ANGELS WHISKY CLUB BLOG – INTERVIEW WITH IAIN FORTEATH Global Brand Ambassador Angus Dundee Distillers Plc

Iain, first of all, many thanks for far too many superb drams at Dufftown recently!

Q  What first got you interested in whisky?

My Dad and Granda are big whisky fans and I remember loving the smell of whisky from a young age. When I was old enough they let me try some great drams and from then on I was hooked

Q  what did you do in this industry before Glencadam/Tomintoul?

I have worked in the world of whisky since graduating really, starting from working in bars then Managing WoodWinters wines and whiskies in Bridge of Allan and laterally I was the Sales and Operations Manager of Roberstons of Pitlochry Whisky Specialists. (As I know very well, having called in lots of times)

Q  What are your day to day tasks?   

My role within the Company is very diverse and my tasks vary from day to day: Whether it’s hosting whisky masterclasses, attending whisky festivals, working with our customers and importers, helping write tasting notes for up and coming releases or taking our clients up for a tour of our distilleries. I am fortunate that my job takes me everywhere from Bonnie Scotland to the four corners of the Globe.

Q How do you approach the Global Ambassador job?  What do you do first before leaving for another country?

Haha, I suppose the first thing I do is make sure I know our customers and the event I am due to attend. I want to ensure I am prepared and have the right tools with me for the job. Sometimes shows can be back-to-back in completely different countries so having the ‘basics’ (passport, money, phone, washbag and whisky glass!) packed is essential.

Q  In what regions, countries, markets are your products available?

Our whiskies are available in over 80 countries, everywhere from America to Australia with key markets In the USA, Europe and Asia.

Q How easy is it to break though into working in the world of whisky?

The World of Whisky is an amazingly close international community and one in which if you excel then you are recognised. If you are passionate about the product and you are good at what you do then you can go far.

Q  What’s your favourite part of your role?

I love most parts to be honest, but if I had to pick I would probably say getting to travel the world and meet all sorts of interesting people.

Q  What do you think the most common whisky misconception is?

That ‘whisky is an old mans drink’ which is quite simply not the case. I think that whisky is a drink that can be enjoyed by both sexes and all age groups (above the age of 18 of course!). Though I am one of the younger faces in the world of whisky I am happy that I cater for audiences of all age groups. Whisky is a product made with love and designed to be shared and enjoyed by EVERYONE.

Q  If you could change just one thing about the whisky industry, what would it be?

I would love to remove the pretentious element that surrounds whisky. Whiskies are a luxury product to be enjoyed by everyone not just a chosen few. I have been witness to far too many situations where customers are belittled by others who believe they have ‘superior’ whisky knowledge. Whiskies (and wines for that matter) are confusing and intimidating to some, but people who do know about them should encourage others and share their knowledge rather than use it to put others down.

Q What do you think is going to be the next big thing on the whisky horizon?

On the WhiskEy rather than WhiskY horizon I think Bourbon is going to make a massive come back, I am a big bourbon fan too (like most spirits to be honest) and I think they are starting to make quite a stir again with a lot more variety coming into the UK market. On a WhiskY front I think that limited releases are going to be the next big thing, customers are starting understand whisky a lot more and with that understanding people want to taste limited batches and single casks. I think this demand will see a lot more small batch releases coming into the market.

Q  Do you have any thoughts about finishing? Port, Sherry etc. More and more finishes are now on offer. In fact, do you have a favourite finish (mine is sherry)?   

I love finishing when it is done right: aka, adding more flavour and character to an already good whisky. However, you can also find whiskies where finishing has either been heavy handed: overtaking the whiskies character, or where it has been used to cover up a bad whisky. I do love to try whiskies that are pushing the traditional boundaries and finishing in all sorts: Cognac, Red Wine, Tokaj, Rum etc. some are delicious but equally some aren’t. However, if you never try you’ll never know I suppose. When it comes to favourite finishes I must admit I love a good PX sherry finish- the rich Christmas pudding and sultana notes they can add are delicious!

Q  Where do you see this industry being/going in 5 years from now?

Not to bring politics into it but I think a lot will ride upon if the UK decides to leave Europe as I think if we did it could have a knock on effect on the trading of whisky.

My hope is the industry continues to grow as it currently is as it’s great to see the industry having such a boom. I think keeping the variety of styles, flavours, brands and price points is key in maintaining the worlds fascination with Scotch Whisky.

Q  Can you remember your first dram?

I can remember the first dram that I truly loved: it was a Dalwhinnie 15 year old that was recommended to me when I was 18 by a barman in my home town.

Q What was your last dram?

The last dram I had, as corporate as it sounds, was the Glencadam 19 year old Oloroso Finish, last night in fact, it’s a new release and I can’t get enough of it!

Q  Relaxing at home what whisky would you pour yourself?

I am fortunate that through my time in the industry I have built up a cabinet of almost 100 whiskies so I like to vary my drams. I’d say it’s important to keep a variety of brands and styles as it keeps your palate fresh. Regular favourites would have to be whiskies like Glencadam 15 year old, The Late Glendronach 15 year old, Ardbeg Uigedal, Tomintoul 16 year old and Bunnahabhain 18 year old.

Q  So far what has been your proudest moment in the Whisky Industry?

Aside for being chosen for this job I would say my proudest moment was being chosen to be on the judging panel for the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge, where I was selected as one of 8 whisky specialists to select the top whiskies of the year.

Many thanks Iain, great interview, will see you soon at a whisky tasting, event or who knows, you could soon be at one of our own events!

PAUL MCLEAN   http://www.whiskytours.scot/ & http://www.mcleanscotland.com/