Greetings fellow whisky-lovers!

Festival fever is upon us as we wrap up a week of festivities in Fèis Íle and look forward to a bounty of TWL festivals across the UK over the next few months!

Now on sale are EARLY-BIRD TICKETS for our string of festivals this Autumn – we’ve got a special 2 for £40 offer on for the first 75 tickets sold for each session so make sure you’re quick!

3rd September: Liverpool Whisky Fest: BUY TICKETS
10th September: Yorkshire Whisky Fest: BUY TICKETS
22nd October: Manchester Whisky Fest: BUY TICKETS
12th November: Birmingham Whisky Fest: BUY TICKETS

This week we’ve been in Islay for the annual Fèis Íle (aka the The Islay Festival of Music and Malt) running a handful of amazing tastings on Tall Ship Irene and at the famous ruins of Finlaggan castle. Thanks to everyone who came down for making it such a special experience!

We also had Bristol Whisky Festival at the start of the month which was a roaring success – check out some of the snaps here.

The fun doesn’t stop there; next month we have dozens of events for you to get stuck into including two festivals, more blending workshops and the last of our Elements of Islay tasting series dates – read on to find out more!

Brighton Whisky Fest: June 18th  BUY TICKETS

After a two year hiatus we have decided that the whisky love is in desperate need of nurturing in lovely Brighton!

We have also decided to up the ante in terms of venue and have moved to the fabulous Corn Exchange within the Brighton Dome.

For a limited time we are offering a 2 for £50 ticket. There are severely limited quantities of these and we would urge you to be quick! Head here to get yours.

Edinburgh Whisky Solstice: June 25th  BUY TICKETS

Tickets are now on sale for our big return to Edinburgh!

This year we’re heading back indoors and will be setting up our Edinburgh Whisky Festival in the Assembly Rooms on George St. This iconic Georgian venue has long been at the heart of Edinburgh hosting thousands of events from Royal banquets to film festivals, but for this day in June it will play host to Scotland’s most iconic drink, whisky!

Elements of Islay Tasting

We still have a number of dates left for our Elements of Islay tasting series!

Delicious, mature and unadulterated Islay whisky, bottled at full strength and assembled by a crack team of people who truly know and love whisky.

Whether you’re a fan of peated whisky or not, this series is an absolute no brainer! Click on the locations below to go to the tickets!

June 11th York Brigantes : Tickets
June 15th London Salt Bar : Tickets
June 16th Leeds The Cross Keys : Tickets
June 16th Brighton Nightingale Room : Tickets
June 22nd Liverpool Jenny’s Bar : Tickets

Blending Workshops

Fancy getting involved in the art form that is whisky blending?

Sign up to one of our blending workshops now to apply both your palate and your brain to construct your very own blended whisky.

June 8th London, Salt Bar : SOLD OUT
June 8th, Liverpool, Jenny’s Bar : Tickets
June 9th, York, Brigantes : Tickets
June 9th, Brighton, Nightingale Room : Tickets
June 10th, Newcastle, Blackfriars : SOLD OUT
June 14th, Sheffield, The Sheffield Tap : Tickets
June 19th, London, Salt Bar : SOLD OUT

Here at the Soho Juice Company we believe in the cucumber. So much so we produced a citrus infused cucumber and mint soft drink that reflects this belief. The Soho is original, exciting and beautifully refreshing.

Exquisitely balanced with naturally sourced flavours and fruit juices the Soho is one of the most innovative and exciting new soft drinks in the world today.

Inspired by the new wave of beautiful Japanese whiskeys, we designed an ode to on a Soho favourite, ‘The Japanese High Ball’ made with a shot of good whiskey with lemon juice, sugar, and Soho all topped with soda water and garnished with fresh mint and lemon.

