Episodes

  • Loch Lomond Distillery
    Feb 20 2025

    Is the tipple in your glass just the product of the cask? Or does the still play some big part?


    Join John as he and Master Blender Max McFarlane chat with Loch Lomond Whiskies' Gary Mills about Loch Lomond Distillery's three - or is it four? - very different stills, and the role of the distillery's onsite De-char / Re-char cooperage.


    Oh and find out what Tintin - yes Herge's Tintin - has to do with it all.


    Visit Loch Lomond Whiskies' online store at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com and get 10% off with our discount code revealed in this episode. Terms and conditions apply*.


    Slàinte!


    *Terms & Conditions

    10% off all Loch Lomond Whiskies products (up to 18 yr old) on Loch Lomond Whiskies site only.

    Expiry date: 31 March 2025.

    One time use per customer.

    This offer can't be combined with any other discount code.

    Limited to the first 100 users.

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    Socials:

    @C2GWhisky

    @JohnRossBeattie

    Creator & producer: David Holmes

    Art work & design: Jess Robertson

    Music: Water of Life (Never Going Home)

    Vocals: Andrea Cunningham

    Guitars: John Beattie

    Bass: Alasdair Vann

    Drums: Alan Hamilton

    Bagpipes: Calum McColl

    Accordion: Gary Innes

    Music & Lyrics: Andrea Cunningham & John Beattie

    Recorded & mixed by Murray Collier at La Chunky Studios,

    Glasgow, Scotland

    Special thanks: The Strathduie Bar, Black Friars Street, Glasgow, Scotland


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    34 mins
  • Max McFarlane: Master Blender
    Feb 13 2025

    Popcorn.

    That’s right. Popcorn.

    As the former Keeper of the Quaich at Edrington, Master Blender Max McFarlane has worked with some of the most famous whisky brands in the world, including The Famous Grouse, The Macallan and Highland Park.

    He reckons he can persuade anyone to enjoy whisky.

    And he says it all comes down to popcorn...

    Now with Ardgowan Distillery and the nose behind Ardgowan’s Clydebuilt range of private bottlings, Max explains to John the best way to drink whisky: when to have ice; when to have water; what glass to use; and finally how to nose and sip your dram.

    “The sweet receptors are at the front of your tongue,” Max says. “So don’t throw your whisky back. Bring it right round your mouth; bring it to the front of your tongue. Make it almost romantic and let it slip down gently.”


    So join John and Max as they celebrate the heritage and flavour of Scotland's national drink and the world's favourite spirit.


    Slàinte!

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    Socials:

    @C2GWhisky

    @JohnRossBeattie

    Creator & producer: David Holmes

    Art work & design: Jess Robertson

    Music: Water of Life (Never Going Home)

    Vocals: Andrea Cunningham

    Guitars: John Beattie

    Bass: Alasdair Vann

    Drums: Alan Hamilton

    Bagpipes: Calum McColl

    Accordion: Gary Innes

    Music & Lyrics: Andrea Cunningham & John Beattie

    Recorded & mixed by Murray Collier at La Chunky Studios,

    Glasgow, Scotland

    Special thanks: The Strathduie Bar, Black Friars Street, Glasgow, Scotland


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Robert Burns & Whisky
    Feb 6 2025

    “Whisky and freedom gang thegither!,” declared Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet.


    But why and how do they go together?


    In this episode John Beattie speaks to Burns scholar and Scotland’s preeminent political commentator, Brian Taylor, about Burns, his work and legacy, and how whisky is rooted in a place that’s both Scottish and international.


    Slàinte!


    -------

    Twitter:

    @C2GWhisky

    @JohnRossBeattie


    Producer: David Holmes

    Graphic Design: Jess Robertson


    Music: Water of Life (Never Going Home)

    Vocals: Andrea Cunningham

    Guitars: John Beattie

    Bass: Alasdair Vann

    Drums: Alan Hamilton

    Bagpipes: Calum McColl

    Accordion: Gary Innes

    Music & Lyrics: Andrea Cunningham & John Beattie

    Recorded & mixed by Murray Collier at La Chunky Studios, Glasgow, Scotland


    Special thanks: The Strathduie Bar, Black Friars Street, Glasgow, Scotland


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Val McDermid
    Jan 30 2025

    “Ice is for cocktails!” exclaims Scottish crime writer and whisky lover Val McDermid.


    So how does she take a dram? And what does she take?


    And if she loves whisky so much, why did Val create a leading character who enjoys gin when she personally hates it?


    Join John Beattie as he and Val discuss “morning whiskies”, imposter syndrome and Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns.


    And if you’re new to Scotland’s national drink and want to know where to start, Val has a recommendation.


    Slàinte!

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    Twitter:

    @C2GWhisky

    @JohnRossBeattie


    Producer: David Holmes

    Graphic Design: Jess Robertson


    Music: Water of Life (Never Going Home)

    Vocals: Andrea Cunningham

    Guitars: John Beattie

    Bass: Alasdair Vann

    Drums: Alan Hamilton

    Bagpipes: Calum McColl

    Accordion: Gary Innes

    Music & Lyrics: Andrea Cunningham & John Beattie

    Recorded & mixed by Murray Collier at La Chunky Studios, Glasgow, Scotland


    Special thanks: The Strathduie Bar, Black Friars Street, Glasgow, ScotlandIce is for cocktails..."


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    37 mins