Unique Magazine

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Unique
THE OFFICIAL Meldrum House MAGAZINE
.
A
NEW
DAWN
.
EXCITING TIMES AHEAD AS A NEW
YEAR DAWNS AT MELDRUM COUNTRY
HOTEL & GOLF COURSE.
No.1
DUBLIN’S BEST
WHISKEY BARS
BY THE BRAND AMBASSADOR
OF TEELING WHISKEY
SEASONAL
DELIGHTS
BY DAVID MURRAY
- EXECUTIVE HEAD CHEF
BEST POOLS IN
THE WORLD
BY ANGLE SILVER
- SILVERSPOONLONDON.CO.UK
YOUR
WEDDING
DAY
BY MHAIRI MCGUIRE
- EVENTS MANAGER

AN UNBEATABLE
HOTEL & GOLFING
EXPERIENCE

17th
The

Wedding Day
WELCOME TO YOUR DREAM VENUE
WEDDED BLISS AT MELDRUM HOUSE
© JO ADDIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Meldrum House Country
Hotel & Golf Course
No.1
OLDMELDRUM, ABERDEENSHIRE
SCOTLAND AB51 0AE
Inside our first issue.
COUNTRY HOTEL
T: +44 (0)1651 872294
F: +44 (0)1651 872464
E: ENQUIRIES@MELDRUMHOUSE.COM
GOLF COURSE
T: +44 (0)1651 873553
F: +44 (0)1651 873635
E: GOLF@MELDRUMHOUSE.COM
MELDRUMHOUSE.COM
01
03
05
A WARM WELCOME
BY ANDY BURGESS- CEO
DUBLIN’S WHISKEY BARS
BY THE BRAND AMBASSADOR OF TEELING WHISKEY
SEASONAL DELIGHTS
BY DAVID MURRAY - EXECUTIVE HEAD CHEF
EDITOR
STEVEN REID
SUB EDITOR
ANDY BURGESS
ART DIRECTION & PRODUCTION
IMAJICA BRAND EVOLUTION
FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS
WILLIE MCPHERSON, ANDY BURGESS
PETER WALKER, NEIL MARR
BOB EDWARDS, DAVID MURRAY
CHRIS ROBB, LUCY BURNETT
MHAIRI MCGUIRE
CONTACT
UNIQUE@MELDRUMHOUSE.COM
ADVERTISING
MEDIA@MELDRUMHOUSE.COM
07
09
11
13
15
16
17
18
THE ACADEMY
BY NEIL MARR - HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL
BEST POOLS IN THE WORLD
BY ANGLE SILVER - SILVERSPOONLONDON.CO.UK
THE WATCH GUIDE 2016
BY IAN SINCLAIR - SINCLAIRS JEWELLERS
24 HOURS IN RIO
BY BONNIE RAKHIT - THE STYLE TRAVELLER
INTERIOR TRENDS FOR 2016
BY GABRIELLA PALUMBO - FLAT15.COM
YOUR WEDDING DAY
BY MHAIRI MCGUIRE - EVENTS MANAGER
BEST HOTEL IN SCOTLAND
BY PETER WALKER - HOTEL GENERAL MANAGER
INSIDE THE GOODWOOD
FESTIVAL OF SPEED
BY CRAIG LANDALE - MENSWEAR STYLE

A WARM
WELCOME
To an unbeatable Hotel
and golfing experience.
ANDY BURGESS
Meldrum House is quite simply unique. Nestled in the
heart of Aberdeenshire’s tranquil countryside, but just
a few short miles from the bustling centre of Aberdeen,
our charming 13th century baronial mansion house, 240 acre
estate and golf course offers more than luxury.
This is a country hotel that offers the very best of everything.
Luxury accommodation with individually styled bedrooms.
Sophisticated dining with locally sourced ingredients of the
season. World class golf and academy for even the most
demanding player. State of the art conferencing to really engage
and inspire delegates. The most breathtaking venue and romantic
Scottish setting to make your wedding truly unforgettable.
Whatever you’re looking for, Meldrum House provides a truly
exceptional experience. We have lots of exciting things to share
with you and hope to see you at the hotel soon.
Best wishes,
ANDY BURGESS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
MELDRUM COUNTRY HOTEL & GOLF COURSE
HOTEL RECEPTION
01