It is an exciting time for the Soho Juice Co and we find your passion and interest for delicious drinks inspiring. If you would like to know any more about us then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

www.sohojuice.co.uk

JURA TASTIVAL 2016

Celebrate the Jura Tastival with this limited edition expression bottled at a natural strength of 51% abv With just 3000 bottles released and only 2000 available to purchase in the UK, this unique offering from Jura is born of a special triple sherry assemblage.

Combining Jura 19 year old seasoned for 5 years in an 11 year old Palomino Fino sherry cask, Jura 14 year old seasoned for 4 years in a 15 year old Oloroso Amoroso sherry cask, and Jura 15 year old seasoned for 3 years in a 30 year old Oloroso Apostoles sherry cask, flavours of toffee apples, vanilla and ginger permeate this limited edition Island single malt.

Only available while stocks last!

£95 Buy Now

www.ralfy.com offer an alternative to Lagavulin with Whisky Review 585 – Bunnahabhain 8yo heavily peated (G&M)

Whisky makers descend on Westminster to give MPs masterclass in production of Scotch from ‘Grain to Glass’ 

• Diageo event in Parliament showcased craft and skill involved in production of iconic drink
• MPs informed about immense economic benefits of Scotch industry to UK and local communities
• Event marks one year since Diageo committed to create special edition Parliamentary blend as part of its ‘Grain to Glass’ initiative

24^th May 2016, London: Last night, 40 MPs joined Diageo to celebrate the people, ingredients and craft that goes into making Scotch Whisky – one of Britain’s biggest home grown export industries.

The event demonstrated how Scotch Whisky is made, on its journey from grain to glass. MPs were given a full overview of the production process and the craft involved, ranging from ‘malting’, where barely is soaked and encouraged to germinate, to the ‘coopering’, where the whisky is left to mature in an oak cask.

They were also given the chance to meet the people involved in making the iconic drink, and were able to sample some of the product, including Johnnie Walker, Talisker and Haig Club.

The event comes a year after Diageo commissioned a special edition Parliamentary blend to commemorate the new Parliament and showcase one of Britain’s most important industries.

The Parliamentary blend will be produced and matured over the lifetime of the current Parliament, demonstrating the care and skill that go into making Scotch whisky.  It is part of Diageo’s ‘Grain to Glass’ initiative, which aims to educate people on the intricate process and natural raw materials that go into producing Scotch Whisky.

Last night’s event, which followed on from World Whisky Day on Saturday, also showcased the significant economic contribution of Scotch Whisky. The industry is the lifeblood of the local economies where it operates, and adds over £5 billion to the value of the UK economy. It is also the biggest net contributor to UK trade in goods[i].

Andrew Cowan, Country Director of Diageo GB, said: “As the world’s leading producer of Scotch Whisky, we are immensely proud to part of an industry with such a rich heritage.

“The Grain to Glass project showcases the skill and craft that goes into producing Scotch Whisky, and profiles the amazing people involved in the industry. It also demonstrates the vital economic contribution that Scotch Whisky makes to local communities and Britain’s economy.

“Last night’s event will help Parliamentarians understand the journey a grain of barley goes through in order to become Scotch Whisky, an iconic product enjoyed by millions worldwide.”

Brendan O’Hara, Member for Argyll and Bute and Chair of the Scotch Whisky All-Party Parliamentary Group, said:

“The Diageo Grain to Glass programme is a great way for me and my fellow Parliamentarians to gain a better understanding of the skill, craft and passion that goes into producing Scotch Whisky. I have also been able to see this first hand in my constituency at Oban distillery.

“The event was a fitting tribute to an industry that makes a huge contribution to the UK economy and plays a key role in supporting local communities across the length and breadth of Scotland.”

About Diageo

@DiageoGB

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s, Windsor, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, http://www.drinkiq.com/, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

[i] The Economic Impact of Scotch Whisky Production in the UK, Scotch Whisky Association, Jan 2015

Flavours in this special expression inspire our first ever crowd-sourced bottle packaging

Once again the time has come for us to welcome honorary Diurachs from far and wide to our annual whisky festival, Tastival – a highlight on the calendar for everyone here on Jura.

