

We’re getting excited about the next big wedding in the Royal Family, when Zara Phillips, daughter of Princess Anne and grand-daughter of Queen Elizabeth, marries England Rugby Captain, Mike Tindall in Edinburgh.

The Mail is reporting today on the big security operation which will be in place for the wedding which is to take place at Canongate Kirk, only a short distance from Craigwell Cottage.

We’ve warned our arriving guests that day that they should be prepared for lots going on in the immediate area!

I’m excited to see that the Granturismo Project being undertaken by Lara Dunston and Terry Carter will culminate in the two globe-trotting travel writers spending two weeks in Edinburgh in January 2011. They’ve chosen a great property in Edinburgh’s historic New Town to base their stay.

Over the course of the last year, it’s been entertaining to dip in and out of their posts to see what their latest adventure or discovery has been as they make their way slowly around the Globe, staying in vacation rental homes in each of their destinations. Self-catering holiday property stays are favoured by more and more travellers who like the options to eat out or eat in, get up late, or get up early – in short to enjoy freedom to relax and enjoy slowing down and remembering to savour cultural and local highlights wherever they choose to spend their precious days away from normal routine.

I look forward to seeing what culinary discoveries they make when exploring Edinburgh – they’ll be able to buy a great range of Scotland’s best produce at the weekly Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, and I’m sure they’ll be sampling haggis, whisky and shortbread. A personal favourite would also be a trip to Clark’s Fishmongers in Musselburgh. Where else in Edinburgh do you think we should recommend they visit to source local delicacies?

Clark's Musselburgh

Waverley Station

We’d really love it if you used the tickets to come to visit Edinburgh, and with Craigwell Cottage being only a short stroll from Waverley Station, it’s a great location from which you can wander to the city centre attractions, no matter what the weather. As the weekend tickets are bound to go fast, we’ll offer a special deal to help you take advantage of this great rail offer – book any 4 night stay at Craigwell Cottage and get one night free – quote RailDeal2011 when you book a break between 5 January and 17 February 2011. That’s only £300 for a 4-night stay for up to 4 people. Don’t delay – book now!

Ideas for things to do on a weekend in Edinburgh

We’ve got a whole underground street in Edinburgh where it never rains!
Or you could just wander from café to café doing the Edinburgh Cake Trail.
Edinburgh Zoo is open every day of the year unless it’s really icy.
Shop till you drop – with a view of Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street – where else would you get that?

St Giles Cathedral

While you are on holiday here, I wonder how you will tell your friends about your travels and adventures? Times are certainly changing in the way that we communicate with our friends as we travel. If, like me, you’re active on Facebook and Twitter, you’re probably posting photographs and little snippets of information about your travels – texting or sending emails from your smartphone or using the Sodasnap app to send little virtual postcards to friends and family.

But back in the 1700′s when visitors came to Edinburgh, if they wanted to tell others about their travels they would send letters about their adventures, which would have taken weeks to arrive and been carried by a variety of means involving stage coaches and horses.

One such traveller was a gentleman named Edward Topham who came to Edinburgh in 1774 and wrote letters to his friends in London telling tales of what he found here. The Edinburgh World Heritage site has recently put together a series of small video clips about the Edinburgh Adventures of Edward Topham which are most entertaining. They’ve been filmed on location around Edinburgh and are an interesting insight into the world of the traveller to Edinburgh in those times.

How will you record your visit to Edinburgh? Do you think people of the future will be writing about your letters, diaries, blogs, photographs or video clips in 200 years time?