Hi Roy! I had to watch this episode finally on replay, after our visit on the last weekend. What a lovely place on this planet this Dornoch Castle is. The two gents are so much fun, inspiring and humble. You did a great job for this very entertaining vPub. Thank you!
Whisky business seems not to have lost all its integrity and sense, after all. I just love these lads. Life is still worth living. Long live Simon & Phil!! vPub👍🏻
@@Aqvavitae Your memory serves you well, Roy. I'm a bit younger... maybe, I should've written "tired-man Benny who-is-an-hour-ahead-and-has-a-job-to-get-up-on-Friday-mornings-for", because... I'll don't think, I'll be able to save the situation, if I in any way or shape or form indicated that you were old as well 😬😂😉
Argh! Was ready for a Vpub last week… and this week I was at the theatre in Amsterdam watching Bill Bailey’s “Thoughtifier” show. Bailey ages like a good whisky! Highly recommended. Time to enjoy with an un-chill-filtered, natural coloured… coffee.
Superb vPub, location,guests and chat. The asshat got me.. 9/10. Dornoch, really is a beautiful part of the country.We loved our family stay at the hotel just a few weeks ago and would highly recommend it to anyone. Success in today's Dornoch ballot as well so looking forward to opening that when I get home. Slainte.
You know buddy - I think this was one of the toughest run-ins on the QATE to date... cracking score despite it. You were right about the fact I'd enjoy my stay, it was a cracking trip and not my last time up there.
Great to hear from the Thompson Bros in this vPub! Many thanks, Roy and Sevi, for making your way up to Dornoch to do this live broadcast. And many thanks to the Thompson lads for filling us in on their journey through the professional and business world of Scotch malt whisky production. I've visited their bar a couple of times over the last 5 years and have thoroughly enjoyed picking out some very select drams from their incredible whisky menu at the castle! They really know how to warm the cockles of any whisky enthusiast's heart. Great to hear that the micro distillery will soon be expanded with a "Dornoch 2" and that the emphasis will still remain on trying out unique processes with classic barley strains. Luckily enough, I can get my hands on a few Thompson Bros IBs on the German market so there's a few on the shelves. I haven't had a bad one yet - they've all been damn good. Congrats on an obviously well functioning business model - you're combining a deep-seated love for whisky and whisky making with a realistic approach to commercial business. Other new distilleries could certainly take a leaf out of your book. Cheers!
I think the secret (and I'm often surprised how much this element is missing) is that they're knowledgeable and passionate about the product, weaving that into their daily business adds a desirability that's palpable. You can taste it too. Terrific guys and a great whisky experience, very cool you've been able to participate Russell, hope you get back up there soon!
Great watch as always Roy and I wish these guys all the best as their own bottlings are very good and excellent value, have plenty at our local woodwinters in Inverness. Must take a trip up soon im not far away. Also, hope you met their Jack, he's a good kid!
Thanks Ronnie - it was an excellent trip and yes indeed - we did get to meet Jack, he was invited to join but had family up for the week... I'll snag him next time!
Great guys up there in Dornoch. Always so friendly when I pop in when I visit family down the coast in Barbaraville. Looking forward to cracking the dailuaine I bought at Easter in the bottle shop. On my Birthday on Monday. 😊 Always pick up a bottle of SRV and BSW also. Tasty stuff.
Not going to lie this might be one of the best vpubs ever, and you have had plenty of good ones before. The brothers are both so informative and have such good knowledge. Definitely want to visit Dornoch castle at some point.
I came away form the experience with a widened view of things, which is remarkable when you witness how small the centres of operation are. Where there's a will... as they say. Amazing and thanks fro stopping by with a comment Andrew..
Great vPub and fantastic insightful guests! Thanks Roy Sevi Phil and Simon for making it happen. Opened a bottle of TB/BSW for the occasion- excellent stuff setting the standard for good value sherried whiskies. Guess now I need to find a way up to Dornoch...🤔
Make the journey, stop at the hotel (a must!) and take in the bar, the distillery, bottle shop and other local whisky spots. We're planning out excursion soon!