To mark this special occasion, we can now reveal the limited edition Tastival 2016 bottling, with our first ever crowd sourced packaging, chosen by you!

Tastival celebrates new and exciting ways to enjoy whisky – and the creation of this year’s festival edition is no exception, with a triple sherry finish, using hand-selected casks.

To complement its sweet and intense flavour, we commissioned four artists from across the world to create a unique illustrated packaging design based upon their Tastival 2016 tasting notes.

Back in January we asked you to vote for your favourite design on our social media channels, and following heated competition we can now reveal that our first ever crowd sourced packaging is based on artwork by Florian Schommer.

The intricate design incorporates Florian’s personal tasting notes for the whisky, including apples, vanilla, maple syrup and roasted hazelnut.

This the last Tastival expression to be overseen by our much-loved Distillery Manager, Willie Cochrane, who announced his retirement last week. He hands over the reins to Graham Logan, a former Jura Mash/Stillman who has worked at his side for over two decades.

Introducing our limited edition Tastival 2016 bottling

Flavours in this special expression inspire our first ever crowd-sourced bottle packaging

Once again the time has come for us to welcome honorary Diurachs from far and wide to our annual whisky festival, Tastival – a highlight on the calendar for everyone here on Jura.

To mark this special occasion, we can now reveal the limited edition Tastival 2016 bottling, with our first ever crowd sourced packaging, chosen by you!

Tastival celebrates new and exciting ways to enjoy whisky – and the creation of this year’s festival edition is no exception, with a triple sherry finish, using hand-selected casks.

To complement its sweet and intense flavour, we commissioned four artists from across the world to create a unique illustrated packaging design based upon their Tastival 2016 tasting notes.

Back in January we asked you to vote for your favourite design on our social media channels, and following heated competition we can now reveal that our first ever crowd sourced packaging is based on artwork by Florian Schommer.

The intricate design incorporates Florian’s personal tasting notes for the whisky, including apples, vanilla, maple syrup and roasted hazelnut.

This the last Tastival expression to be overseen by our much-loved Distillery Manager, Willie Cochrane, who announced his retirement last week. He hands over the reins to Graham Logan, a former Jura Mash/Stillman who has worked at his side for over two decades.

Those of you joining us at Tastival will have the first opportunity to sample and buy this remarkable single malt at the distillery on 25 & 26 May, where Willie and Graham will be signing bottles. For those joining us in spirit, but not in person – Jura Tastival 2016 will be available online and in shops globally (excluding US) RRP £85 from 30 May 2016. 51% ABV, non-chill filtered.

Wherever you are, we look forward to hearing your own tasting notes for Tastival 2016. Slainte!

Everyone at the Jura Distillery

Jura Whisky

@jura_whisky

Our 62nd Auction is now live.

This months auction is particularly blessed with amazing bottles with many hailing from the early decades of the 20th Century and 1950s, 60s and 70s are well represented too and Big Peatrie has selected his favourites and you can see his vLog here.

First up we have a simple wonderful Springbank 50 year old distilled in 1919. This lot comes with a letter detailing the distillation and bottling date for this wonderful bottle.

Next up is The Borderers’ Blend. Our second bottle this month from the early 20th Century this was bottled by Berwick Brewery Ltd and was bottled some time between 1899 and 1925.

White Horse canters in third with a bottle from 1922. This iconic blend would have contained a large portion of single malt (a generous amount of this would have been Lagavulin and the fabled Maltmill) and offers a view of a bygone era.

There is quartet of 1930s single malts from Gordon & MacPhail. A Strathisla 1937, Glenlivet, Old Elgin and MacPhail’s from 1938 and a Linkwood from 1939. Gordon & MacPhail are masters of bottlings from this era as they were amongst first independent bottler to lay down stocks with the intention of bottling them at far greater ages than was the fashion at the time.

