A selection of whiskies on a tray

Japanese whisky swipes Scotland’s crown

Scotch whisky has suffered a shock defeat in a blind tasting hosted by Fever-Tree, with Japanese whiskies coming out on top.

Better informed people will choose to drink better drinks

Sales of premium spirits brands are said to be weathering the economic downturn, because despite consumers going out less, they are ‘trading up’ when they do.

Non-age statement whiskies can be just as good as aged counterparts

Non-age statement (NAS) whiskies haven’t always had the best reputation with hardcore whisky fans. But is this fair?

As Britain heads to the polls, hospitality hopes for help

A cut to VAT and a review of the UK’s immigration restrictions are the hospitality industry's biggest asks for Westminster ahead of this General Election. 
Chris Miles behind the bar of The Black Cat with a bottle of Pochle eau de vie

Edinburgh bar owner is looking to make his mark on premium spirits

Chris, who owns The Black Cat on Rose Street, said: "As a barman I think you want to own your own bar, and then you want to do your own spirit."
The river Clyde in Glasgow city centre

Licensing boards can run into problems when they reach beyond their objectives

The five licensing objectives set out in the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 are designed to guide licensing boards’ approach to applications and review hearings.
Janet Hood

Paying tribute to legendary Scottish licensing lawyer Janet Hood

"I’ll miss everything about her. The bright red lipstick and the trademark amber necklace; the booming hello and the giant hug when we met."
Why Not Edinburgh's dancefloor

Politicians need to get off the night time economy’s back

Reporting from the Night Time Industries Association pre-election conference and launch of its new manifesto for the night time economy.
A collection of competitors and judges at a cocktail competition

Spirit of the Sixties alive and well at SLTN’s cocktail competition final

After some incredible drinks and much deliberation, the top prize was split between Mari Chierchia of Daddy Marmalades and Morgan Pyle of Pania. 
A well-dressed man receives an award from a well-dressed woman, while two well-dressed men look on

Killiecrankie House chef Tom Tsappis wins at Craft Guild of Chefs’ Awards 

The chef-owner of Perthshire’s Killiecrankie House was presented with the Restaurant Chef award at this year’s special 30th-anniversary ceremony.

Columns

Jack Cummins
LEGAL
Niall Hassard
ONLY DRAMS
Andrew Dowson
Neil Morrison
ASK THE OPERATOR
Neil Morrison
THE GRAPEVINE
Luke Richardson