@Aqvavitae, Thank you for this vPub Roy, such a huge heart connection for me at Dornoch.......the castle, the village and the golf course. Been visiting for over 40yrs and would move there in a heartbeat. Have missed the lads at the distillery last 3 trips, hope one day to meet them. Thanks again Glenn
Knowing you and your exploration Glenn you'll bump into them one day. Maybe a North East distillery excursion next time you're up! The boys now know you by name after commenting on the 'Scottishness' of it!
Yeah the audio is always tricky to control when we're on location (or perhaps you mean at your workplace?) regardless thanks for being part of the catch up! Cheers!
Fun to catch up on replay! Catching up after some farm tours in the Peace Country this week!! 3,000 km, as far as 10 hours north of Red Deer!! I feel your pain from the trip North!! At least most of my roads were wide and straight!! Unfortunately the one ice bridge had just closed the week before!!
Express viewing with time stamps 0:00 - Opening at Dornoch Castle 1:48 - Welcoming you to the Dungeon at Dornoch Castle 4:26 - Welcoming in the travelling lounge 11:04 - A 'tour' of Dornoch Distillery 13:05 - Welcoming in Phil & Simon Thompson 15:03 - Finding their own way & who was first? 54:19 - Uncorking the 'new' Strathearn 57:18 - How Strathearn helped inspire proto-Dornoch 1:17:14 - Adding E150a - declare or ban? 1:21:20 - Are there too many distilleries? 1:29:28 - Chill-filtration & its impact 1:41:00 - Welcoming in Seve The Alchemist 1:50:44 - Packaging in whisky - trash or treasure? 2:05:16 - Opening a very special Port Ellen 2:09:15 - Quiz at the End
Roy, thank you so much for taking us there and providing another insider glimpse into a distillery that we otherwise would never get. Love these types of vPubs!
Roy, just a quick addendum to Question 2 in the quiz regarding the new Ardbeg Spectacular special bottling. The German email sent out this week (a translation of Jackie Thompson's original English mail) describes it as a cuvee of port cask matured and ex-bourbon cask matured Ardbeg parcels which were then married - or vatted - especially for this bottling. That would make Answer "C" ("released next week" the only fully correct statement). The proportion of ex-bourbon casks used isn't specified in the mail, but it's clear this isn't a purely port cask bottling. Cheers.
Oooh. Now, that is news... I did check it but thanks for the additional info Russell. You know what happens there right? Everyone gets Q2 correct... that's the rules.
On this particular set up, we spent most of the day just trying to connect to the internet. We did take two lapel/lav mics, but with up to four attendees I went with the Yeti to catch everyone, it's a costly thing to manage three or more inputs. We do what we can.
I'm not sure I understand question 9. The options are a) all, b) all except one and c) all except three. a) must be impossible because Dornoch can't have been founded *before* Dornoch. If Dunphail was the only one founded after Dornoch then than means the answer must be all except two, which was not one of the options given? The wikipedia listing, by year. Seven were founded *before* Dornoch, which is all except two. Dalmore 1839 Dailuaine 1852 Dufftown 1895 Dalwhinnie 1898 Deanston 1965 Daftmill 2005 Dalmunach 2015 Dornoch 2016 Dunphail 2023
@@Aqvavitae If I'm right then the question 9 options were all mistaken/erroneous, i.e. none offered a correct option/answer, so I don't see why it's different from q.2 you discussed below with @russell3733. I'm not particularly fussed about keeping score, just... curious. Maybe because I used replay I missed something in the "live" chat? /shrug/ No biggie.
Rastal (German company) Harmony (model). #11 I think. Last I checked, you couldnt buy in the UK except for a seriously overpriced one on Amazon. TB branded ones available from the TB shop.