Winter
Warmth
THIS IS A COUNTRY HOTEL
THAT OFFERS THE VERY
BEST OF EVERYTHING.
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
WITH INDIVIDUALLY
STYLED BEDROOMS.
UNIQUE WELCOME
02

SIX OF THE BEST
WHISKEY BARS
IN DUBLIN
THE LIQUOR ROOMS
After a few years out in the cold, Ireland is back on
the map as the destination for quality whiskey.
Kevin Hurley, brand ambassador for Teeling Whiskey – an independent distillery in Dublin –
shares his recommendations for where to go to experience the revival.
THE PALACE BAR
01
02
03
BISON BAR
AGAINST THE GRAIN
THE PALACE BAR
Like walking through the doors of an old
Wild West saloon, this bar is also known for
its fantastic slow-cooked BBQ food. At this
meat-eater’s paradise, pair your whiskey
with a plate of brisket, or choose one of the
whiskey sampling trays. The accompanying
tasting mat features useful notes on the
flavours.
11 Wellington Quay; +353 (0) 86 056 3144
If you’re a fan of craft beer alongside your
craft whiskey, then quirky venue Against the
Grain is the place for you. Owned by the
Galway Bay Brewery Group, here you’ll find a
huge selection of Irish and world craft beers,
served by knowledgeable staff. Ask them to
recommend an ales and a whiskey chaser.
11 Wexford St; +353 (0)1 470 5100
One of Dublin’s best-loved original Victorian
pubs, its décor and exterior remain practically
unchanged since 1823. Not only does the
Palace house one of the finest Irish whiskey
collections in the city, it’s also been long
associated with Dublin’s literary history.
Patrick Kavanagh, Flann O’Brien and Seamus
Heaney are a few of those who’ve propped
up the bar.
21 Fleet Street; +353 1 671 7388
03

AGAINST THE GRAIN
BISON BAR
THE BANG BANG BAR AT THE TEELING DISTILLERY
THE BANG BANG BAR
04
05
06
BULL AND CASTLE
THE LIQUOR ROOMS
THE BANG BANG BAR
Located next to Dublin’s Christ Church
Cathedral, Bull and Castle is owned by the F.X
Buckley family. Six generations ago, Francis
Xavier opened his first butcher shop on Moore
Street in 1930. Since then, the family has gone
on to open their own steakhouses around
Dublin. At Bull and Castle, visit the Butcher’s
Bar. You’re guaranteed to have some some of
Dublin’s best steak to pair with your whiskey.
5-7 Lord Edward Street, Christchurch;
+353 1 475 1122
For top-class whiskey cocktails in Dublin, it
has to be The Liquor Rooms, in the basement
of the Clarence Hotel. (The hotel itself is
owned by local lads, U2). At this subterranean
den of delight, try the rather excellent ‘Red-
Leg Rebellion’ for an Irish twist on the classic
Mai-Tai. Feeling brave? Ask to ‘meet the
badger’. (They’ll know what you mean.)
Wellington Quay; +353 (0) 87 339 3688
Discover Dublin’s only whiskey bar situated
within a working distillery. Following a tour,
pull up a stool and sample some of the rarest
and most unusual bottlings in the Teeling
Whiskey portfolio. Alternatively, place your
order with Teeling’s in-house mixologist, Sean
Maguire, and let him shake or stir you up the
perfect cocktail.
13-17 Newmarket; +353 1 531 0888
UNIQUE DUBLIN 04

