If you've ever found yourself standing in a shop genuinely unsure what to pick, and had the person behind the counter actually help you — not just gesture vaguely at a shelf — you'll know how rare that is. Canapé Wines, right here in Bothwell, is that kind of place.
Ask Kenny
Kenny runs the shop and is, without exaggeration, one of the most knowledgeable and genuinely helpful people you'll encounter in the trade. He's the sort of person who'll ask you a couple of questions about what you're looking for and come back with something you hadn't considered that turns out to be exactly right. That kind of service is increasingly hard to find.
What's on the shelves
Inside you'll find a serious wine selection — fine wines from all over the world, the kind of range that rewards a good browse — alongside an extensive whisky section that'll keep any enthusiast busy. Then there's the champagne, the world beers, the spirits, and tucked in among it all, a little chocolate.
And if you time your visit right — something we'd highly recommend — you might be lucky enough to get your hands on a box of the legendary Buckfast truffles. Yes, Buckfast. Yes, truffles. Trust us on this one.
Why it matters to us
It's probably worth mentioning that Canapé Wines and Whisky Blender go back a while. It's where Andy used to work, and where, as it happens, a certain phrase was first uttered that would eventually become the name of our most-loved blend. But that's another story. And he was also the first to ever stalk our first bottle of whisky...
Go and see them
Go visit. Tell Kenny we sent you. You'll find them on Facebook and Instagram for what's landed in the shop lately.
And if you fancy making a bottle of your own while you're at it — blend one in the Lab: five casks, your name on the label, bottled here in Scotland.