Was there more fun had during this vPub or afterwards?Lots of of interesting pours and great company. Love the idea of 2 distilleries collaborating on something.
Lots of collaboration happening now with the rise of independent and small scale distilleries with autonomy for quick and fun decisions. Thanks for picking it up Carlos - cheers to you!
Hi Roy! I had to watch this episode finally on replay, after our visit on the last weekend. What a lovely place on this planet this Dornoch Castle is. The two gents are so much fun, inspiring and humble. You did a great job for this very entertaining vPub. Thank you!
Enjoyed the insights from the Brothers! Some amazing drams, thank you Roy!
Fab on location Vpub this evening roy! Great info and insight from the boys too! Always pleasure to see Seve! Much love as always from the two of us
Thanks Hellen, having Seve along made it a lot lighter for sure, so glad you enjoyed and see ya soon!
@@Aqvavitae dunno why my comment uploaded twice 😆
Fantastic fun, thanks Roy, Phil & Simon and Seve. My favourite bottlers/distillers and my favourite CZcamsr in one place!
Glad you were able to catch it James, it was a terrific couple of days. Actually, I cannae wait to go back...
Whisky business seems not to have lost all its integrity and sense, after all. I just love these lads. Life is still worth living. Long live Simon & Phil!! vPub👍🏻
Oh my, what a place (!!), what a distillery - what magnificent people.
What a vPub (though another on the replay for old-man Benny 😅🙄).
Old man Benny is very welcome - although I seem to remember you're younger than me? See you soon my friend and thanks for catching it!
@@Aqvavitae Your memory serves you well, Roy. I'm a bit younger... maybe, I should've written "tired-man Benny who-is-an-hour-ahead-and-has-a-job-to-get-up-on-Friday-mornings-for", because... I'll don't think, I'll be able to save the situation, if I in any way or shape or form indicated that you were old as well 😬😂😉
Argh! Was ready for a Vpub last week… and this week I was at the theatre in Amsterdam watching Bill Bailey’s “Thoughtifier” show. Bailey ages like a good whisky! Highly recommended.
Time to enjoy with an un-chill-filtered, natural coloured… coffee.
Thanks for catching it on the replay - as a fan of Mr Bailey myself you're forgiven! Hope it was a good night!
Superb vPub, location,guests and chat. The asshat got me.. 9/10. Dornoch, really is a beautiful part of the country.We loved our family stay at the hotel just a few weeks ago and would highly recommend it to anyone. Success in today's Dornoch ballot as well so looking forward to opening that when I get home. Slainte.
You know buddy - I think this was one of the toughest run-ins on the QATE to date... cracking score despite it. You were right about the fact I'd enjoy my stay, it was a cracking trip and not my last time up there.
Great to hear from the Thompson Bros in this vPub! Many thanks, Roy and Sevi, for making your way up to Dornoch to do this live broadcast. And many thanks to the Thompson lads for filling us in on their journey through the professional and business world of Scotch malt whisky production. I've visited their bar a couple of times over the last 5 years and have thoroughly enjoyed picking out some very select drams from their incredible whisky menu at the castle! They really know how to warm the cockles of any whisky enthusiast's heart. Great to hear that the micro distillery will soon be expanded with a "Dornoch 2" and that the emphasis will still remain on trying out unique processes with classic barley strains. Luckily enough, I can get my hands on a few Thompson Bros IBs on the German market so there's a few on the shelves. I haven't had a bad one yet - they've all been damn good. Congrats on an obviously well functioning business model - you're combining a deep-seated love for whisky and whisky making with a realistic approach to commercial business. Other new distilleries could certainly take a leaf out of your book. Cheers!
I think the secret (and I'm often surprised how much this element is missing) is that they're knowledgeable and passionate about the product, weaving that into their daily business adds a desirability that's palpable. You can taste it too. Terrific guys and a great whisky experience, very cool you've been able to participate Russell, hope you get back up there soon!
