A Duncan Taylor Scarce & Rare Malt Whisky Tasting, Thursday 6 November, 6 – 8pm, Boisdale Canary Wharf
Known as the Scottish embassy, Boisdale is the finest of all London venues in which to enjoy first-class single malts. Under the expert tutelage of Mark Thomson, whisky expert and connoisseur, we will taste six scarce examples from Duncan Taylor Whisky, owners of one of the world’s largest private Scotch whisky collections.
After a refreshing glass of Innis & Gunn Original Scottish Golden Beer (matured in whisky cask) we will tuck into some exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime drams, namely Highland Park 20 YO (£325 per bottle), Dumbarton 35 YO (£569 per bottle), Bruichladdich 32 YO (£635 per bottle), Laphroaig 28 YO (£875 per bottle), Macallan 31 YO (£3,600 per bottle) and Caperdonich 50 YO (£10,000 per bottle). Each will be cleverly paired with a canapé dreamt up by Boisdale executive chef, Andy Rose. This is a truly incredible tasting line-up.
Hosted by Jonathan Ray and Mark Thomson, the price includes aperitif and (a minimum of) 15 ml of each whisky and each served with a matching canapé.
Having begun his hospitality career in Glasgow, before moving to London hotels and bars over 20 years ago, Mark Thomson's passion for whisky is deep rooted and he has always strived to open up the category and demystify the drink whenever possible to those who are interested in learning more. Inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich in 2019 and awarded Ambassador of the year three times by Whisky Magazine, taking the global title in 2023. Mark is well known and respected in the industry as is his humorous and sideways look at whisky. After a decade representing Glenfiddich Single malt Scotch Whisky across many parts of the world, he now resides back in his home country of Scotland continuing to fly the flag for whisky in general with a wealth of knowledge and experience. As a keen outdoor pursuits guy, when not chatting about or drinking whisky, you’ll most probably find him running over Scotland’s beautiful mountains and glens with his two German Pointer dogs by his side or wild camping in some hidden glen.
Jonathan Ray is drinks editor of The Spectator and regular drinks columnist for The Field and Spear’s. Prior to this he was wine editor of both the Daily Telegraph and GQ. His dozen or so books include Bloodlines & Grapevines, All about Wine, Drink More Fizz! and That’s the Spirit! He has a PhD in history and lives in Brighton.
(N.B. Canary Wharf is easily and swiftly reachable from the West End, being just five stops from Bond Street on the Elizabeth Line and seven stops from Green Park on the Jubilee Line.)
