Scotch & Sketch: A whisky-fuelled Art Experience ontop of the Glasshouse
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when fine whisky meets free-flowing creativity, Scotch & Sketch is your answer. Hosted by Edinburgh-based artist Liana Moran, this unique event blends relaxed sketching with guided whisky tasting in a setting that’s as Scottish as it is soulful. With tartan cushions, heather-inspired florals, and Balvenie drams in hand, guests are invited to relax, draw, and sip their way through an evening of artistic exploration and storytelling.
Funny how the universe has its own timing, isn’t it? I spent years wondering what the rooftop of the Glasshouse Hotel looked like especially after turning down an invite to an event there ages ago. But once you add something to your wish list, the universe eventually delivers. Might take its sweet time, but it gets there.
Now? I’ve visited the Glasshouse Hotel Rooftop Gardens several times and continue to be impressed by the versatility of the event space. From Tipsy Midgie’s Summer BBQ to Edinburgh Cocktail Week events, this marquee atop the hotel comes with spectacular views all the way down to the ocean and up to Calton Hill. On this occassion, I was here for Scotch and Sketch
A Creative Evening with Liana Moran
Scotch & Sketch is a laid-back evening led by local artist Liana Moran, aka @edinburghillustrations, where whisky meets creativity in the most charming way. This particular session featured Balvenie whisky, adding a rich, honeyed warmth to the experience.
Set inside a light-filled marquee arranged in a welcoming U-shape, the space is unmistakably Scottish, think tartan cushions, lavender and purple blooms nodding to Highland heather, and two beautifully styled whisky displays complete with bottles, Glencairn glasses, and barley. These serve as your still-life subjects for the evening.
Each guest is welcomed with a Whisky cocktail and a full set of sketching materials - pen, pencil, charcoal, eraser, and paper, plus a few nibbles to get the creative juices flowing. Over the two-hour session, you’ll sip your way through three drams, enjoy circulating small bites, and sketch your way into a whisky-fuelled state of artistic bliss.
I’ve always loved painting, and over the past few years, I’ve found myself drawn to whisky-inspired subjects such as distilleries, bottles, and most recently, a full painting and print series of the Tipsy Midgie Whisky Bar. So naturally, I felt a real kinship with Liana Moran’s work, which often centres around whisky too.
Liana’s style is bold and architectural, responding to the textures, structures, and materials of Scottish cities. Her pieces are full of expressive mark-making and generous splashes of ink; raw, dynamic, and deeply rooted in place.
The session itself was wonderfully relaxed. Liana guided us through a few playful exercises that challenged our usual ways of seeing and sketching, like drawing with your non-dominant hand (much trickier than it sounds!) or sketching without lifting your pen or even looking at the paper. These prompts were liberating, helping us shake off perfectionism and embrace the unexpected.
It was a reminder that creativity thrives when you let go of control. These exercises weren’t just fun, they were powerful tools for shifting perspective and unlocking new ways to approach your final piece.
Sketching Meets Sipping : How the Session Flows
Between bursts of sketching, the whisky tasting unfolds in gentle intervals, an elegant dance of creativity and flavour. You alternate between pen strokes and sips, each dram paired with rich storytelling and insights into the brand, the distillery, and the tasting notes. It’s not just about drinking; it’s about immersing yourself in the character of the whisky, letting its story shape your sketches as much as the still life in front of you. And if you’re any good, or sketch something inspiring, you can win a large bottle of the ‘water of life’!
Whether you're a seasoned sketcher or just whisky-curious, Scotch & Sketch offers a refreshing way to connect with Scotland’s creative and cultural spirit. It’s not about perfection, it’s about perspective, play, and a wee bit of whisky magic. Fancy giving it a go? Keep an eye on The Glasshouse Hotel events for the next chance to raise a glass and pick up a pen.
The Glasshouse Hotel, 2 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA www.theglasshousehotel.co.uk or follow them on Instagram @glasshouse_edinburgh
I was invited by The Glasshouse Hotel to review this event. Ticket was complimentary but the views are very much my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk
Scotch & Sketch, Edinburgh whisky tasting, Liana Moran artist, whisky and art event, Balvenie whisky Edinburgh, creative events Edinburgh, whisky sketching session, Scottish whisky experience, architectural drawing Scotland, art and whisky pairing
