RESTAURANT : WHISKY BAR : ROOMS

Craigdarroch House Whisky Bar

Our ‘Whisky Bar’ is renowned throughout the area, used by locals and visitors alike.  Our extensive range and knowledge will ensure you get the best whisky sampling experience in Loch Ness.

Our selection includes whiskies from the Lowlands, Highlands and Islands, Speyside, Campbeltown and Islay, amongst many others.

Find out more about the regions >>

Whisky flight

If you would be interested in tasting whiskies from the different regions, for £12.50 we can offer a ‘whisky flight’.

This will feature a whisky from each of the 5 regions, a tasting mat to allow you to make notes and a nosing chart to keep.
You could of course choose your own whiskies and use the whisky mat for your own notes.

Visiting a distillery

On the following page is a list from ScotlandWhisky.com of those distilleries open to the public with a map showing their location.
The closest to Craigdarroch House are Glen Ord and Tomatin.

Map of distillery locations >>

What to Try ?

So where do you start? Below is a link to groupings of similar style and taste whiskies with prices per 50ml

Find out more >>

How to drink whisky?

There is no right or wrong way to drink whisky. How you drink whisky is a personal choice and you should drink it the way you best enjoy it.

That said, here are a few tips for those interested in taking the ‘nosing’ and ‘tasting’ further.
We use the Glencairn whisky glass which is a tulip shaped glass. This allows the whisky to be swirled around the glass without spilling it, and will concentrate the aromas in the neck of the glass.

Adding of water?
Whether or not you should add water to your whisky is entirely about personal taste. Many who drink their whisky neat say they do not want to spoil the taste by adding water to it.

However, there are just as many whisky drinkers who say that adding a touch of water, especially soft still spring water enhances the aroma and flavour of a whisky and brings out the whisky’s hidden characteristics (we use natural mineral water from Glenlivet in Speyside). It is worth noting that tap water can contain high levels of chlorine and could spoil rather than complement your whisky.

Adding water to whisky can help prevent your senses being overpowered and can allow you to pick out more of the whisky’s individual characteristics. It is said a fifth of water to whisky is the way to go. However everyone’s tastes are different so I would suggest adding a little water at a time.

Ice?
Putting ice in your whisky will reduce the temperature of the whisky, freezing its aroma and will dull the taste of the whisky. If you do add ice why don’t you try without?  We assure you it will be like drinking a different whisky.
If you do feel like a cold whisky try a good blend or maybe a whisky liqueur muddled with ice and mint, top with soda and a squeeze of fresh lime for a nice refreshing drink.
All that is left is to raise your glass for the Gaelic toast Slainte Mhath (pronounced Slanzh’va) meaning good health.

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Hopefully we have whetted your appetite.

If you would like to know more about our ‘Whisky Bar’ please get in touch, or drop by and see us soon.