Glenfarclas brings a 50 year old bottled to celebrate the
Bicentenary Of John Grant’s birth, Jan Timmermans highly regarded 1968 bottling and three independently bottled 40 year olds two from the SMWS,

1.130 & 1.183, and one from Cadenhead’s also make themselves known.

Another great whisky family called Grant bring us a Balvenie Tun 1401 Collection, a Balvenie Vintage Cask 1971, a Glenfiddich 1974 Rare Collection and a Hazelburn Reserve, the bottles of which were never available to the public and only given to family and friends.

The 1960s is our decade of the month with nearly 100 bottles of whisky that were distilled during the decade. Highlights include bottles from Dailuaine bottled by Douglas Laing, Cadenhead’s brings us an Aberlour, a Ben Nevis and an Ord, Glenmorangie’s legendary 1963 joins us as does an Old Malt Cask from Banff and a Glen Mhor from 1969.

As it is the Feis Ile this month we bring you the
Port Ellen Feis Ile 2008, a Bowmore 1965 bottled for the Prestonfield Hotel and a
Laphroaig 1968 26 Year Old Hart Brothers. There is also a Lagavulin bottled by the SMWS, 111.2, a 35 Year Old Bruichladdich, a Bunnahabhain from 1965.

Phew, ladies and gentlemen this is but a fraction of the amazing bottle that are in this months auction so please feel free to peruse the auction and you are sure to find some real gems.

Kind regards from Glasgow

The SWA Team

Whisky News from Scotland’s Oldest Distillery

With our favourite month of the year nearly over, we’ve enjoyed celebrating Whisky Month with all those who took a tour with us this May.

Whisky Month might be coming to an end, but there’s still time to make the most of our special whisky month offers. Until the end of May, we’re offering visitors who take our Finest Tasting Experience £10 OFF our Bottle Your Own Cask. There’s just under 100 bottles left of this Andy Murray cask so be quick – and you never know, you might get to toast to him winning this year’s Wimbledon!

Find out what else is going on at Scotland’s best visitor attraction this month…

Fly’s 16 Masters Edition

To celebrate World Whisky Day on Saturday 21st May, Glenturret Distillery launched a limited edition 16 Year Old Single Malt. This picture, which dates back to 1905, shows the 16 stillmen of Glenturret and their dog Fly. Find out more and purchase your bottle here.

Dad, He’s a Real Fly Guy…

With just over three weeks until Father’s Day (Sunday 19th June for those who have forgotten!), there’s not long left to find the perfect gift. Visit our new look online shop to browse our range of gifts or why not treat him to a special tour at Scotland’s Oldest Distillery followed by a delicious lunch at our cafe-restaurant Wilde Thyme.

Evening Dining at Wilde Thyme

Evening dining is now available on Friday and Saturday at our restaurant Wilde Thyme at Glenturret. Enjoy a delicious meal using fresh, local ingredients in our relaxed and friendly restaurant. Check out the menu here.

Peerless Spirit – The Final Macallan in Lalique Decanter completes The Six Pillars Collection 

The Macallan and Lalique are delighted to present the sixth and final masterpiece from their prestigious The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection, distributed by Maxxium UK. The ‘Peerless Spirit’ decanter represents the concluding chapter in the story of The Macallan’s foundation stones, the elements that define the character of this extraordinary single malt. It also showcases the strength behind the decade long partnership, which has seen The Macallan and Lalique united by an unwavering commitment to craft, mastery and beauty.

The final decanter in this global sell out collection, The Macallan in Lalique ‘Peerless Spirit’, features a 65 year old whisky, one of the oldest and rarest ever released by the distillery. The whisky is not only a true testament to the skill of each and every one of our craftsmen, but it also pays homage to The Macallan’s commitment to creating beautiful whiskies through the tireless and obsessive sourcing, nurturing and maturing of our supreme spirit in exceptional oak casks.

