The Balmoral is more than a hotel: it’s a landmark of Scotland’s capital, housed in a magnificent edifice, situated at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, No. 1 Princes Street. Established in 1902 as a grand railway hotel, the hotel today is one of only 18 exclusive Rocco Forte Hotels and comprises 187 luxurious guestrooms and suites. The Balmoral’s gastronomic offerings are equally as exquisite with award-winning cuisine at Number One restaurant, all-day dining at Brasserie Prince, and Afternoon Tea in Palm Court. The iconic hotel is also home to SCOTCH Whisky Bar where an extensive collection of 500 single malt whisky bottles from award-winning distilleries across Scotland is housed in a remarkable, oak-panelled, hand-crafted whisky cabinet, and is a must-visit for anyone from first-time whisky drinkers to seasoned collectors. And for the world’s most discerning collectors, SCOTCH Whisky Bar at The Balmoral has unveiled the world-exclusive, fully curated The 1945 Glen Grant Scotch Whisky Experience.
This extraordinary offering comes with a £60,000 price tag and provides connoisseurs and collectors the rare opportunity to add a bespoke bottle of one of the oldest and rarest Scotch whiskies in existence to their collection. The one-of-one 1945 Glen Grant Scotch Whisky from Gordon & MacPhail was distilled in the late stages of Britain’s wartime history and comes accompanied by a tailor-made experience designed to honour and reflect its fascinating provenance.
The refined journey offered by The 1945 Glen Grant Scotch Whisky Experience is spread across Scotland and begins with a rare-access visit to Gordon & MacPhail’s headquarters for a private tour and bespoke tasting. This behind-the-scenes experience is followed by an exclusive-use, overnight stay at Glen Rothes House, made all the more opulent by private dining and chauffeured travel through Speyside. The next stop is the Johnstons of Elgin mill for a private visit to discover Scotland’s rich textile heritage. After that, expect a return to Edinburgh for a two-night stay in The Balmoral’s Scone & Crombie Suite, accompanied by a fine-dining meal at the 4-AA-Rosette Number One restaurant; a personal wine tasting in the Number One wine cellar, hosted by the Head Sommelier; and a whisky tasting led by SCOTCH Bar’s Whisky Ambassadors. The journey is then topped off with a choice of signature ‘Suites & Beyond’ moments at The Balmoral which includes (but is not limited to) a one-on-one bagpipe lesson or a bespoke session with the hotel’s Poet in Residence or Scent Butler. Every aspect of the experience is individually curated and offers an unparalleled insight into the whisky, culture, and craftsmanship for which Scotland is renowned.
SCOTCH Whisky Bar is open daily from 4pm, hosting year-round private experiences and guided tastings. In a sophisticated setting, full of character and history, guests are offered a deep exploration into Scotland’s world-famous whisky heritage.
The Balmoral also works with other iconic brands to offer one-of-a-kind experiences that extend beyond the hotel and showcase Scottish culture and heritage in all its splendour.
