Ep 1. Food and Drink

Two Scottish actors, Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, take on a road trip through the rugged and picturesque Scottish countryside in Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham. In this first episode of season one, titled “Food and Drink,” the duo sets out to explore Scotland’s rich culinary traditions and its world-renowned whisky distilleries.

The episode begins with Sam and Graham in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, where they visit a traditional Scottish restaurant. Here, they sample haggis, a dish made from sheep's organs and spices, cooked in a sheep's stomach. Despite some initial reservations, both actors seem to enjoy the dish, with Sam going so far as to proclaim it "nice."

Next, the duo heads out to a whisky distillery, where they learn about the process of making the celebrated Scottish drink. They meet with a master distiller who explains the intricacies of the distillation process, including how the Scottish climate impacts the taste of the whisky. The actors also taste several different types of whisky, each with its own unique flavor profile.

From there, Sam and Graham head to the island of Islay, home to some of Scotland's most famous whisky distilleries. They visit a craft distillery, where the owner takes them through the process of making whisky by hand. The actors take part in every step of the process, from mashing the grains to sitting back and tasting the final product.

But the trip isn't all about whisky. Sam and Graham also visit a local farm where they learn how to make traditional Scottish shortbread. The farm's resident cook teaches them how to mix the ingredients and shape the shortbread into traditional shapes. The actors then enjoy the sweet treats alongside a pot of freshly brewed tea.

The final stop of the episode is at a small village festival, where the two actors get a taste of true Scottish hospitality. They join the locals in a ceilidh, a traditional Scottish dance, and try their hand at playing the bagpipes. The night ends with a feast of fresh seafood and local meats, served alongside some of the best whisky in the region.

Overall, “Food and Drink” serves as a fitting introduction to the series, offering viewers a glimpse into Scotland's rich culinary and distilling traditions. Sam and Graham's enthusiasm for all things Scottish is infectious, and their interactions with each other and the locals they meet along the way are endearing. The stunning Scottish landscapes and historic castles provide a beautiful backdrop to the entire episode. Fans of Sam and Graham, as well as those interested in Scottish history and culture, will surely enjoy this first episode of Men in Kilts.