The Spirit of the Borders: A Beginner’s Guide to Drinking Scotch at SCHLOSS Roxburghe

With World Whisky Day approaching on 18th May, there’s no better place to savour a drop of ‘the water of life’ than 5* historic house hotel SCHLOSS Roxburghe in the Scottish Borders. 

New to drinking Scotch whisky? Taine Anderson, Head Bartender at SCHLOSS Roxburghe, shares his tips on how to enjoy the finest spirits Scotland has to offer. 

Five tips for making the most of your Scottish whisky

1. Add water, not ice! Ideally you’d add a few drops of Scottish spring water to your whisky to help open up the flavours and reduce that whisky burn (which beginners might find overpowering at first). If you want to taste all the delicious signature notes of a whisky then don’t add ice - it reduces the temperature of the drink and dulls down all the aromas. 
2. Start with a lighter flavour profile. Depending on what drinks you enjoy already, your bartender might have some suggestions - for example, if you like a crisp white wine, you might enjoy a more delicate Lowland whisky. If you like a spiced rum or bourbon, you might enjoy a fruity whisky from the Speyside region.
3. Age matters. Although whisky aficionados will tell you the older the better, if you’re just starting out with Scotch, I generally recommend around the 10-year mark; it’s matured enough to develop a complex flavour profile, but you’re not paying the premium for a more aged bottle. Anything under three years old isn’t officially Scotch, so you won’t find it at SCHLOSS Roxburghe. 
4. Don’t discount a blend. You might be keen to jump straight into a single malt, but there are lots of brilliant blended Scotch whiskies available that can be more approachable for a beginner. Blends are some of the most popular Scotches the world over, for good reason. 
5. Try a cocktail! While you can’t go wrong with a classic Old Fashioned, a great summer option is a Whisky Sour or a Blood and Sand (which is made with blood orange juice and cherry liqueur). Just don’t waste your single malt on a cocktail - blends are great for this. 

Celebrate World Whisky Day with a Dram at SCHLOSS Roxburghe, Kelso

Named for the year that Bonnie Prince Charlie spent a night on the Roxburghe Estate, SCHLOSS Roxburghe’s Bar 1745 is the perfect place for whisky lovers to indulge in the hotel’s extensive collection and explore the country’s rich whisky heritage. 

Guests can choose from a wide range of single malt Scotch whiskies, including renowned brands and rare releases, curated to appeal to both whisky connoisseurs and novices alike. Sip on a Robert Burns Single Malt, officially endorsed by the World Burns Federation and produced by the Isle of Arran Distillers, or a Glenglassaugh 12 Years Old distilled on the beaches of Banffshire. Try a 25-year-old Linkwood 1997 Signatory Vintage (one of only 212 bottles made), or a 10-year-old Ben Nevis single malt made using only highland water collected from the mountains. 

Guests at SCHLOSS Roxburghe can enjoy whisky tastings and experiences led by knowledgeable bar staff who are passionate about Scotland's national drink, or you can book a tour at the Borders Distillery.Just 30 minutes from the SCHLOSS Roxburghe grounds in the town of Hawick, the Borders Distillery is the first Scotch Whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837. 

Whisky not your thing? Ask the staff for a Lady Chatto’s Rose, SCHLOSS Roxburghe’s very own gin, which is made with a unique blend of botanicals picked straight from the estate. The gin is named for the rosebush that Bonnie Prince Charlie planted after spending the night in Lady Chatto’s home, which was to become the SCHLOSS Roxburghe hotel.

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Editors notes

Set in the elegant countryside of the Scottish Borders, this historic estate features a twenty bedroom luxury hotel, a championship golf course and a range of outdoor activities. Cuisine is top quality and varied, with an emphasis on fresh, home-grown produce. The perfect getaway destination, SCHLOSS Roxburghe is little more than an hour’s drive from both Edinburgh and Newcastle.