WINTER
Menu
SEASONAL DELIGHTS
Dine in Style this Winter at Meldrum House.
Dining at Meldrum House is a real treat for the palate. David Murray,
our Executive Chef, has launched his latest menu for our two Red
Rosette restaurant. The menu which will see us through October and
November, showcases the best of what the season has to offer.
Whether you are after a quiet meal for two, a meal with family or friends or a
private room to celebrate a special event, we offer a truly exceptional dining
experience.
05

The quintessential Glen Garioch,
Founder’s Reserve celebrates the brothers
who first established the distillery and the
200 plus years of craftsmanship that goes
into every bottle that bears the Manson
name.
Enjoy a Glen Garioch today in the historic
surroundings of Meldrum House Cave Bar.
GLENGARIOCH.COM
UNIQUE FOOD & DRINK 06

The
Academy
GAME CHANGING
Develop your game with Neil Marr at the
Meldrum House Golf Academy
If you’re looking to improve your game, you’ll
find our Practice Facilities and Teaching
Academy here at Meldrum House Golf Club
truly exceptional.
Built over 24 acres of mature estate land, our
teaching centre sports 12 contoured greens and
18 flags, protected by bunkers. Everything here
is expertly designed to test you. In fact, whatever
you’d find on a full course, you’ll find them here.
And we will give you expert tuition to help you
improve every part of your game.
PRACTICE RANGE – that gives you the option of
grass tees, or a raised aspect which lets you access
the full width of the range.
SHORT-GAME SUPPORT – at ‘Chippers’ Alley’ our
collection of three USGA-standard greens.
DEDICATED PITCHING GREEN – including bunker
play and a full-size putting green.
TRACKMAN – the golf world’s most accurate
launch monitor and tracking system.
From driving to chipping, swing geometry to
putting, we’ll help you improve everything - all in
the same pristine environment as the rest of the
course. Our Teaching Academy includes:
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT – our head professional,
Neil Marr, is ranked amongst the UK’s top 25 golf
coaches
07

“I HAVE VISITED GOLF FACILITIES ALL OVER THE
WORLD AND THE FACILITIES AT MELDRUM HOUSE
RATE UP THERE WITH THE BEST. THESE MUST BE
THE FINEST IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.”
- CLAUDE HARMON III
NEIL MARR
HEAD GOLF
PROFESSIONAL
- MELDRUM HOUSE PROFESSIONAL SINCE 2000.
- PGA QUALIFIED SINCE 1992.
- GOLF PSYCH QUALIFIED & NLP TRAINED.
I work with the SGU and I am the national U18 boys coach I
have personally coached 15 national players, Scottish Amateur
champions, Curtis cup player and European tour players. I
have coached various teams for Scotland including U16 boys
team, U18 home international team and European boys teams.
I enjoy using all the support services that the SGU played of
psych, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning etc to help
improve the players I coach.
UNIQUE GOLF ACADEMY
08

THE LIBRARY, THAILAND
01
HANGING GARDENS,
UBUD, BALI
One of the most architecturally stunning pools
I’ve ever seen was the twin-tiered pool at
the Hanging Gardens Hotel in Bali. The first
tier juts out from the hotel bar and cascades
in a waterfall down to a larger pool which
appears to float right in the middle of the
Balinese jungle.
The pool is the central feature to the unique
hotel which has been built on a 45 degree
angle using principles of Feng Shui to create
a totally breathtaking effect.
02
FIVE OF THE
BEST POOLS IN
THE WORLD
THE LIBRARY,
KOH SAMUI, THAILAND
I stayed at The Library hotel the first time
that I visited Thailand about eight years ago.
I loved that fact that the modern, design hotel
was themed around books with interesting
artwork, a huge library of books and a
restaurant called The Page. But the most
stand out feature of the hotel is the blood-red
pool, contrasting to the clean white lines of
the hotel and the pristine sandy beach.
The pool is lined with mosaic tiles in orange,
yellow and red giving it a deep and glittering
effect, perfect to sit by and watch the sunset
whilst sipping on a Bloody Mary…
03
Pools that stretch out to infinity, ocean views,
city roof tops and pool party days…
Here are my top five best pools in the world.
GANSEVOORT HOTEL,
NYC, NEW YORK
Cool pools aren’t all about ocean views.
Mr S and I loved the high rise pool on the roof
of the Gansevoort Hotel with the view over
the Meatpacking District.
09
By Angie Silver - silverspoonlondon.co.uk Luxury lifestyle, food & travel blog.
During the day it was a relaxed oasis away
from the busy city but as the sun dipped the
adjacent bar starts to liven up, the perfect
place for a few drinks before a night out in
the city that never sleeps.

