Rocco Forte’s The Balmoral is opening Scotch, its new signature whisky bar with what it says is the largest collection of Scottish whiskies available to the public in Edinburgh.
Scotch has more than 400 whiskies from the traditional regions of Scotland, including Speyside, Islay, Campbeltown, the Islands, the Highlands and the Lowlands. Vintages on offer date back to 1940. The bar also has Uisge Source waters on hand from Speyside, Islay and the Highlands to complement whiskies.
Olga Polizzi designed Scotch, which features a handmade, oak-paneled whisky cabinet and a bar made of brushed brass and black granite. Seating includes gold and chocolate velvet armchairs and tweed sofas.
Bar snacks such as smoked almonds, wild boar salami and dark Swiss chocolate have been selected to complement the flavors of whisky. Executive Chef Jeff Bland has also created a menu of contemporary Scottish fare, including house-cured whisky and honey salmon.
Three “Whisky Ambassadors” oversee the bar, offering guests advice. Their uniform is “contemporary highland” attire, designed by Kinloch Anderson, kilt maker to the Queen.
