Sydney has done hidden bars. Immersive experiences. And, even whisky tastings where someone spends 45 minutes telling you about oak barrels while you politely pretend you can detect “notes of leather-bound books.”
But a whisky foraging trail? Now we’re listening.
For one weekend only this July, Ace Hotel Sydney is being transformed into a slice of the Scottish Highlands as The Glendronach Presents: An Ode to The Highlands arrives in town – an immersive, multi-sensory whisky adventure celebrating 200 years of one of Scotland’s most revered distilleries.
The experience that’s part art installation, cocktail bar and Scottish forest, unfolds across four immersive chapters inspired by The Glendronach’s Masters Anthology Collection. With each designed to make you taste, smell, hear and quite literally hunt for your whisky.
It all kicks off inside Highlands House, where you’re welcomed with a cocktail featuring The Glendronach’s signature 12 Year Old.
Then comes Ode to the Valley, where guests wander through moss-covered landscapes, Highland-inspired soundscapes and enough foliage to make you momentarily forget you’re in Surry Hills. Hidden among it all is your first dram of whisky. Because apparently hide-and-seek gets significantly better once Scotch is involved.
Next stop is Ode to the Embers, where Ace Hotel Sydney’s Culinary Director Isobel Whelan-Little has created a pairing that’s doing absolutely no heavy lifting for picky eaters. Think smoked jersey curd, charred beetroot, scorched bonito, ponzu, daikon, ginger and citrus – all carefully designed to bring out the rich, sherried character of The Glendronach. It’s giving degustation. And “I suddenly know what umami means.”
Then things take a slightly moodier turn.
At Ode to the Dark, sight takes a back seat while scent becomes the star. A bespoke fragrance by Scottish perfumers Jorum Studio guides guests through the aromas hidden inside the whisky before one final forage reveals the prize we’ve all secretly been waiting for – a hidden whisky-infused chocolate.
Frankly, if every bushwalk ended with chocolate, we’d all spend more time outdoors.
Back at Highlands House, the adventure doesn’t have to end. Stick around for whisky flights, Spanish Highballs, Bramble Sours and elevated bar snacks because once you’ve successfully foraged for your drinks, you’ve probably earned another one.
Essentially, for two hours, you’re basically holidaying in Scotland without having to survive a 24-hour flight.
And, the best bit is that tickets are completely free.
Each booking includes a welcome cocktail, three premium whisky tastings, the full guided sensory trail and bespoke food pairings from the Ace Hotel kitchen. Considering Sydney will happily charge you $28 for a single cocktail these days, that’s arguably the city’s best-value weekend activity.
Just don’t sit on it for too long. Free, immersive and whisky-themed isn’t exactly a combination that stays available for very long.
The Glendronach Presents: An Ode to The Highlands
Where: Ace Hotel Sydney
When: Friday 24 July – Sunday 26 July 2026
Sessions: Friday 5pm-10pm | Saturday 1pm-10pm | Sunday 1pm-6pm
Price: Complimentary (Bookings essential)
Leave a Reply