Great watch as always Roy and I wish these guys all the best as their own bottlings are very good and excellent value, have plenty at our local woodwinters in Inverness. Must take a trip up soon im not far away. Also, hope you met their Jack, he's a good kid!
Thanks Ronnie - it was an excellent trip and yes indeed - we did get to meet Jack, he was invited to join but had family up for the week... I'll snag him next time!
Keep up the good work! 0:46
Loved the Dornach distillery tour 😄
It was a wee bit tongue-in-cheek, but hopefully it helped everyone realise why it's hard to get their hands on Dornoch malt.
Great V pub and the brothers seem great lads. Nice to see Seve make an appearance
Great guys up there in Dornoch. Always so friendly when I pop in when I visit family down the coast in Barbaraville. Looking forward to cracking the dailuaine I bought at Easter in the bottle shop. On my Birthday on Monday. 😊 Always pick up a bottle of SRV and BSW also. Tasty stuff.
That's nice you have the ability to stop by and treat yourself , terrific stuff. And agree on the BSW and the SRV5; always cracking value too.
Cheers 🥃
Cheers to you too!
Not going to lie this might be one of the best vpubs ever, and you have had plenty of good ones before. The brothers are both so informative and have such good knowledge. Definitely want to visit Dornoch castle at some point.
I came away form the experience with a widened view of things, which is remarkable when you witness how small the centres of operation are. Where there's a will... as they say. Amazing and thanks fro stopping by with a comment Andrew..
Great vPub and fantastic insightful guests! Thanks Roy Sevi Phil and Simon for making it happen. Opened a bottle of TB/BSW for the occasion- excellent stuff setting the standard for good value sherried whiskies. Guess now I need to find a way up to Dornoch...🤔
Make the journey, stop at the hotel (a must!) and take in the bar, the distillery, bottle shop and other local whisky spots. We're planning out excursion soon!
Great episode Roy and so informative. Booked in to stay in September on the way up to Orkney so looking forward to checking out the bar. Cheers.
It's a must. I'll gamble it'll be a highlight of your trip.. Thanks for stopping by and catching on the replay Tim!
@@Aqvavitae Cheers Roy..
Superb vPub Roy. Phil & Simon seem really great guys and shoot from the hip. Loved the way they talked many times about how important the "Liquid" is.
Nothing to hide and everything to share, one of the most memorable trips to date. I'll be back. Hope you mnake it up there soon Stevie
@Aqvavitae, Thank you for this vPub Roy, such a huge heart connection for me at Dornoch.......the castle, the village and the golf course. Been visiting for over 40yrs and would move there in a heartbeat. Have missed the lads at the distillery last 3 trips, hope one day to meet them. Thanks again Glenn
Knowing you and your exploration Glenn you'll bump into them one day. Maybe a North East distillery excursion next time you're up! The boys now know you by name after commenting on the 'Scottishness' of it!
Nice to catch up at work on last night's vPub and hear the discussions (even if it became somewhat noisy at times, and I had to put on headphones 😁)
Yeah the audio is always tricky to control when we're on location (or perhaps you mean at your workplace?) regardless thanks for being part of the catch up! Cheers!
Fun to catch up on replay! Catching up after some farm tours in the Peace Country this week!! 3,000 km, as far as 10 hours north of Red Deer!! I feel your pain from the trip North!! At least most of my roads were wide and straight!! Unfortunately the one ice bridge had just closed the week before!!
No the drive in both direction was a pleasure, mixed bag of weather but beautiful and filled with Seve chat! It was great...
Great to see and hear such enthusiasm from everyone at Dornoch in this V Pub. Also I have again done better than the monkey. 6/4.
Thanks Michael, - watch out - he's learning his craft, only 1 away from a passmark!
