Ballater Whisky Tasting Room Update

Tasting Room Update

It’s been 3 months since we opened our doors in Ballater, and it’s been wonderful meeting locals and visitors alike.  There is a real buzz about the town. Many events and with a such a fantastic array of shops, restaurants, and cafes that rival many towns.  Everyone talks and likes to know what’s going on, and since before we had even opened our doors, one question has repeatedly popped up: “When are you going to do tastings?” 

After our soft opening, the evening before it all kicked off, we invited a small number of friends, regular customers, and suppliers. We were able to take a moment to drink in the atmosphere (and the Gusbourne) and finally enjoy the result of all our hard work.  The shop looked better than we could have hoped; the ambient underlighting and the soft glow of the bottles on the shelf created the perfect ambiance to enjoy a glass of something sensible.  Guy’s time spent staring at the shelves in Banchory and plotting the changes he would make was now finally on show in their full glory. The colossal table in the centre of the shop should afford us a bit more space than the existing one in Banchory (big shout out to the lads at Sherridan’s who helped us carry it across the threshold - it took about 8 of us in the end!).  We’re looking forward to decking it out for our inaugural tasting on the 27^th, which sold out quickly, but there are still some tickets for the one on 6^th March.

But wait, I hear you cry.. What happened to the tasting room?  Well, the best as they say, is yet to come.  Having needed to practically rebuild the lean-to, which had endured extensive decay from and since Storm Frank, we uncovered a few surprises… Like any good project, they don’t proceed without a few hiccups – thankfully a team of great local contractors all pulled together to get us across the line.

With the structure and regulatory hoop-jumping completed, we can now move on to the fun bit – filling it with a wide selection of delicious Whiskies.  The tasting room will be available for private hire for groups of discerning dram enthusiasts, where we will take you through a flight of your choosing with the opportunity to continue in whichever direction you wish - older, rarer, similar style, same region or something to completely contrast all available by the dram.  From single cask and rare bottlings to lesser-known and silent distilleries, as well as famous ones of all ages.  It will be like a private speakeasy for groups to enjoy a large, eclectic selection of Scotch Whisky with as much or as little guidance as you wish.

We are doing the final touches, but what’s there already looks fantastic – the calming blue Coat Paint, Establishment (is the colour) and the now exposed granite wall with the glistening quartz lends itself to the perfect environment to enjoy a dram or two.

The shelving for the Wall of Whisky is now being constructed, and a live-edge Fife Maple table is being carefully milled by our friends at Edinburgh Cabinet Makers - Ruaraidh Stewart, local village legend “Big Hugh’s son.”

We will keep you updated on progress and look forward to welcoming you all very soon! Details on how to book for private events, drop us a What’s App - . In the meantime, why not pop in and see us at either our Banchory or Ballater shop?

Why not also check out our whisky subscription club?

Single Cask Club Whisky Subscription