Cask Whisky Bar opens

A slice of Scotland has arrived in the Cayman Islands with the opening of Cask, a new whisky bar located in the heart of the Town Centre.

Founded by friends Matt McPherson and Rob Eyers — both hailing from a small town in Scotland — Cask is the ultimate destination for Scotch enthusiasts and those looking to explore the world of whisky.

“Cask is not just a bar; it’s a place where the rich heritage of Scotch whisky can be appreciated by everyone, whether you’re a connoisseur or someone new to whisky," McPherson said. “I wanted to take a little bit of Scotland to Cayman and showcase the world's best Scotch to people who live here."

With more than 420 different kinds of Scotch whiskies on the menu, Cask boasts one of the most impressive collections in the region.

“Cask is a place where somebody that appreciates a really nice ambiance can come, have conversations and share good times with friends,” Eyers said. “It’s about more than just drinking — it’s about creating memories in a place that feels like home.”

The highly knowledgeable staff at Cask are whisky educators. Trained by the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, they guide guests through the myriad of Scotch options and can recommend the perfect dram to suit any palate, mix exquisite whisky-based cocktails and even suggest the ideal pairing from their selection of wines, beers and other spirits.

“I think it's all about education for us here,” McPherson said. “You might have tried whisky once before and not thought you liked it, but the range of flavours in Scotch is absolutely massive. We try to make it as approachable as possible.”

The bar features a private room called The Woodlands, designed for corporate clients seeking a unique hospitality experience. Corporate clients can entertain, host tastings or enjoy a private lunch for up to 12 people with whisky and wine experiences tailored to the occasion. 

Cask also offers cheese and charcuterie boards, as well as traditional British pies.

“It's quite a British thing — having a pint and a pie at lunch,” McPherson said with a smile. “It’s perfect for people working in Camana Bay who maybe don’t have a lot of time but still want to enjoy a quality meal.”

Recognising the importance of training and inspiring the youth of Cayman, the Cask team has partnered with the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) and its hospitality studies programme.

“We're bringing in students for speciality education sessions,” Eyers said. “We’re aiming to elevate the hospitality experience in the Cayman Islands from a bar perspective, and we want to create opportunities for both students and customers to learn about whisky in a fun and engaging way.”

Located at 18 Forum Lane, Cask promises to be a journey into the heart of Scotch whisky and offer an experience that’s both educational and enjoyable, whether you’re a seasoned whisky drinker or just starting to explore the world of spirits. 

This article was originally published in the September/October2024 print edition of Camana Bay Times.