Express viewing with time stamps
0:00 - Opening at Dornoch Castle
1:48 - Welcoming you to the Dungeon at Dornoch Castle
4:26 - Welcoming in the travelling lounge
11:04 - A 'tour' of Dornoch Distillery
13:05 - Welcoming in Phil & Simon Thompson
15:03 - Finding their own way & who was first?
54:19 - Uncorking the 'new' Strathearn
57:18 - How Strathearn helped inspire proto-Dornoch
1:17:14 - Adding E150a - declare or ban?
1:21:20 - Are there too many distilleries?
1:29:28 - Chill-filtration & its impact
1:41:00 - Welcoming in Seve The Alchemist
1:50:44 - Packaging in whisky - trash or treasure?
2:05:16 - Opening a very special Port Ellen
2:09:15 - Quiz at the End
Roy, thank you so much for taking us there and providing another insider glimpse into a distillery that we otherwise would never get. Love these types of vPubs!
I really hope you get to visit there yourself one day Willem!
Roy The Only Thing Missing In This Segment Is The Highland Toast!😅🥃🇿🇦
Ha! I'd have knocked myself out on that stone ceiling!
Roy, just a quick addendum to Question 2 in the quiz regarding the new Ardbeg Spectacular special bottling. The German email sent out this week (a translation of Jackie Thompson's original English mail) describes it as a cuvee of port cask matured and ex-bourbon cask matured Ardbeg parcels which were then married - or vatted - especially for this bottling. That would make Answer "C" ("released next week" the only fully correct statement). The proportion of ex-bourbon casks used isn't specified in the mail, but it's clear this isn't a purely port cask bottling. Cheers.
Oooh. Now, that is news... I did check it but thanks for the additional info Russell. You know what happens there right? Everyone gets Q2 correct... that's the rules.
Next time you are on location, remember to bring an extra microphone!
Yeah, it is a bit of shame that the sound quality is kind of average.
On this particular set up, we spent most of the day just trying to connect to the internet. We did take two lapel/lav mics, but with up to four attendees I went with the Yeti to catch everyone, it's a costly thing to manage three or more inputs. We do what we can.
@ 1:33:34 - Is it a speyside ?? haha
A wee guessing game is always nice....
I'm not sure I understand question 9. The options are a) all, b) all except one and c) all except three. a) must be impossible because Dornoch can't have been founded *before* Dornoch. If Dunphail was the only one founded after Dornoch then than means the answer must be all except two, which was not one of the options given?
The wikipedia listing, by year. Seven were founded *before* Dornoch, which is all except two.
Dalmore 1839
Dailuaine 1852
Dufftown 1895
Dalwhinnie 1898
Deanston 1965
Daftmill 2005
Dalmunach 2015
Dornoch 2016
Dunphail 2023
Nice to see you here jbar - you're right of course, but using context most got it.
@@Aqvavitae If I'm right then the question 9 options were all mistaken/erroneous, i.e. none offered a correct option/answer, so I don't see why it's different from q.2 you discussed below with @russell3733.
I'm not particularly fussed about keeping score, just... curious. Maybe because I used replay I missed something in the "live" chat? /shrug/ No biggie.
Does anyone know how do you call the glass type you drink from? I want to order but can't find please
The glasses that they are using can be purchased in the thompson brothers online shop.
Rastal (German company) Harmony (model). #11 I think. Last I checked, you couldnt buy in the UK except for a seriously overpriced one on Amazon. TB branded ones available from the TB shop.
@@slipperysalmon13 thank you 🙏
Thanks to all for taking care of the reply here - yes Rastal Harmony!
Was there more fun had during this vPub or afterwards?Lots of of interesting pours and great company. Love the idea of 2 distilleries collaborating on something.
Lots of collaboration happening now with the rise of independent and small scale distilleries with autonomy for quick and fun decisions. Thanks for picking it up Carlos - cheers to you!
Fab on location Vpub this evening roy! Great info and insight from the boys too! Always pleasure to see Seve! Much love as always from the two of us
Right back at ya Hells!