In this Year of Scottish Food and Drink, we were looking forward to our annual visit to The Scottish Speciality Food Show in Glasgow. Over 140 exhibitors from all over Scotland and the very north of England come together to promote their wonderful products. The cold and snow didn’t stop us – we just love catching up with everyone and seeing and tasting all the new products.
Here’s our show top 11 in no particular order:
Rock Rose Gin: This wonderful Gin is produced by husband and wife team at Dunnet Bay Distillers and comes in a beautifully designed ceramic bottle. Rock Rose Gin is made in Caithness right at the top of Scotland. This very northerly gin features an alluring botanical selection including locally harvested Rhodiola Rosea, Rowan Berries, Sea Buckthorn, Blaeberries, which is complimented by the exotic Verbena, Coriander Seed, Cardamom and Juniper from two different countries – Italy and Bulgaria. They use a traditional copper pot still, and vapour infuse their gin. Look out for a Vodka coming soon.
Pittenweem Chocolate Company Single Malt Whisky Liqueurs: These are my absolutely favourite chocolates in the world. Each cloud of chocolate comes filled with a different single malt. You pop the whole chocolate in your mouth and either let it melt or just bite into it to release the malt. Sublime! Hot chocolate is also available.
Brodies of Edinburgh: Brodies are an Edinburgh Institution and have been producing Tea and Coffee since 1867. Last year they launched their new Pyramid Tea Bags in 6 new flavours: Breakfast, Earl Grey, Camomile, Peppermint, Green Tea with Japanese Cherry and Red Berry Crush. The Green Tea with Japanese Cherry won a Best Product award Highly Commended at the show. They also do amazing Scottish Berry Chocolates!
Perthshire Oatcakes: We love this range of really crisp oatcakes from Perthshire. Chris makes these wonderful oatcakes with 100% Scottish Oats and Scottish spring water. The traditional and cracked black pepper are our favourites. They also produce cheese, chilli, sweet, ginger and thin and crispy, so something for everyone.
Summerhouse Drinks: Claire Rennie from Fraserburgh started Summerhouse Drinks last year via crowdfunding. Claire will be travelling around summer fairs and events with her Summerhouse, providing craft sodas and handmade Scottish Lemonades for all. They have just launched a Lavender Lemonade which is lovely. The walled garden on their farm is being reinstated allow them to grow the mint, lavender and other additions for their lemonades. Keep and eye out for a Cherry one coming soon.
Your Piece Seeded Oatcakes: These Handmade Oatmeal Oatcakes with seeds are our favourite oatcakes. With absolutely no shortage of seeds the oatcakes are beautifully crisp, and very moreish. Your piece also do Highlander Shortbreads, Oatmeal shortbreads and porridge bars.
As we continue to Eat Scotland, it’s great to see such a vibrant, confident and expanding food scene. Let us know your favourite Scottish products so that we can try them too.