The Loch & Quay, nestled along the scenic waterfront, has long been hailed as a destination for exceptional dining experiences that celebrate the bounty of the local region. Yet, beyond the acclaimed culinary offerings, this refined establishment also shines a light on the captivating world of artisanal distilling. Join us as we embark on a journey through the Loch & Quay’s backyard, uncovering the unique distilling techniques and innovative practices that define this remarkable spirits landscape.
Traditional Methods, Modern Innovations
At the heart of the Loch & Quay’s spirit offerings lies a deep respect for time-honored distilling traditions. Many local producers harness the rich history of their craft, blending classic techniques with cutting-edge advancements to create spirits that are both refined and distinctly innovative.
One such example is the Quayside Distillery, which has elevated the art of whiskey making by combining old-world methods with contemporary science. Their master distiller, Elinor Voss, meticulously selects locally sourced grains, many of which are heritage varietals, to craft a robust and flavorful mash. The whiskey is then double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills, a process that imparts a silky texture and complex aromatics.
But Voss and her team don’t stop there. They’ve also embraced the region’s unique microclimate, allowing their whiskeys to mature in a collection of custom-engineered casks that leverage the area’s fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. This “climate-controlled” aging process results in a remarkably smooth and well-integrated spirit, with nuanced notes of caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of local peat.
Similarly, the team at Lakeshore Gin have put a modern spin on the venerable gin tradition. Rather than relying solely on classic botanicals like juniper and coriander, they’ve incorporated a selection of locally foraged herbs and fruits, including wild rosemary, elderflower, and tart local plums. The result is a gin that captures the essence of the Loch & Quay’s terroir, with a beautifully balanced flavor profile that seamlessly integrates both familiar and unexpected notes.
Sustainability is also a driving force behind many of the region’s distilling innovations. At Riverwood Vodka, the team has developed an intricate filtration system that allows them to produce their vodka using local spring water, without the need for any chemical treatments or additives. This commitment to natural purity is echoed in their distillation process, where they employ a specially designed column still to gently coax out the spirit’s inherent flavors while maintaining a remarkably smooth and clean finish.
Diverse Spirits, Distinctive Profiles
The Loch & Quay’s spirits menu offers a captivating array of distilled products, each with its own unique personality and provenance. From the robust, peaty whiskies of the Quayside Distillery to the vibrant, citrus-forward rums of Saltwater Spirits, the region’s distillers have embraced a wide range of spirit categories, showcasing the breadth of their talents and the diversity of the local terroir.
For those seeking a touch of botanical complexity, the Lakeshore Gin and its siblings, the Lakeshore Barrel-Aged Gin and the Lakeshore Seasonal Gin, present a mesmerizing sensory experience. The former offers a harmonious blend of classic gin botanicals and locally foraged ingredients, while the latter two expressions incorporate unique finishing techniques that lend additional layers of depth and intrigue.
The Loch & Quay’s selection also shines a spotlight on the region’s exceptional brandy producers. Nestled along the banks of the Loch, the Highlands Distillery has harnessed the essence of the local apple and pear orchards to craft their award-winning Highlands Calvados. This refined brandy, with its captivating notes of baked fruit, caramel, and spice, pays homage to the centuries-old distilling traditions of Normandy while firmly rooting itself in the Loch & Quay’s distinct terroir.
Connecting with the Land
Underpinning the Loch & Quay’s spirited offerings is a deep reverence for the land and its natural resources. Many of the region’s distillers have forged lasting relationships with local farmers, foragers, and producers, ensuring that the ingredients that shape their spirits are not only of the highest quality but also reflective of the area’s unique environmental characteristics.
At Riverwood Vodka, for instance, the team works closely with a nearby spring water source, meticulously monitoring its mineral composition and pH levels to maintain the perfect balance for their vodka. Similarly, the Quayside Distillery sources its barley from heritage grain cultivars that have been specially adapted to the region’s climate, lending their whiskeys a distinct terroir-driven profile.
