Cask to Glass
Cask to Glass
Podcast Description
Join former Scottish rugby international and BBC presenter, John Beattie, on a captivating journey through the world of Scotch whisky. This isn't just any whisky podcast – it's a blend of fascinating history, expert insights, and engaging conversation designed to elevate your appreciation for this iconic spirit.Whether you're looking to impress your friends with your newfound whisky knowledge, deepen your understanding of the craft, or simply enjoy a relaxing listen with a dram in hand, Cask to Glass has something for you.In each episode, John explores:The rich history of Scotch whisky: From its humble beginnings to its global dominance.The unique characteristics of different regions: Uncover the secrets behind Islay's peaty monsters, Speyside's delicate drams, and more.The people who make it happen: Hear from renowned distillers, master blenders, and industry experts.The cultural significance of whisky: Discover the role it plays in Scottish life and beyond.Whether you want to know how to choose a good whisky, are a beginner to the world or an enthusiast, pour yourself a dram, sit back, and let John guide you on a captivating journey from cask to glass. We even welcome people who spell it whiskey!Find out more by visiting: thewhiskypodcast.co.ukPresenter: John BeattieProducer: David Holmes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores the rich history of Scotch whisky, unique regional characteristics, and the industry experts behind the craft. Episodes cover topics like the impact of Islay's peaty whiskies, the cultural significance of whisky in Scotland, and discussions with distillers about new projects, such as Ardgowan Distillery's upcoming offerings.
How do you take your whisky?
Neat? Splash of water? Block of ice? Or even a mixer?
However you take it, join John Beattie, former Scotland rugby international and semi-retired BBC radio and TV news presenter, as he celebrates the heritage and flavour of Scotland’s national drink and the world’s favourite spirit.
Whether you call it whisky, whiskey, uisge beatha, aqua vitae, or the water of life… there’s a story behind every dram; a craftsman behind every drop; an aroma with every nose; and a flavour in every sip.
This is the spirit of Scotland: distilled in a place; shared around the world.
What makes it so special? Why is it so loved? And who are the people that make it, and the aficionados who drink it?
Join John every Thursday as he explores the alchemy that takes place from cask to glass.
Slàinte!
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Host: John Beattie
Producer: David Holmes
Socials:
@C2GWhisky
@JohnRossBeattie
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Whisky should be fun, declares Dawn Davies, outgoing commercial buying director for global whisky retailer The Whisky Exchange.
She wants to shatter many of the myths around whisky. Like you can’t mix Lagavulin with Coca-Cola. She calls it the “smoky cokey”. And “it’s absolutely delicious,” she says.
Then there’s the “geeky” stuff.
“I’m a fermentation geek through and through,” she admits, because different yeasts create different flavours. Before that there’s the grain: barley, corn or rye… etc. Each gives a different flavour.
Then there’s the type of still that’s used to create the new spirit.
And finally the oak.
“I could talk about oak for at least an hour and a half, minimum,” Dawn gushes. “You get so much flavour from the oak. And it’s not just about the wood giving the flavour, or what was in the wood before. It’s also the interaction of oxygen on the alcohols, which gives you all these incredible characters and wood changes so much.”
Knowing about the geeky, technical side of whisky production, Dawn insists, can help you understand what whiskies you might like.
So settle in for an unconventional take on what makes whisky great from a true whisky aficionado who “thinks about booze all the time”.
Join John and Dawn as they discuss:
➡️Dawn’s journey from wine lover to whisky expert.
➡️The unsung heroes of flavour: Yeast and Fermentation.
➡️How different still shapes and oak types define your dram.
➡️The rise of global whisky and what to watch next.
➡️Breaking the rules: Whisky cocktails, ice, and pairing with food.
➡️How to bring the next generation of drinkers into the category.
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky drinker or just starting your journey, this conversation is packed with insights to help you understand and enjoy whisky even more.
Slàinte!
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Socials: @C2GWhisky | @JohnRossBeattie
Creator & producer: David Holmes
Art work & design: Jess Robertson
Music: Water of Life (Never Going Home)
Vocals: Andrea Cunningham
Guitars: John Beattie
Bass: Alasdair Vann
Drums: Alan Hamilton
Bagpipes: Calum McColl
Accordion: Gary Innes
Music & Lyrics: Andrea Cunningham & John Beattie
Recorded & mixed by Murray Collier at La Chunky Studios, Glasgow, Scotland
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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