Have you seen our whisky tasting experiences page? https://reel-time.co.uk/whisky/

A whisky tasting experience is a delightful and educational journey into the world of whisky. It’s an opportunity for enthusiasts and newcomers alike to explore the diverse flavours and aromas that different whiskies have to offer. Here’s how a typical whisky tasting experience might unfold:

1. Selection of Whiskies: A variety of whiskies from different regions and distilleries are usually offered for tasting. These could include single malts, blended whiskies, and sometimes even rare or limited editions. We usually base our Reel Time tastings around Malt whisky, and occasionally cask-strength malt whisky.
2. Glassware: Whisky is typically served in tulip-shaped glasses, known as Glencairn glasses, which help concentrate the aromas and allow you to fully appreciate the whisky’s nuances. Reel Time has a stock of 1800 Glencairn crystal glasses, so we can bring your whisky tasting, however big or small, to life.
3. Visual Examination: Before tasting, you’ll often be encouraged to examine the whisky’s appearance. You can observe its colour and clarity, which can offer clues about its age and cask type. Our Master tasters are on hand to guide you through the whisky tasting process.
4. Aromas: Swirling the whisky in the glass releases its aromas. Take your time to inhale the scents gently. You might detect notes of fruits, spices, vanilla, peat smoke, or other characteristics, depending on the whisky’s production process and maturation.
5. Tasting: Sip the whisky slowly and savour the flavours on your palate. Let it coat your mouth to fully appreciate its complexity. Notice the taste on the front, middle, and back of your tongue.
6. Flavour Profile: Whiskies can have a wide range of flavours, from sweet and fruity to smoky and peaty. A skilled whisky taster can identify multiple flavour components within a single dram.
7. Finish: Pay attention to the finish or aftertaste. Some whiskies have a long, lingering finish, while others might be short and crisp.
8. Water and Food: Water can be used to dilute the whisky slightly, which can sometimes bring out different flavours. Some people prefer to drink it neat, while others prefer a drop or two of water. Additionally, some tastings may include food pairings that complement the whiskies. Reel Time has recently done matched tastings to courses of dinner, and alongside cheese or Scottish chocolate Tastings.
9. Guidance from an Expert: A knowledgeable host or whisky expert often guides the tasting, providing information about each whisky’s origin, production process, and unique qualities. The backbone of our tastings are our skilful Whisky master tasters. They have been selected from various parts of the whisky industry, whether working with Whisky brands, starting their own unique Whisky bottling company, or working with some of the whisky elite bars of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
10. Personal Preferences: Whisky tasting is subjective, and everyone’s palate is different. As you explore different whiskies, you'll discover your personal preferences and develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of this beloved spirit.

Whether you attend a whisky-tasting event at a conference, a corporate event or as part of a wedding celebration, the experience is sure to enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of whisky. Remember to drink responsibly and savour each moment of this flavourful journey.

For more information on our whisky-tasting experiences, drop us some more details of what you are looking for on a contact form. It is useful to know where the tasting will be hosted, how many guests you think will attend, and a rough budget you are looking to spend on the whisky experience.

Our contact form can be found; https://reel-time.co.uk/contact/

In recent years, with the uprising of the Scottish Gin industry, we have also been offering a Scottish Gin experience for guests, based on the popularity of our Whisky experience. This can be done as a neat spirit tasting, or sometimes we also do perfect Scottish Gin serves with tonic, garnish, bitters and some ‘ added extras’. Have a look at our Gin tasting page for more information on this; https://reel-time.co.uk/gin/

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Reel Time Events was recently asked to provide entertainment for the British Orthodontic Society’s 2019 conference events in Glasgow.

This is the 2nd time we’ve worked with BOS and we were thrilled to be asked back. This time we wanted to go above and beyond with bigger Scottish show entertainment. Being familiar with the audience, we knew that they were especially fun and enthusiastic, and we wanted to deliver on their expectations for a huge party.

BOS wanted two nights of entertainment for their Glasgow conference. First was the civic reception at the Science Centre, a short walk from their hotel, Crowne Plaza – the location of the second night’s entertainment, and in close proximity to the Scottish Events Campus (SEC), where the conference was being held.