GANSEVOORT HOTEL, NEW YORK
HANGING GARDENS, BALI
04
05
THE ENCORE,
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
MARINA BAY SANDS,
SINGAPORE
It’s total extravagant opulence whilst still
maintaining class, Mr S and I loved the pool
at the Encore Hotel. Though there are several
pools, the European, adult’s only pool is
our favourite.
There’s a casino in the centre of the pool and
you can leap out of the pool and grab a drink
at the bar before a round of roulette. If you
want a bit of shade from the harsh desert sun,
then there are cabanas available to rent with
your own TV, fridge and snacks. If you want to
truly go wild, head to the Encore Beach club
for a day of hedonism and world-class DJs.
Often photographed and frequently appearing in lists of the
world’s coolest pools, the rooftop pool at the Marina Bay Sands
in Singapore is the largest and highest pool in the world.
Perched aloft the famous trio of towers and seemingly hanging
over the edge of the precipice, when you swim in the pool you
feel like you’re on top of the world. The pool is 57 floors up
and below the busy streets and towers of Singapore seem like
they’re totally miles away. However, you
can only swim in the pool if you’re
staying at the hotel and in my
opinion it’s not really worth it
as the pool was so crowded.
Better just to get a drink at the
Ce la Vi bar and enjoy the
panoramic view.
THE ENOCRE, LAS VEGAS
MARINA BAY SANDS, SINGAPORE
UNIQUE POOLS 10

11

UNIQUE MOTORING 12

WELCOME TO DORNOCH
Links House, your perfect base for a Highland retreat
Links House at Royal Dornoch in the Scottish
Highlands is a country house hotel and
restaurant in the finest tradition, offering
luxury accommodation combined with the charm,
grace and elegance of the world’s finest luxury
small hotels. Links House Hotel has been beautifully
restored to reflect the strength and drama of its
setting, overlooking the 1st tee at Royal Dornoch
Golf Club.
EIGHT BEDROOM
LUXURY HOTEL IN THE
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
With just eight Bedrooms guests can luxuriate in
the generous proportions of Links House Hotel as
if visiting their own country house. Each en-suite
room is individually designed and finished to the
highest standards, with bespoke fabrics echoing
the colour palette of the Highlands, and every piece
of furniture selected for its timeless beauty.
In the Drawing Room, antiques, art and deep
sofas invite you to relax for afternoon tea or just
gaze out across the legendary links. In our Wood-
Panelled Library the smell of peat emanates from
the fireplace while board games, an eclectic library
and single malt collection invite you to linger.
Our fine dining Restaurant overlooks Our
gardens where an exterior fireplace and putting
green, maintained by Royal Dornoch’s master
greenkeepers, lets guests make the most of the
long Summer evenings. Our head chef JP Saint is
dedicated to fresh menus daily, sourced from the
finest of local suppliers of Scottish beef, lamb, and
wild venison, locally caught shellfish, salmon and
trout and exceptional vegetables and fruit. Our
extensive wine cellar consists of aged varietals
from across the globe
Despite our privileged locale, golf is but one of
the many activities available to guests. Stalking,
shooting, fishing, horse riding and walking tours
can be arranged by our concierge upon request.
Golf Road, Dornoch, Highland, Scotland, IV25 3LW
+44 (0)1862 810279 linkshousedornoch.com
13

