2 Guys 3 Drams: The Ultimate Live Blues and Whisky Experience brings the perfect evening out at the Edinburgh Fringe with seriously good blues, seriously good chat, and seriously good whisky.
The bouncing tones of background blues met the crowd as we traipsed up the stairs of The Space Triplex, all not entirely sure what we were walking into. From the introduction, I was sure the title of the show must be a lie – there’s no way only two guys can make a sound like that. Indeed, the Rhythm and Booze Project, made of one Scot, one American (don’t let that fact put you off!), made music that filled the room with the ease of five men. It was, from the get-go, damn good.
After a few tunes to warm the crowd up, out came the first ‘nip’ (25ml, rather than the traditional 50ml dram, as it was quickly pointed out that “2 guys 3 nips” would draw a very different crowd!) I don’t like to brag, and I’m no whisky expert, but I recognised the first nip as Nc’nean instantly – a whisky introduced to me by my other fringe tasting experience with Whisky and Witches. Nc’nean is, as a result, one of my favourite whiskies – we were in for a fabulous selection of Scotland’s best.
Now, it’s important to note that if you’re looking for an intimate, conversational tasting experience, you’ll be best heading elsewhere. 2 Guys 3 Drams captured the central spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe, putting on a performance rather than an experience, and really adding the twist you would expect from the Fringe to an event as traditional as a whisky tasting. What they truly nailed was catering to an Edinburgh Fringe audience perfectly, a challenging feat which, when well done, certainly pays off.
There was no whisky jargon being thrown about, which can isolate inexperienced tasters. Their approach was refreshingly open and accessible, ideal for beginners; gentle whiskies, nothing burning, with distinct tasting notes to allow for healthy, fun, and unserious crowd participation. For the more experienced whisky drinker, or just someone who’s lived in Scotland long enough, it could be a hard listen, but for the international crowd of the Fringe, rest assured that you’ll be having a perfect introduction to whisky tasting notes, methods, distilling, and, of course, connection to blues.
As this show is not just whisky, no no! Blues forms a hugely significant aspect of the show. Boogie was in the house tonight as the simple instruments combined to really bring the roof down, stunning vocals accompanied by epic percussion and what I took to be an electric dulcimer to surf the eardrums of the crowd with awe-inspiring ease.
The vibes were fun, casual, and infused with smoky undertones. If you’re looking for a safe, comedic, slightly different fringe show that really captures the atmosphere of the festival in a cascade of talented passion, rest assured you’ll be having a lovely evening with 2 Guys 3 Drams. Especially if you just need somewhere to take your parents without the risk of surprise nudity – a very reasonable fear to harbour at this festival…
2 Guys 3 Drams: The Ultimate Live Blues and Whisky Experience: The Where, When, and How
2 Guys 3 Drams is running at The Space Triplex at 8.15 pm until 29 August, and is absolutely worth your time. Even if you don’t like whisky, you might find your mind changed after an hour in the presence of this hooting and hollering pair. You can book your tickets here.
P.S., it is still a fringe show, so yes, there’s a singalong chunk. Don’t worry – it’s over quickly and isn’t so bad with two whiskies down you!
Enjoyed this review? You can read more of Brigs’ growing Edinburgh Fringe coverage here.
Featured Image Credit: The Rhythm and Blues Project,
Journalism student at the University of Stirling & BRAW Magazine editor 24/25 and 25/26 🙂
You can see my portfolio here: https://www.clippings.me/alicepollard