Night One: Entertainment at the Glasgow Science Centre

To kick off the civic reception, two Reel Time Pipers led a procession of conference delegates from Crowne Plaza, across the bridge over the River Clyde to the Science Centre. Once across the bridge, they were greeted by a troupe of jugglers and stilt walkers, who helped usher them in to the venue.

Once all of the delegates were inside, they were provided food and drinks and left to do some networking, our roaming entertainers mingled and the crowd enthused. After about an hour, our two Reel Time Pipers once again struck up their pipes and led the large group to the entertainment area in the Science Centre.

Tartanium

They were greeted here by Reel Time’s biggest band: Tartanium. A 10 piece rock-band/stage show with Scottish infusions. Tartanium takes a classic rock-and-pop core of drums, guitar, bass, keys and a singer, adds a three-piece horn section of a trombone, trumpet, and saxophone. On top of that, bagpipes and a fiddle provide the authentic Scottish sound and texture. Tartanium plays a set of modern pop covers and Scottish traditional music with a big-band sound. Alongside the band are the Tartanium Dancers, five young ladies in traditional dress to perform jigs, reels, and highland flings with the band.

Tartanium kicked off the show with a reel, with the dancers performing in a space on the floor by the audience. The show moves forward with energy, fervour, and plenty of volume. The band play traditional dances like the highland fling, famous Scottish songs like Wild Mountain Thyme, and modern pop covers like Avicii’s “Wake Me Up.”

Ceilidh Taster

After the show, Tartanium led the guests in a ceilidh taster in preparation for the following night. Roddy called the dances from the stage while playing pipes. The Tartanium dancers mingle with the audience to help them learn the moves. For first timers, it can seem quite daunting. But with the right effort and guidance from the Tartanium dancers, it always comes together.

 

Disco

After the ceilidh taster, the band continued with a forty-five minute set of pop and disco tunes for the audience to end the night with. The band cranked out recent pop hits like Happy, Uptown Funk, and Can’t Stop the Feeling, plus classic oldies like Donna Summer’s Hot Stuff, and Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive.

 

Fire Performers

As the night came to a close and the guests began to leave the venue, they were seen off by a trio of fire performers outside of the Science Centre for the final part of the night’s entertainment.

 

Crowne Plaza Entertainment

The following night’s conference entertainment took place at the Crowne Plaza hotel, just across the river from the Science Centre. Tonight’s entertainment was the responsibility of another favourite Reel Time band: Scraggly Cats. The Cats are a ceilidh and pop-rock fusion band and frequently entertain at various conferences due to their versatility. (Recently they have been lead entertainers at a major run of 6 Glasgow conferences in Merchant Square.)

Scraggly Cats kick the night off with a full on ceilidh. Having had the taster the night before, the guests were ready to get right in to a ceilidh. They went through several traditional dances: dashing white sergeant, gay Gordons, the flying Scotsman, the Virginia reel, and strip the willow.

After the ceilidh, the Scraggly Cats performed a disco set, with tunes like Summer of 69, Proud Mary, and Don’t Stop Believing.

The band finished their set but the party continued on thanks to one of the Reel Time DJ’s who kept the guests into the wee hours of the morning.

We had a great time with the guests of the British Orthodontic Society, and Glasgow proved to be the perfect setting for back-to-back nights of conference entertainment.

For more about Reel Time Event’s conference entertainment, take a look at this page on our site, or reach out to us directly by phone or email.

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Travelling from South Africa for their incentive trip Momentum were treated to a truly Scottish experience by Reel Time Events for the Edinburgh part of their journey.  With great collaboration between Reel Time Events and Thundermark in the run-up to the event, guests were treated to the best entertainment possible for their visit to Edinburgh.  To get both groups in the mood for the evenings entertainment they were fitted into kilt outfits for the gentlemen and sashes for the ladies – in all 80 kilt outfits and 70 sashes were successfully fitted across 2 venues over 6 hours, while the Reel Time team also offered some local knowledge and tourist info for how to spend the day, before the evening kicked off in Reel Time Style.