With its golden sandstone buildings,
13th-century cathedral, historic
castle and idyllic seaside location,
Dornoch is one of the Highlands’ most charming
towns. It is an exceptional place with a rich history
and today boasts a charming main street offering
an eclectic mix of fascinating shops.
Dornoch’s traditional New Year’s Eve festivities
attract visitors from all over the world. In summer,
the town is bathed in the magical light associated
with this northerly latitude. Local pipe bands play
regularly in the town square and whether you
chance upon a ceilidh or live music in the local bar,
everyone is welcome.
Dornoch is justifiably proud of its wonderful
beaches. Miles of flawless white sand stretch from
Embo to Dornoch Point and are perfect for horse
riding or long walks.
NORTH HIGHLANDS
The North Highlands is steeped in history. Created
over 430 million years ago, the region is peppered
with important ancient monuments hill forts,
chambered cairns and hut circles. There are dozens
of stately homes and castles in the North Highlands
too. Most have wonderful gardens and almost all
welcome visitors.
Extraordinary Fine Dining and the
Best Wine Cellar in the Highlands
A HAVEN FOR WILDLIFE
The North Highlands is home to a stunning array of
birds, animals and plants. Marine life is in abundance
with regular dolphin and whale sightings. Our
concierge would be pleased to arrange wildlife
tours or photo safaris to experience the Highlands
wilds first hand.
COUNTRY SPORT
A WHISKY
LOVER’S DREAM
If you love malt whisky you’ll be in heaven in
the North Highlands. Within a short drive from
Links House you’ll find world famous distilleries
like Glenmorangie and Dalmore as well as some
boutique malts like Clynelish and Balblair. Further
afield are the many great Speyside malt whisky
distilleries. As well as stocking a huge selection of
malts in the Links House cellar, our concierge will
be happy to arrange distillery tours.
LUXURY HOTEL & RESTAURANT
CASTLES, LOCHS AND
PRE-HISTORIC SITES
The historic attractions of the region include
Dunrobin Castle - with its enchanting fairytale
appearance; The Castle and Gardens of Mey - a
cliff-top castle and holiday retreat of the late Queen
Mother; Loch Ness - the largest loch in Scotland
and home to the Loch Ness Monster; and Orkney
- where you will find Skara Brae, an exceptionally
preserved neolithic settlement, awarded World
Heritage Status.
Perhaps no other region in Europe offers the
breadth of country sports occasioned in the
Highlands. Spectacular trout, pike, salmon and
grilse fishing can be accessed without complication.
Bird shooting is a staple here with several species
plentiful - duck, grouse, partridge, pheasant
and woodcock. Links House bespoke concierge
services include full arrangement of country sport
outings with knowledgeable local guides or ghillies.
Links House staff can recommend a variety of
beautiful countryside or beach walks as well as
more extensive mountainous day-hikes to explore
the remarkable Highland terrain. We can also
arrange guided horse riding along some of the
Highlands’ most stunning vistas.
UNIQUE HIGHLANDS 14

LINKS GOLF IN
THE HIGHLANDS
“Dornoch’s fairways are... better than the Old Course,
greens are... reminiscent of those at Augusta but smaller,
and layout...of the finest resourcefulness.”
Herbert Warren Wind, The New Yorker, 1964
PRESENTED BY
02
03
Royal Dornoch is the premier links in
the Highlands. With Castle Stuart, the
exclusive Carnegie Links at Skibo, and
historic Nairn, the Highlands now lay claim to four
of the finest links in the world, all within a 60-mile
radius. Further, there are fantastic nearby classics at
Brora, Golspie and Tain and wonderful hidden gems
like Moray Golf Club and Hopeman Golf Club.
15
THE CARNEGIE LINKS
AT SKIBO CASTLE
The Carnegie Links at Skibo Castle, just minutes
from Links House, is a hidden gem in an exceptional
natural setting with water on three sides. Our
relationship with The Carnegie Links enables Links
House residents to provide introductions to play
this exclusive course.
CASTLE STUART
GOLF LINKS
Castle Stuart Golf Links, just one hour’s drive, is an
extraordinary golfing and visual treasure. Nestled
along the Moray Firth, this wonderful Scottish
Open venue is undoubtedly the best new course in
Scotland, yet via its craftsmanship, you would think
it was one of its ancient links.

