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Edinburgh.
Inspiring, inquisitive and delightfully artistic
Artist Blend and Glasgow Blend. Two very different whiskies, inspired by two contrasting cities. Pour yourself a glass and join us as we delve into the elements that make Edinburgh an inspirational haven for the curious.
Edinburgh has always been known for fostering its artists, philosophers and creators. So, it should come as no surprise that Artist Blend pays tribute to this iconic city. Its unique and undeniably elegant taste arises from a combination of flavourful single malt and delicate single grain whiskies. A flavour profile designed to complement the artistic endeavour and creative flair that the city is famous for.
Artistic flair
Artists flock to Edinburgh, a city awash with inspiration, regardless of your medium. The quick climb up Calton Hill takes you to one of the best views in the city. Not only does it offer a view of the Crags, the Scottish Parliament and distant shore, it also hosts a series of unmistakable monuments. Arguably the most striking is the perpetually unfinished National Monument, a dominating nod to the Parthenon in Athens and a reminder of the classical influences behind Edinburgh’s artists.
National Monument, Edinburgh, Scotland
After a quick jaunt West you will find yourself at The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, a prominent feature on our Artist Blend label. The pair of Georgian buildings house the collections of Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Andy Warhol, and Damien Hirst, while the curvaceous landscaping by the infamous Charles Jencks draws the eye up to the unmissable neon lettering over the building’s facade telling us “EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT” courtesy of Martin Creed. There’s no denying that Edinburgh’s artistic offerings extend far beyond its classical roots.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh, Scotland
A trip back into town will deliver you to a near-endless offering of restaurants and bars. James Saxon, our resident expert on all things Edinburgh and whisky, suggests dipping into The Devil’s Advocate. Round the corner from the gothic St Giles Cathedral, hidden away down Advocates Close in an old pump house, The Devil’s Advocate is the place to go in Edinburgh’s Old Town for an Old Fashioned. If you can’t be there in person, create your Old Fashioned at home with Artist Blend, and let the vanilla notes sing with an orange twist garnish on the rim of your glass.
Irresistibly inspiring
Turning the spotlight on Edinburgh's darker history and host to art events for the curious, the Surgeons’ Hall Museum is eerily enjoyable. Corridor upon corridor of jarred human specimens are what keep you company inside the walls of the museum. But hopefully the idea of pickled organs is not so disturbing that you lose your appetite...
Because if it’s sampling a taste of Edinburgh you’re after, James recommends taking a stroll into Stockbridge to visit Coco’s chocolate shop. Top things to try are their Aztec Hot Chocolates, and the Earl Grey Tea Dark Chocolate bar – James can’t wait to pair the latter alongside the lighter notes of Artist Blend.
If you prefer a savoury snack, then I J Mellis Cheesemonger in Stockbridge is the place to go. Perpetually crammed with delicious cheeses perfect for pairing, we recommend rich options like Doddington, a cheddar-like cheese with a crumbly texture, or Dorstone with its fruity, tangy flavour.
I J Mellis Cheesemonger, Edinburgh, Scotland
Variety is something that Edinburgh excels in. Every year in August the city transforms into a cultural hub, inviting performers of music, theatre, opera, and dance into its open arms for the Edinburgh International Festival, running alongside the Edinburgh Fringe festival. A month-long celebration of colourful, energetic, and often riotous creative arts, the fringe season is alive with creatives, much like our muse on the label of Artist Blend.
Street performer, The Edinburgh Fringe festival, Edinburgh, Scotland
Inquisitive spirit
It’s easy to miss the understated Fhior as you walk down Broughton Street. The elegant shop front is quietly unassuming with a soft glow from the inside. Yet it’s not to be underestimated. The word Fhior means ‘true’, an apt name for an establishment which prides itself on celebrating simple and honest Scottish cuisine. Each visit you’ll find a new taster menu of local seasonal produce, complete with a masterfully paired drinks menu.
Walking through Edinburgh can feel like stepping back in time with its cobbled streets, towering gothic monuments and endless plaques alerting you to points of cultural significance. But it’s the viewpoints hidden around the city that truly take your breath away. Nestled in between the Stand Comedy Club on York Place and the tram stop at St Andrew Square, looking north down Dublin Place, is a clear view of the Firth of Forth and the hills of Fife. Sitting squarely in between the Edinburgh Georgian houses on either side of the carriage-wide street, this is one of James’s perfect spots for a scenic moment before heading for a dram.
Weeping Girls by Laura Ford
A short distance from Edinburgh’s City centre is Jupiter Artland. With equal measures of beauty and playfulness, its open fields of painstakingly curated landscaping and sculpture are a must-see. As you wander through the woodland path, be careful not to disturb the Weeping Girls by Laura Ford or become too entranced by Anish Kapoor’s Suck.
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