With entertainment at 2 different venues for the 2 groups it was a busy night for the Reel Time Team.  The first groups gala dinner and entertainment was held at the stunning Hopetoun House, where they were greeted by a welcome piper on arrival.  During the drinks reception there was a spectacular surprise Beat the Retreat, to give the guests a real rousing taste of Scotland before sitting down to dinner.  No Scottish gala dinner is really complete without a haggis course and whisky, and this was no exception, with Roddy addressing the haggis for the guests and William Wallace talking to them about the whiskies on offer.  After dinner to really get the pulses racing it was over to the Scraggly Cats, with their rocking ceilidh sound.  Accompanied by highland dancers opening the show with contemporary dance display, guests were treated to a mixture of funky ceilidh and pop from the band, through to conclude the evening on a high.

The second group were treated to their gala dinner and entertainment at the spectacular Ghillie Dhu, where they were treated to a truly exciting evening of entertainment.  With a magician performing street style, close up illusions and slight of hand over the drinks reception, guests were then wowed by Tartaniums high-impact, high-energy performance after dinner.  Blending bagpipes with electric guitar, keys and drums their exciting and innovative take on traditional Scottish ceilidh music created a real excitement with the guests.   Accompanied by their troupe of mini-kilted dancers performing their choreographed contemporary highland dance routine, everyone was treated to an exciting and contemporary twist on  traditional Scottish Ceilidh.

The following day both groups took the opportunity to head south for Scotland vs South Africa in the rugby World Cup, the result going the way of the visitors and adding to their great memories of their trip.

If you would like to discuss your incentive trip to Scotland and see how Reel Time Events can provide an exciting and memorable experience for your staff please contact us.

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Held in the stunning venue of the National Museum in Edinburgh BGL’s senior management were treated to a Scottish show with a contemporary twist from Reel Time Events, where delegates were truly immersed in Scottish culture for the evening.

Reel Time provided the ladies with tartan sashes to compliment the gentlemen in their kilt outfits to get everyone dressed for an evening of Scottish entertainment.  Delegates were welcomed in true Scottish style by a bagpiper as the arrived at the event.  Once inside there was a host of entertainment for everyone to enjoy.  Edinburghs Got Soul Choir wowed from the first level balcony with their powerful, passionate and professional performance to the party below with their rousing and high energy harmonies.

Then it was the Reel Time Bands turn to entertain with their own unique and rocking twist on a ceilidh.  Accompanied by both traditional and contemporary dancers the 7-piece ensemble, complete with singer, rocked the crowd with a Reel Time twist.

To close the night guests were treated to a spectacular “beat the retreat” by Peoples Ford Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe band, marching through the museum.  An amazing finale to a very exciting and eventful evening.

For a sneek peek video of the event, and what goes on in the museum after hours click here.

If you would like a bespoke quote for your Scottish evening, tailored to you exact requirements contact us to discuss your requirements

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Reel Time Events had the pleasure of being part of the M&I Forum held in Edinburgh, in conjunction with Visit Scotland, providing a rousing Scottish experience and entertainment for the hundreds of meeting and event planners visiting our city from across the globe.

The Meetings and Incentive (M&I) Forum is a speed dating-style networking event bringing together buyers and suppliers from the events industry across Europe and gives them a taste of what Scotland has to offer. Reel Time Events helped Visit Scotland showcase the best of Scottish entertainment as part of the social programme.

Across the week of the event, Reel Time Events provided stilted Scottish performers and fire performers, along with Roddy the Piper welcoming the delegates to The Assembly Rooms for their evening reception.  Rachel Hair was also there, providing beautiful background music on the clarsach during dinner.

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

For the delegates gala dinner many of the guests wanted to fully immerse themselves in culture and traditions of a Scottish Ceilidh and wear kilt outfits to the event.  With the help of our new “how to measure” kilt video, delegates were able to provide their sizes in advance so that kilt outfits could be provided for all those that wanted one.  Distributed in the afternoon during the Forum at the EICC, guests were able to view our “how to wear” your kilt video for a bit of helpful guidance and gave them the afternoon to get in the mood, ready for the evening of fun and frolics.

The gala dinner itself was held in the National Museum, where the delegates were treated to a rousing and upbeat performance from the Reel Time Band, with their modern and contemporary twist on a traditional ceilidh.  Gemma Donald, Young Traditional Musician finalist, also performed a rousing solo during dinner.  Along with the band, our highland dancers were in attendance, showcasing their skills on the dancefloor for the guests and helping guide them through the various dances called by the band, including one of the largest “Orcadian Strip the Willow” the band has ever seen!