01
ROYAL DORNOCH
GOLF CLUB
None of Scotland’s ancient links courses evoke
the romance of Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Legends
including Old Tom Morris, Donald Ross and Tom
Watson have all perfected their craft on these sacred
links. No one has captured Royal Dornoch more
accurately than Herbert Warren Wind in his famous
1964 New Yorker article asserting “Dornoch’s
fairways are... better than the Old Course, greens
are... reminiscent of those at Augusta but smaller,
and layout... of the finest resourcefulness.” Nearly
historic as the Old Course at St Andrews, with views
on par with Turnberry and nuanced crowns, flats,
moments and throws as clever as Royal County
Down, you enter another world when you make the
pilgrimage to Royal Dornoch.
For here we leave the battles fought at Carnoustie,
Muirfield and Troon behind and return to the simpler
joyfulness and serenity of the Highlands. Like all
the great Links, the wind and sea play important
roles in a match here. There are no uninspired or
mean-spirited holes at Royal Dornoch. From the
vexing par-3 2nd Ord to the signature par-4 14th
Foxy, perhaps “the most naturally perfect golf hole
in the world” - a round here is charming, thoughtful,
seriously strategic and deeply satisfying. When you
come here in the height of summer and squeeze in a
second round after dinner, finishing under stunning
natural light, you’ll realise you’ve just enjoyed one of
golf ’s truly great experiences.
04
05
06
THE NAIRN GOLF CLUB
BRORA GOLF CLUB
TAIN GOLF CLUB
Nairn Golf Club, just 15 minutes down the Moray
Firth from Castle Stuart, boasts lineage to Old Tom
Morris and James Braid. Again, like all the great
Links it runs along the sea where wind and views
abound. It proudly possesses among the fastest
greens in Scotland and played host to The Walker
Cup in 1999.
A brilliant traditional course just 30 minutes north
of Dornoch, Brora is also home to the James
Braid Golfing Society. It is considered one of the
architect’s real gems, this crafty seaside course
speaks to the essence of Highland life - joyful,
understated, yet confident; an ode to simpler times.
Tain is another traditional course just 15 minutes
south of Dornoch. It is another Old Tom Morris
creation, with ten of Morris’s original holes still
exactly as he’d imagined. The course here is always
in immaculate condition and a warm welcome is
guaranteed.
UNIQUE HIGHLANDS 16