The Lakeshore Gin team takes their commitment to local sourcing a step further, partnering with a network of small-scale foragers who scour the surrounding countryside for the perfect botanicals. From fragrant wild rosemary to tart, juicy plums, these carefully curated ingredients lend the gin a sense of place that is both captivating and authentically representative of the Loch & Quay’s landscape.
Elevated Experiences and Refined Hospitality
As visitors step into the Loch & Quay, they are greeted by an atmosphere that seamlessly blends refined elegance with a genuine sense of place. The establishment’s thoughtfully designed tasting room and bar areas offer a welcoming and immersive environment in which to explore the region’s diverse spirits offerings.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by the Loch & Quay’s knowledgeable and attentive staff, who are eager to guide them through the nuances of each spirit. Through carefully curated flights and insightful tasting notes, they paint a vivid picture of the distilling process, the local terroir, and the innovative techniques that shape the final product.
For those seeking a more in-depth experience, the Loch & Quay offers a range of elevated distillery tours and educational programs. Visitors can venture behind the scenes, witnessing the intricate dance of copper stills and oak casks, while engaging in thoughtful discussions with the region’s master distillers. These immersive experiences not only deepen one’s appreciation for the art of distilling but also forge a meaningful connection between the guest and the land that gives life to these remarkable spirits.
The Loch & Quay’s commitment to refined hospitality extends beyond the tasting room. The establishment’s acclaimed restaurant showcases the region’s culinary prowess, seamlessly pairing the locally distilled spirits with a menu that celebrates the bounty of the Loch & Quay’s surroundings. From umami-rich pairings with the Quayside Distillery’s whiskeys to the refreshing interplay of the Lakeshore Gin and locally foraged botanicals, each dish and cocktail combination is a testament to the culinary team’s deep understanding of flavor profiles and their ability to create harmonious synergies.
Seasonal Celebrations and Event Highlights
As the seasons shift, the Loch & Quay’s spirits program evolves to reflect the rhythms of the local landscape. In the spring, the arrival of the first rhubarb harvest inspires the creation of a limited-edition rhubarb and ginger gin, while the summer months herald the introduction of a vibrant, citrus-forward rum infused with locally grown candied orange peels.
The establishment’s renowned events calendar further celebrates the region’s distilling heritage. Each autumn, the Loch & Quay hosts an immersive spirits tasting festival, where visitors can embark on a spirited journey through the diverse offerings of the local distilleries. Guests are invited to engage in educational seminars, led by the region’s master distillers, and participate in interactive cocktail-making workshops that showcase the versatility of the locally crafted spirits.
As the winter chill sets in, the Loch & Quay transforms into a cozy, al fresco haven, where guests can sip on warming whiskey cocktails while savoring the breathtaking views of the loch. These intimate, fireside gatherings provide the perfect opportunity to explore the nuances of the region’s barrel-aged expressions, decanted to perfection and paired with seasonal, locally inspired fare.
Throughout the year, the Loch & Quay’s events calendar is a testament to the establishment’s dedication to celebrating the art of distilling and the unique character of the local region. From seasonal product launches to exclusive tasting experiences, each event offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the Loch & Quay’s spirited world.
Embracing the Future, Honoring the Past
As the Loch & Quay continues to captivate visitors with its exceptional spirits and refined hospitality, the region’s distillers remain steadfast in their commitment to innovation and sustainability. They are not merely purveyors of fine distilled products but also stewards of the land, committed to preserving the natural resources that have given life to these remarkable spirits.
By blending time-honored traditions with cutting-edge techniques, the Loch & Quay’s distillers are writing the next chapter in the region’s spirited legacy. Their unwavering dedication to quality, their reverence for the land, and their passion for crafting unforgettable experiences all converge to create a spirited destination that is truly one of a kind.
Whether you seek to explore the rich, umami-driven notes of a carefully barrel-aged whiskey or the delicate, floral elegance of a locally foraged gin, the Loch & Quay invites you to embark on a journey of discovery, where the spirit of the land is distilled into every sip. Come and experience the Loch & Quay’s captivating world of spirits, where the past and the future converge in a harmonious celebration of this remarkable region.