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

For the grand finale, the evening was brought to a close by a “beat the retreat” by a band of pipes and drums, a spectacular end to the evening in a spectacular venue.

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

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To watch a video of the ceilidh and pipe band click here

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After such an amazing week organised by Visit Scotland, we are looking forward to welcoming many of the delegates organising their own incentive trips and meetings in our beautiful city.  If this is the sort of experience you would like visitors and guests of your conference or incentive trip to experience then please contact us for a tailored quote.

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Burns night is the annual celebration and commemoration of the life, work and spirit of Scotland’s great poet Robert Burns. From his humble beginnings on the family farm in Ayr, his passion and dynamic, contemporary vision has elevated him into one of Scotlands most loved and celebrated figures.  Every year, around the great Bards birthday on the 25th January, Burns night is celebrated across the globe. Remembering his famous and humorous poetry and songs, often aided with a generous serving of haggis and lashings of whisky – a celebration Burns himself  would have been proud of!  Reel Time had the pleasure and honour to help celebrate this great occasion across Scotland in a number of venues.

Starting in the granite city, in Aberdeen’s AECC, Roddy was piping and stabbing haggis for their clients evening.  The Scraggly Cats band wowed the crowd at an oil and gas industy Burns night with their blend of rocking ceilidh, rock, pop and soul music.  Keeping everyone on their feet with their dynamic and energetic performance, everyone danced and drank and thoroughly enjoyed their evening.

Tartanium also made their way north, to Ardoe House, creating a stir with their high octane performance.  Supported by the Tartanium dancers, it was a spectacular performance of music and dance that injected a new dimension into the Scottish celebrations.

Moving south to the heart of the country, working with Historic Scotland in Stirling Castle, Reel Time provided an evenings entertainment, with comedy from Fred MacAuley, Sandy Strang, and Jane McCarry, and music from Barluath – a new and exciting band from Glasgow who embrace the traditional and contemporary music of Scotland, and feature Ainsley V Hamill, finalist from Scottish Young Traditional Musician of the year.

In our beautiful capital, in the spectacular surroundings of The Hub, the Reel Time Band played their lively and energetic ceilidh music, keeping the Federation of Master Builders entertained for the evening, while Roddy was the evening’s compere, addressing the haggis, keeping proceedings on track and introducing “a toast to the lasses” “reply from the lasses” and “the Immortal Memory”.  The Full Burns night entertainment package! 

The Reel Time Band also played at the beautiful venue of Norton House Hotel, helping the Heineken crowd enjoy their celebrations and keep the them rocking into the early hours.

Burns Night is such a special and exciting evening, and it was truly a pleasure to help all of our guests enjoy and celebrate the life and poetry of our great Bard.  If you would like to book your event for 2016 and celebrate Burns night in style please contact us

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Wedding Evening Entertainment Explained. With so many wedding couples looking to book their perfect wedding, we thought it was time for a blog post to give them some advice on what they can hope for:

For most wedding couples, the choice comes down to whether you want a band or a DJ.  This is a personal preference, depending what sort of music you and your guests will enjoy, and the atmosphere you want to create on your special day.

Wedding DJ’s:  DJ’s can play anything.  If the music has been recorded, then they can play it at your wedding.  Experienced Wedding DJ’s know what sort of music works for different groups of people, to give a variety of music to suit all the ages.  We would suggest that you let the DJ know as much as possible about your guests, any ‘Big’ tunes you want played, First dance (my advice:  pick a first dance 1 month minimum before your big day, then you can practise what you are going to do.  This helps with your confidence once you have 200 eyes on you!).

If you have a large contingent of foreign guests, then let the DJ know.  They can have on hand a few of the top hits from their country to make them feel at home.

Make sure that the DJ and sound system are suited for your wedding venue and number of guests.  As a rough guide 1000W sound system will be great for 100-150 guests.  Also make sure that the DJ provides disco lighting effects.

For more info, please check our Wedding DJ page.

IPOD discos: IPOD discos allow couples to bring along their own IPOD (or laptop etc) and play the tunes that they want to hear during their disco segment.  This allows music  fans to have complete control over the music.  Usually run by bands, to compliment their music but sometimes as standalone systems.  It also saves some budget as a DJ is not required. Our IPOD discos come with disco lighting effects to transform your venue.

