Planning a Whisky Tour to Scotland

Travelling to Scotland and not visiting a distillery is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Dave Hughes, a regular visitor to the Highlands and Islands, shares some travel tips.

The Spirit of Scotland, Scotland

In the first of a 12-part series on Scotch Whisky, Graham Howe looks at the history and culture of "uisge beatha" (the ‘water of life’).

White Horse, The Tale of the Whisky Baron

The great Whisky Baron challenged "Anybody doubting the age of Mackie's White Horse Whisky to take a dram and walk the tight-rope"! Graham Howe finds out how "Restless" Peter Mackie acquired his nickname.

A whisky for every occasion

Guinness UDV and the chefs at The Cape Grace put their brains and hearts together to show how easily whisky and gourmet food can be combined.

The making of Scotch

"Scotch Whisky is the stuff that made the old gods of the Greeks and the Romans feel sure that they were gods." - C.E. Montague

A few distilled after-dinner treats

Gentlemen repairing to the study for a post-prandial brandy and cigar is an almost clichéd association with good living. But did you know that initially the spirit of choice was rum? Dave Hughes shares his extensive knowledge of a few distilled after-dinner treats.

Gin - the quintessential cocktail base

It's the quintessential cocktail base - and is positively naked without tonic and a slice of lemon. Currently very much back in flavour, Dave Hughes chronicles the life and times of gin - globally and in South Africa.

Whisky Assessments

No two whiskies taste the same, with each type, style and place of origin having its ardent supporters - be it the product of a single distillery or a blend. A panel of whisky aficionados under the chairmanship of Dave Hughes was set the (enjoyable) task of blind-tasting the most popular brands in various categories on sale in South Africa and giving their recommendations.