Cask 88 | Far from the fringe

This year was a bumper year for Cask 88, with more events and the greatest variety of whiskies, tastings, guests, venues and experience than we have ever held for the Fringe before.

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At the heart of this year’s festivities was one of our favourite venues, our very own Victorian police box,“Cask 88 presents: The World’s Smallest Whisky Shop”. Sat in prime position on the iconic Princes Street, we not only opened our wee doors for our annual series of whisky tastings, showcasing our ever popular“Unfiltered” single cask whisky bottlings, but also to a whole host of guests, entertainers and experiences.

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Variety is one of the key qualities that makes the Edinburgh Fringe Festival the world’s largest performance arts festival and we were determined to embrace that variety with the events we had the pleasure of running this year. We were thrilled with all of our guest hosts and performers, here is a selection of some of our favourites from 2023.

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Box Fresh

A modern twist on the shoe-shine stand; Box Fresh Glasgow provided their impeccable service to our guests’ footwear whilst they were treated to a complimentary tasting of our award-winning limited edition single cask bottlings and some exclusive cask samples.

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BoxFresh Glasgow are the UK’s original premium sneaker cleaning and restoration company who use the finest products and techniques from around the world to restore your favourite footwear. Their clients include Scottish and English Premiership footballers, stars of screen and stage, musicians and even Olympic medalists.

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Holyrood Takeover

Fora few days we swapped out our mature single malt whiskies for a taste of the future from one of our favourite distilleries in Scotland. Based right here in the heart of Edinburgh, Holyrood Distillery are at the forefront of spirit experimentation and have perfected many styles of spirit. As they wait patiently for their spirit to mature into Scotch whisky they have released a number of new-make spirit expressions that already dazzle the senses and offer a tantalising glimpse into the future.

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These were exceedingly popular with our guests and we are thrilled that Holyrood will be back at “The World’s Smallest Whisky Shop” in October to showcase their very first mature single malt Scotch whisky release. We can’t wait to welcome them back and get a taste of their premier mature bottling.

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Whisky Poetry

Cask88 is known for having a romantic and poetic attitude to Scotch whisky, we deeply love the spirit and adore telling the stories behind each and every single cask. It only made sense then that we invited the exceedingly talented Richard Brooke to come bring his trusty typewriter to help our guests better connect with their whisky, and themselves, as they taste it.

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Our guests took a seat at The World’s Smallest Whisky Shop and, after a quick discussion with Richard, were treated to a free tasting of our exclusive single cask Scotch whiskies whilst their very own bespoke poem was typed for them.

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It is safe to say this will definitely not be the last time we collaborate with Richard.

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Annandale Takeover

We were thrilled that the incredible team at Annandale Distillery came to takeover The World’s Smallest Whisky Shop for a few days to share their glorious single malt whiskies and spirits with our guests and give them a chance to buy a bottle or two of their very own. Our guests loved taking a deep dive into their amazing and historic story and their simply divine drams.

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As well as the smorgasbord of guests and experiences we had at The World’sSmallest Whisky Shop we were very proud to host scores of guests for in-depth tastings at our famous, invitation only, whisky library.

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We are looking forward already to the exciting and new ideas we've had for events near year. Make sure you're in Edinburgh for another unmissable Fringe Festival in 2024.

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Jamie Harbour

Head of Black Ops

Here’s our top six gifts for whisky enthusiasts that are sure to hit all the right notes.

1. The Bothy: A Whisky as Rare as True Love

If you want to give a truly unique and singular gift, consider The Bothy, an exquisite single cask expression from the lost Imperial Distillery. Distilled in 1998, just before the distillery closed its doors forever, this whisky captures a special moment in time — much like the cherished memories of a lasting relationship. Whether your loved one is an experienced whisky connoisseur or simply enjoys a good dram, this rare bottle will truly impress.

Discover more about The Bothy

2. Whisky Date Night: A Toast to Love

Why not take your beloved on a whisky-filled date night to celebrate Valentine’s? There’s nothing quite like sipping on fine drams in the intimate atmosphere of a world-class whisky bar. Scotland is home to some of the finest whisky bars in the world, where you can enjoy an unforgettable evening with a dram of something special.

Consider visiting these award-winning whisky bars for an evening to remember:

The Bow Bar (Edinburgh) – A cosy, welcoming space with an extensive whisky selection.
The Pot Still (Glasgow) – Known for its rare and unique expressions from around the world.
The Highlander Inn (Speyside) – Nestled in the heart of whisky country, offering rare drams and local charm.
The Quaich Bar at The Craigellachie Hotel (Speyside) – A whisky lover's dream spot for relaxation and indulgence.

Each of these locations offers a chance to sip, savor, and enjoy the finest whiskies together in a setting that exudes romance and charm.

3. Single Malt Gift Set: An Introduction to Rare Whisky

For those new to the world of whisky, a Single Malt Whisky Gift Set is the perfect introduction to the finer side of whisky. This set features aged, unique expressions from Scotland’s finest distilleries, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Inspired by the quirky artwork of Ralph Steadman’s 1950s art correspondence course, this curated set even includes 'course materials' for the first semester of Whisky Engineering! It’s the perfect way to kickstart a whisky lover's journey and give them something to cherish.

Explore the collection

4. Whisky Cocktail Making Classes: A Fun and Interactive Experience

Looking for a fun, interactive gift that goes beyond the bottle? Sign your loved one up for a Whisky Cocktail Making Class! These classes offer a unique experience where participants learn the art of crafting classic and creative whisky cocktails. It’s an excellent way to bond while experimenting with different flavours, learning new techniques, and, of course, enjoying a delicious whisky-based cocktail or two.

Book a Cocktail Masterclass in Edinburgh at The Raging Bull or enjoy a Cocktail Masterclass in Glasgow at Mackintosh at the Willow. Whether you’re mixing up a classic Old Fashioned or trying something new, this experience promises both fun and learning for whisky lovers at all levels.

5. The Poet's Pour: Where Whisky and Words Meet

For those who appreciate both whisky and poetry, The Poet's Pour is perfect for the true romantic. This limited-edition Islay Single Malt is crafted in collaboration with Edinburgh-based poet Janette Ayachi, combining the fine whisky with the beauty of hand-written prose. Ayachi’s poem, inspired by the whisky’s smoky warmth and rich palate, makes this bottle a treasured keepsake for lovers of both literature and whisky.

Get yours now and make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.

6. Distillery Tours: A Romantic Whisky Adventure

Looking for an experience that combines adventure, beauty, and whisky? A distillery tour might be just the thing. Embark on a whisky-filled journey to some of the most iconic distilleries in Scotland, such as:

Glenfiddich (Speyside) – A picturesque distillery known for its rich heritage and world-class whisky.
Lagavulin (Islay) – A distillery that produces some of the peatiest and most distinct whiskies in the world.
Ardbeg (Islay) – Located on the rugged Isle of Islay, Ardbeg offers breathtaking coastal views and an unforgettable whisky experience.

These distillery tours offer an immersive experience where you can walk through the stunning landscapes, learn about the whisky-making process, and, of course, enjoy some of the finest single malts in the world. Perfect for whisky lovers who appreciate both adventure and romance!

Conclusion: Give the Gift of Whisky This Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, go beyond and surprise your loved one with a gift they’ll truly appreciate. Whether it’s a rare bottle of whisky, a fun experience like cocktail making, or an unforgettable distillery tour, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate your love for each other with something special.

At Cask88, we’ve handpicked the best gifts for whisky lovers, so you can find the perfect way to show how much you care. Cheers to love, whisky, and unforgettable memories this Valentine’s Day!