The Edinburgh Reporter December 2021

17
Juliet’s food diary
Whisky wonderland
Naughty but nice festive experiences which should top your Christmas wishlist
By JULIET LAWRENCE WILSON
CONTRARY TO SANTA, you’re far more
likely to get a cracking gift if you’re on my
naughty list. What does make me feel like a
good woman, is when I’ve really nailed it
present-wise. Whisky lovers in my life may
find a Woven Tasting Trio under the tree
this year. Featuring three exquisite and
characterful blends, or “experiences”, as
they call them, it feels altruistic to support a
new and innovative Edinburgh business.
Based at The Biscuit Factory, their blending
studio has certainly been busy. Co-founder
and Blender, Peter Allison tells me that
their experiences stand out because they’re
sourcing much higher quality malt and
grain whiskies.
“We’re making very small batches, only
400 bottles at a time,” he said. “It’s about
paying more care and attention and
marrying the spirit for extended periods
of time.”
Here’s the science according to Woven:
the fats and acids in whisky take time to
fuse together. The longer the marrying
process is given, the more harmonious
the result and it creates “better mouth
feel”. Hmm, entirely like traditional
marriage then?
Excitingly, despite the Woven collective’s
extensive experience in the industry,
Pete tells me that although they follow a
process in blending, he’s entirely selftaught:
“You have to trust your own palate
and be prepared to write the story you
want to read.”
The impressive results aside, one thing
that makes the brand stand out for me is
(Top left) Woven
Whisky blends
(Top right) sweet treats
from Ptasie Mleczko
(Above) Carlo and Katia
of East Coast
(Above right) fruits
of the sea
that they’ll never try to make the same
blend twice. It’s certainly an initiative that’s
looking forward. “We want to build a
community around our products,” Pete
enthuses. “Whisky shouldn’t be
intimidating, it’s about bringing people in
so they can enjoy it as much as we do.”
The modern and minimalist packaging is
also appealing and the initial sample set
features three experiences. A keen cook,
Pete said that Experience 1 is brilliantly
suited to pair with stilton, as the smoky and
sweet notes cut through the acidity of the
cheese beautifully. Experience 2 is the
perfect accompaniment to a mince pie, and
Experience 3 is fantastic in a hot toddy.
When I first nosed Experience 3 my initial
thought was, it’s beginning to smell a lot
like Christmas, and can see how this would
work with honey, lemon and spices.
Although I’m a whisky lover, I’m by no
means an expert but I would attest that
these alchemistic concoctions are the
perfect tipple to broaden your palate and
appreciate for pure pleasure.
Santa may be making a longer stop off at
Chez Juliet this Christmas Eve. Woven’s
3x10cl Tasting Pack Trio costs £35. To
purchase visit wovenwhisky.com
On the subject of Christmas sweet treats
it can be annoying that most are so heavy.
Step forward Ptasie Mleczko Edinburgh –
try saying that after a few drams. These are
small batch, artisan, chocolate-coated
Mallow Mousse and are utterly exquisite.
As beautiful to look at as they taste, they
come in a variety of flavours and there are
also vegetarian and vegan options. Made by
Ed Janusz from Ed’s Supper club, who I
mentioned in our last issue, these would
make a perfect gift for the sweet-toothed.
Visit pmedinburgh.co.uk to order.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited
to a few Scotch Malt Whisky Society events
including the beautiful Queen Street
Garden Party and the decadent and full-on
glam Great Gatsby Evening. One of the
membership benefits is access to the
gorgeous Leith Vaults membership room.
Perfect for enjoying a few cosy evenings in
the winter chill. Membership costs £65 and
can be bought at smws.com
With more people moving out of
town, this has been good news for the
culinary offerings outside the city centre.
I recently enjoyed the fabulous seafood
restaurant East Coast in Musselburgh. The
contemporary space is warm, inviting and
reassuringly attached to a chippy that’s been
in owners Carlo and Katia’s family since the
1970s. We enjoyed some zingingly fresh
dressed crab on sourdough toast followed
by lobster and chips, both cooked to
perfection, and a sumptuous saffron risotto
with Parma ham rolled monkfish and a red
wine jus. You can always judge a restaurant
by its risotto and this was spectacular
Rounding off with a delicate tiramisu, it
was a generously portioned and delicious
meal. The service is friendly and personal
and the atmosphere buzzing. It’s certainly
worth heading out of town for. Carlo and
Katia also run East Coast Fish and Chip
shop next door. Please visit eastcoast
restaurant.co.uk for more information.