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Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Good Edinburgh Whisky Pubs #5 - The Auld Hoose


So, Gordon Brown has requested that the Queen of Saxe-Coburg dissolves the Westiminster parliament and centre of debauchery. Unfortunately the dissolution will not be in a huge
tocasaid of acid prepared by the likes of ex-stand up comedian and political agitator, Ian Bone. Nevertheless, as Scotland hopefully takes the next step to ridding itself of the expensive, corrupt and unnecessary layer of government that is Westminster, one could always don a 'I still hate Thatcher' t-shirt' and head to the Auld Hoose in Edinburgh's St Leonard's for a cheap dram.

The Auld Hoose, like Bannermans doon the road, is another malt whisky supplier far removed from the masonic end of the business. It is in fact an 'alternative' boozer. This apparently refers to the jukebox which house sounds such as the Dead Kennedys, Slayer, Pantera, Killing Joke and even the defunct Glenrothes' punk/ska stalwarts the Newtown Grunts. Similarly, if you know what you're looking for, you can spot members of local 'alternative' acts such as the Happy Spastics, Gin Goblins, Oi Polloi or less alternative retirement-rock acts like Norman Silver and the Gold.

Therefore, you can savour a superb Laphroaig 18yo at less than £4 whilst listening to Sick of it All or the more tuneful Dinosaur Jr if you're fortunate. Also on show at reasonable prices are the likes of World Whisky of the Year 2009, Ardbeg Uigeadail at 54% as well as Caol Ila 12yo and 18yo, Laphroaig 10yo, Lagavulin, Springbank 10yo, Glenkinchie, Benromach 21yo and Cragganmore. Many ales and ciders are on offer too including nanny-state baiters BrewDog.

Food is of the usual bar variety but pretty good. One of the best veggie breakfasts in town can be had here. So, get an Uigedail, a bucket of nachos and sit down to read the latest lies in the Hootsmon.


The Auld Hoose, 23.25 St. Leonards St, Edinburgh.

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