Episodes

  • From Hypnotic Minimalism to Hot-Climate Casks: Ben Hogwood
    Jun 25 2026

    Episode 4 features my afternoon with music expert Ben Hogwood, who works at the large label group Naxos, working with a huge array of Classical artists and is also a journalist in his own right, interviewing and reviewing music at Arcana FM.

    Please do go watch the new Episode and discover some iconic music choices and ones that have even been sampled in electronic music from 'The Orb!'

    When my guest Ben Hogwood shared his deeply meaningful music choices, I paired them with a dram of Glenfarclas 10, inadvertently unlocking a beautiful coincidence that linked my choice of whisky straight to his own wedding day memories!

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    56 mins
  • From Fairy Distance to the Japanese Grain: Dobrinka Tabakova
    May 28 2026

    In Episode 3, Dobrinka shares some very powerful music that has influenced her own writing over the years, from a Japanese composer inspired by Western Classical Music to a German composer and director who explores colonialism in Africa and early wax cylinder recordings. I pair some very delicate and also powerful pieces with everything from grain whisky to a boutique independent bottling worth the wait.

    Please do listen to the music in the Episode Here

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    56 mins
  • From the Dorchester to the Smoky Abyss: Dan Shilladay
    Apr 29 2026

    Dan Shilladay, today's Guest on Whisky High Notes, is a violist, and a keen chamber musician. He is a founder member of the Berkeley Ensemble, a flexible group of winds and strings specialising in twentieth and twenty-first century British music.

    Here is Dan’s Music Playlist

    Spotify

    Apple

    Naomi Belshaw, the host, and Dan spend the afternoon uncovering stories of £1 pound concerts in Birmingham and Music banned by Classic FM! Naomi pairs a range of whiskies from Scotland, Sweden, and Yorkshire.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • From Kings Place to the Isle of Harris: Sam McShane
    Mar 26 2026

    Sam McShane, today's Guest on Whisky High Notes, is Artistic Director at Kings Place in London, where she leads a vibrant programming team and shapes the artistic vision of one of the UK’s most dynamic multi‑arts venues

    here is Sam’s Music Playlist

    Spotify

    Apple

    Naomi Belshaw, the host, and Sam spend the afternoon hearing about Sam's journey as a Classical Music Programmer and the music that has great meaning to her throughout her career, from learning the French Horn to programming at Kings Place in London, Manchester Camerata, and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Naomi pairs a range of whiskies from across Scotland, from trusted independent bottler whiskies right through to some of the newest distilleries in Scotland.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Trailer for Series 1 Episode 1 of Whisky High Notes
    Mar 22 2026

    Just a trailer ahead of the first episode being launched on the 26th March with Sam McShane, Artistic Director of Kings Place, London.

    A haven where Classical Music and Whisky come together, hosted by Whisky Enthusiast Dr Naomi Belshaw. Inviting guest artists, composers, conductors and the classical music industry to share their favourite music to pair with the exciting world of whisky.

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    1 min