A Toast to Linn House: Cocktails & Memories from the Advanced Diploma 2025

As we ease back into reality after our recent Advanced Diploma at the beautiful Linn House, we’ve been reflecting on an unforgettable week filled with insightful discussions, shared passions and a few well-earned drams. And naturally, our thoughts turned to the cocktails!

Residing on the banks of the River Isla in Speyside, Linn House is Chivas Brothers’ first guest house and whisky retreat. Built in 1870 by Scottish gentleman Robert Kynoch-Shand, the Victorian manor has been beautifully renovated, blending luxurious amenities with rustic-chic interiors inspired by Chivas Brothers’ distilleries across Scotland... the perfect backdrop for an immersive week of whisky education.

Each evening, after an intensive day of learning, we gathered in the bar for a pre-dinner serve that set the tone for the night ahead. These moments became a highlight of the week; a chance to unwind, connect and toast to the day’s discoveries. 

Our heartfelt thanks go to Tony Guerreiro (Linn House Supervisor) and his team including Dao Chomjit for their exceptional hospitality.

Kirsty McKerrow, our Founder & Managing Director, said: “A huge thank you to Tony, Dao and the wider Linn House team for looking after our group so wonderfully. Their warmth, attention to detail and fantastic cocktails made every evening something to remember.”

We hope you enjoy recreating these serves and reliving a taste of Linn House wherever you are.

Linn House Sour

Ingredients:
40ml Aberlour 12yo
25ml Lemon Juice
20ml Linn House Raspberry Jam
3 drops Cocktail Foamer

Method:
Shake with ice and strain

Garnish:
One raspberry

Forres 75

Ingredients:
30ml Ballantine’s Glenburgie 15yo
20ml Lemon Juice
15ml Sugar Syrup
Top with Apple Cider

Method:
Shake all still ingredients with ice, fine strain into a flute, and top with apple cider

Garnish:
One raspberry

Chivas Pineapple

Ingredients:
50ml Chivas Regal 12yo
100ml Pineapple Juice
50ml Soda Water

Method:
Build over ice in a highball glass

Garnish:
Mint sprig

Thank you again to the Linn House team for making our Advanced Diploma such a memorable experience. And stay tuned, we’ll be sharing more highlights and insights from the course very soon.