Think of a dinner and drinks pairing, and your mind will likely picture wine poured into long-stemmed glasses rather than punchy, whisky cocktails accompanying Michelin-quality dishes.
That’s understandable, with the variety of grapes and production methods differing so greatly between each bottle and vintage meaning that there will always be a vino to complement even the most complex of foodie flavours.
However, in recent years, a trend has begun to emerge in Scotland, as the historic whisky brands which have long been famous across the globe invest in their dining options, and prove that our national drink deserves its spot at the table.
Take for example the Glenturret Lalique in Crieff, which this year became just the second restaurant in the country to be awarded the distinction of Two Michelin stars as well as earning 5 AA Rosettes just last month.
Read more: How a restaurant in Scotland's oldest working distillery achieved two Michelin Stars
Headed up by executive chef Mark Donald, it could be argued that the eatery’s fame has now succeeded, or at the very least, matched that of the distillery in which it is housed.
And that’s no mean feat, given that The Glenturret can claim the title of the oldest working distillery in Scotland.
As is expected of a restaurant of this calibre, great care has been taken to source the best of wines to accompany a tasting menu experience, but there’s no mistaking the true spirit of its success.
“Journeying through dishes inspired by The Glenturret, the Scottish culinary landscape and its unparalleled ingredients, all delivered with the seamless service and the Scottish warmth that The Glenturret has in its soul," the restaurant states on its website.
Also seeking to benefit from the prestige which comes from a touch of Michelin Star power is Johnnie Walker Princes Street, which last year partnered with James and Maria Close, formerly of the Raby Hunt restaurant in Darlington, to create the STIR experience.
Read more: Head bartender and Michelin-starred duo set to 'redefine whisky and food pairing'
At the Explorers’ Bothy bar at this world-leading tourism attraction in Edinburgh city centre, a tasting menu of small plates from the duo has been inspired by the distilleries of Glenkinchie, Cardhu, Caol Ila, and Clynelish.
Head bartender at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Miran Chauhan, said last year: "We see STIR as the portal to a new world of whisky and food combinations.
“James and I have a shared obsession for flavours and techniques and together we’ve created an enticing and highly original taste experience for everyone to enjoy.”
Venture further north, to the village of Carbost, and you’ll discover a collaboration between the Talkisker Distillery and one of Skye’s leading restaurants, The Three Chimneys.
Read more: 'A haven of fine food and whisky': Island distillery partners with famous restaurant
Initially launched as a pop-up dining experience, this partnership is still going strong with a bespoke tasting menu that ‘not only highlights the distinctive maritime character of Talisker Distillery whisky but also celebrates the world-renowned shellfish and seafood that thrive in Skye's waters’.
Sharing the inspiration behind it all, Leigh Aitken, Talisker brand home manager, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome one of Scotland’s most famous restaurants, The Three Chimneys, to Talisker’s Pop-Up space, giving our guests an unforgettable culinary experience and showcasing local ingredients.
“Working together with The Three Chimneys means we can excite our visitors with something new and ensure that Skye remains a cherished haven for enthusiasts of fine food and whisky.”
The latest high-profile collaboration to shake up both Scotland’s whisky and restaurant sectors, reported by The Herald today, comes as The Macallan continues its 200-year birthday celebrations with an exciting new addition to its distillery experience.
Read more: World-famous Spanish restaurant to open first overseas location in Scotland
Now confirmed to be opening to the public on Thursday, October 31 in the heart of The Macallan Estate is TimeSpirit, the first restaurant outside of Spain from El Celler de Can Roca.
Opened in Girona in 1986 by the three Roca brothers: Joan, the chef, Josep, the sommelier, and Jordi, the pastry chef, the original restaurant has held three Michelin stars since 2009.
Of the new venture, The Roca brothers said in a statement: “The many trips we have made to Scotland and the inspiration we have found in its old cookery books have afforded us the chance to pay homage to Scottish cuisine.
“We have been all over the country, drinking in its spirit, devoting time to it and we would now like to share our cooking through the Macallan.”
Joining the other powerhouse pairings of distilleries and leading restaurants across the country, the upcoming opening of TimeSpace is another clear example of the good which can come from investing in a complete and well-rounded whisky tourism experience.
It’s a fascinating pattern to explore, and as the whisky industry continues to evolve, one that can only be seen as a promising sign of what the future holds for Scotland’s reputation as a world-leading food and drink destination.
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