17

Barbour.com
UNIQUE HIGHLANDS 18

19
INTRODUCING
THE WORLD’S 1s t
SCOTCH WHISKY
(SUN)GLASSES

BEYOND THE CASK
Glenmorangie partners with Finlay & Co. to pioneer
sunglasses crafted from their whisky casks
There is soul in wood: spirit, character –
and the mysterious beauty of something
that grows according to its own rules.
To celebrate the wooden casks which help
create Glenmorangie’s unnecessarily well-made
whisky, Glenmorangie has formed a pioneering
collaboration with Finlay & Co., manufacturers of
unique wooden-framed sunglasses.
In a first for the Scotch whisky industry, the British
eyewear company will work with oak wood from
casks only ever used twice to age Glenmorangie
Original for ten years. The bespoke sunglasses
fashioned from these casks, honour Glenmorangie
Original’s perfect balance and alluring complexity.
Designed and handcrafted in Britain, from
Glenmorangie’s own American white oak casks,
the sunglasses will be launched in March [2016].
Each pair will be designed to display its unique
grain and natural finish, then numbered and will
have the option to be personally engraved for each
customer.
The frames represent a coming-together of
two brands renowned for their commitment to
craftsmanship: While Finlay & Co. takes 16 steps
to hand-craft each pair of glasses, Glenmorangie
is renowned for its 16 Men of Tain, the legendary
Highland whisky-makers who have carried
Glenmorangie’s secrets down the generations.
Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of
Distilling and Whisky Creation, said: “This is a
wonderful collaboration between two brands with
a deep connection to wood and who share a similar
ethos of being unnecessarily well made. Time, care
and respect for the wood used in our casks, as
well as the fact that we only use our casks twice
gives Glenmorangie Original its unique character.
We are delighted to celebrate our own ethos of
craftsmanship with a British company which thinks
the same way we do by creating these memorable
sunglasses.”
David Lochhead, Managing Director of Finlay & Co.
said: “The appreciation of wood is really central
both to Finlay & Co. and to Glenmorangie. For this
collaboration we were excited to give each cask
a new step in its story. There is a real beauty to
the American Oak that Glenmorangie use for their
casks. It’s a thrill to strip this wood down and reveal
the unique grain on every individual pair.”
Finlay & Co.’s Glenmorangie sunglasses are
priced at £300 and go on sale online in March at
finlayandco.com website.
UNIQUE FASHION 20

21

ANCNOC COLLABORATES
WITH PATRICK GRANT
Blas is a limited edition expression with a fashion twist.
AnCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch
Whisky was established in 1894 and is
produced at Knockdhu Distillery - one of
the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish
Highlands. It is renowned the world over by malt
enthusiasts for bringing a contemporary twist
to the traditions of fine malt whisky, producing a
single malt that is accessible and versatile for all
occasions. It has been ranked in the Liquid Gold
category of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2016 with a
score of 96.5 adding to anCnoc’s portfolio of awardwinning
expressions. Whiskies in this category are
deemed by Jim Murray as “superstar whiskies that
give us all a reason to live.”
PATRICK GRANT
ANCNOC BLAS
This month they have released a limited edition
expression, Blas in collaboration with awardwinning
fashion designer Patrick Grant, and we
have our hands on a bottle which came with
a very stylish matching pocket square. Blas,
translated as ‘taste’ in Gaelic, is presented in a
specially designed bottle by Edinburgh-born
Patrick Grant. Patrick spent over a year designing
the bespoke print, which is inspired by the brand,
flavour notes of the limited edition liquid, and the
time-honoured production methods used at the
Knockdhu distillery.
The matching label and pocket square design
is very unique – the colours and illustrations
are fun and playful – something which you’d
not normally expected to see sitting proud on a
whisky bottle label. The overall look is something
which stands out and we think lends itself to
summer occasions. The taste of the Whisky itself
is smooth and delicious – helped by an attractive
sweet aroma. The pocket square is a true summer
statement staple which will strike up an interesting
conversation at a summer wedding.
Patrick Grant commented: “I spent a lot of time
at Knockdhu not only taking in the landscape and
surrounding areas, but getting to know the people
that work there and the methods that they use.
Everything in the print is from the hill, the village
of Knock or within the distillery itself and tells the
story of the making of Blas. I’ve tried to interpret
anCnoc’s history and tradition in a modern way, and
hope this is translated through the aesthetic of the
bottle.”
ancnoc.com
UNIQUE FASHION / WHISKY 22

MELDRUM HOUSE COUNTRY
HOTEL & GOLF COURSE
Award-winning Meldrum House is one of the finest
hotels and golf courses in Scotland.
Our course, sculpted to perfection in
Aberdeenshire’s breathtaking scenery,
is set in beautiful parkland. The mature
woodland backdrop, meticulous landscaping and
abundant wildlife make it a golf experience like no
other.
With its close proximity to Trump International,
Royal Aberdeen and Cruden Bay, a stay at Meldrum
House ensures a great base for playing famous
Links courses.
THE COURSE: THE
HOME OF BETTER
GOLF
Graeme Webster designed the course at
Meldrum House with the highest attention
to detail and our greenkeepers pride
themselves in their meticulous standards.
USGA-constructed, manicured greens, crosscut
fairways, water features, dog-legs and
bunkers are all expertly maintained to the
highest level, demanding perfection from
every stroke for even the most accomplished
golfer. Look out for the 18 bunkers guarding
the green at the par 5 eleventh hole. But
remember, we also have a sensible choice of
tee positions if you’d like to take things a little
more leisurely.