Do remember to make up a playlist for the timings that it will run on the night.  This is important to think of the flow of the evening.  First dance, What are your last 5 tracks of the night?  What will you play during the buffet?  Remember that these tunes are to appeal to everyone, so maybe YOUR top 30 tunes may not be the best 30 tunes for your wedding day!  (maybe 25 of them are!!)  why not test drive the playlist at a hen party?

Wedding Bands: There are so many wedding bands to choose from.  One word of advice, do your research, listen on line, once you hear a band that you both like then book them.  Good bands get booked early.  Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest days of the week for wedding bands!  (if you have a midweek wedding then you may be able to negotiate a bit of a discount.!)

Time wise, bands generally play 8-12 with breaks.  This is a big part, time wise, of your overall wedding experience, so bear this in mind.  You want to entertain your guests and give them a lasting memory of the fun they had at your wedding.  Don’t scrimp your budget on entertainment if you are having lavish flower displays and beautiful cuisine!

Do remember to offer the band some food, a bacon sandwich from the buffet, or a meal if they have been in early to set up or playing early in the day.  This is not required, but is a nice gesture, and generally means you get 120% from the band members.  Most bands are on site for 6 hours(4 hours playtimes and 2 hours set up/derig), which along with some travel time is pretty much a working day!

In Scotland, many weddings like to enjoy some ceilidh dancing as their evening entertainment. The ceilidh music generally acts as a great social lubricant, and will get your guests partying with each other.

Ceilidh bands: 

Traditional ceilidh bands;  exactly what it says on the tin.  Imagine Jimmy Shand and his band,  Great traditional Scottish music.  Usually ceilidh band instruments can include accordions, fiddle, keys and drums (snare high hat).  Make sure the band that you get has a dance caller to explain the steps of the dances.

We work with  a selection of traditional bands, young and old who can give guests a great night of ceilidh dance.

Funky ceilidh bands:  this is Scottish music to ceilidh dance to, with a modern funky twist.  If you want to dance, but you think the traditional music may turn some guests off, then check out this option.

I would say that the Reel Time Ceilidh band is the best funky ceilidh band around at the moment (ill hold my hands up, I may be a bit biased, as I also play with them!…. decide for yourself, check their video here) Bands have fiddlers, electric guitar, keys, bagpipes and a full kit of drums.

Have a listen to Funky Scottish Music or Contemporary Ceilidh Music.

Popular music: If you don’t want to ceilidh dance, but want Popular music for the evening entertainment of your wedding, then a function band is what you are looking for.  Ask to see their sample set list so you can get an idea of their style.

Make sure that the band has a good singer and are good all round musicians.  This is crucial when booking a band, also make sure that there are not several different bands under the same name.  The band you hear or see on the demo, should be who is at your wedding. please note that some function bands also play ceilidh music.

The band you book should be able to read the crowd and play music suitable for the age range and give a party atmosphere. By booking a professional band you will get exactly what you require for your perfect wedding.

Ceilidh and function bands: If you want a mixture of both styles of music for your evening entertainment, then this can work well.

Make sure you ask your band what they can do.  What kind of songs they can perform (Is it pop, or Scottish songs!)

Generally there are two ways to do this: either a function band who can also play ceilidh music or a ceilidh band that can also play popular music

Which way to go?  Depends what you want more of… Ceilidh or pop? Ceilidh band with a singer can do a great 70% ceilidh 30% pop split, a function band would do a great 30% ceilidh 70% pop split.

At Reel Time Events, we offer four great bands for evening wedding entertainment in Scotland.

Traditional Ceilidh Band

The Reel Time Ceilidh Band:  Funky ceilidh band, established 5 years playing 200 events a year

The Scraggly Cats:  Funky Ceilidh band with pop singer  

The One Night Wonders:  Edinburgh’s finest function band (we heard the rest and booked the best)

We hope this article has been helpful, for more info check our wedding day time events.

Send us your wedding date and what you are looking for, and we will send you a tailored quote for your wedding entertainment.   No obligation of course!

We look forward to helping you plan your special wedding evening entertainment. 

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