THE HOTEL
Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Course
is nestled within a 240-acre estate in stunning
Aberdeenshire countryside. Winner of AA
Hotel of the Year for Scotland in 2014/15, it
is steeped in history and the 13th century
baronial county house guarantees unrivalled
luxury. With 2 Red Rosettes for its restaurant
it’s the perfect retreat to wine and dine after
your game of golf. Every detail has been
taken care of.
WHISKY TASTINGS
THE CLUBHOUSE
Open to golf members and guests of the hotel, the
Clubhouse's luxurious lounge provides the perfect
setting to relax with panoramic views over the 1st,
17th and 18th holes. For tantalising the tastebuds,
our menu offers interesting and ever-changing
dishes.
There is also a newly refurbished Proshop, open to
the public, with a wide range of golf clothing and
equipment to keep you at the top of your game.
PRACTICE
FACILITIES
We have an outstanding teaching academy
where you might want to improve your
game before heading out on the course. A
practice range, dedicated pitching green and
a Trackman system to analyse your swing.
Our Golf Pro is tanked amongst the UK’s top
25 golf coaches.
Our unique Cave Bar is almost 800 years old
and is where you will find over 100 whiskies.
An ancient Doo’cot in the grounds of the
hotel is where we hold whisky tastings.

NEW ELECTRONIC PORSCHE
SET TO SHOCK CAR MARKET
Mission E is both beautiful and eco-friendly
Let’s face it, electric cars aren’t exactly known
for being cool. Whilst the Tesla Model S
and Nissan’s (hopefully seen one day) IDS
Concept are both handsome enough, Porsche’s
Mission E will likely be the e-vehicle to turn heads
and steal attention. Even though reducing carbon
emissions with catalytic converters found on sites
like this is one thing, drivers who desire power and
a clean conscience will be more than happy with
the Mission E.
Porsche have recently announced that their fullyelectric
four-door sports car will begin production
imminently. Though no official release date has
been announced, before the end of 2020 is the
German manufacturer’s target. What’s more, close
to one billion dollars is expected to be poured into
bringing the Mission E into production.
Now for the fun stuff… Porsche say that the Mission
E will produce more than 600 horsepower, and can
go from 0 to 62 mph in under 3.5 seconds. As for
the electrical side, the car can travel 310 miles on
a single charge, and the lithium-ion battery can
reach near-full capacity in around 15 minutes. The
Mission E is charged via a unique 800-volt unit,
which is supposedly twice as powerful than any
competitor’s recharge system.
Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory
Board of Porsche AG, said in an announcement:
“With Mission E, we are making a clear statement
about the future of the brand. Even in a greatly

changing motoring world, Porsche will maintain
its front-row position with this fascinating sports
car.” With Chairman of the Porsche Executive
Board, Dr. Oliver Blume, adding: “We are resolutely
taking on the challenge of electric mobility. Even
with solely battery-powered sports cars, Porsche is
remaining true to its philosophy and offering our
customers the sportiest and technologically most
sophisticated model in this market segment.”
Lastly, let’s talk about the look of the Mission E.
Unquestionably Porsche, the Mission E is as elegant
and stylish as any other model, yet obviously with
the added green bonus of no combustion engine
or exhaust system. Interestingly, the car doesn’t
contain any side mirrors – instead relying on
sophisticated camera and screen technology to
display any hazards.
For more information on the Porsche Mission E,
visit porsche.com