Designed and created by the legendary French crystal house, Lalique, the ‘Peerless Spirit’ release will be limited to only 450 individually numbered decanters. It celebrates the wonderfully rich, viscous and aromatic spirit that lies at the very heart of The Macallan. The exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks, rich flavour and beautiful natural colour all come together to deliver the distinctive character and quality that has helped make The Macallan one of the most precious single malts whiskies in the world.

Ken Grier, Brand Director for The Macallan, commented: “This stunning collection of decanters is the result of two kindred spirits, rooted in a shared passion for craftsmanship, detail and mastery. This sixth and final release continues to showcase the unwavering commitment of both the masters of Lalique and The Macallan to create beautiful and desirable objet d’art.

“With the collection now complete, it is time to reflect not only on the exquisite whiskies that have been brought to the fore by The Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker, but also on the extraordinary skills of the Lalique craftsmen carrying on the legacy of René Lalique, the man whose talent continues to inspire and influence. It is the heritage, customs and traditions of both The Macallan and Lalique that have united to create this ultimate collectable collection.”

Marc Larminaux, Creative Director for Lalique, based the design around a single peerless drop of The Macallan, symbolising the most precious spirit in the world. The Peerless Spirit has been captured falling from the iconic Macallan inverted triangle, which can be found on every present day bottle of The Macallan. The first use of the triangle, can be traced back to Macallan bottling’s from the 19^th century.

Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique, said: “We are proud to have been part of this stirring journey celebrating the Six Pillars of The Macallan. The marriage of the finest and rarest Macallan single malt whiskies with our beautiful bespoke hand crafted decanters has been a wonder to behold. The countless hours of painstaking work by both partners has been encapsulated by this stand out collection of decanters that will be much admired by collectors around the world.”

The overall design of this decanter was heavily influenced by the blown and pinched technique as used by René Lalique for many of his famed Lalique perfume bottles. This final decanter and the other five from this remarkable series have all taken their inspiration from a design or a specific technique taken from René Lalique’s heritage.

Since its inception in 2005, The Macallan in Lalique Collection has proved extremely popular with collectors across the world. In 2014, according to a report in Whisky Magazine, The Macallan accounted for the top ten priced bottles sold at auction; eight out of ten of these sales were decanters from The Macallan in Lalique Collection. In 2015, The Macallan was the No.1 most valuable whisky brand at auction, accounting for over 25% of the total value traded at auction (Rare Whisky 101). This is testament to the fact that collectors trust, respect and value The Macallan.

The ‘Peerless Spirit’ decanter is valued at £23,500 and is available from 1^st July from specialist whisky retailers, including; Harrods, Hedonism and The Whisky Exchange.

Notes: 

The Macallan 65 years old in Lalique – Tasting Notes

Colour:                 Dark Walnut

Aroma:                 Supremely balanced with comforting notes of honey-dipped Madagascan

vanilla pods, cinnamon and Moroccan dates.

Taste:                    Medium body with hints of cracked black pepper, cloves and delicately toasted cocoa beans.

Finish:                  The finish is very long and deeply satisfying with a rich flavour of honey

and dark chocolate.

ABV:                      46.3%

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the world’s most admired and awarded single malt whiskies.  The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character, founded upon a set of guiding principles, the Six Pillars.  An obsession with quality has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding by Alexander Reid on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland. The distillery is surrounded by a 150 hectare estate, with Easter Elchies House at its heart, a Highland Manor built in 1700.

www.themacallan.com/

About Lalique

Founded in 1888, Lalique is one of the crown jewels of France’s crystal industry. René Lalique, renowned as the inventor of modern jewellery, then became Master in the art of glassmaking. Over time, his name has become the powerful symbol of a unique expertise, a synonym for luxury, excellence, creativity and an immediately recognizable style. Today, Lalique has reinvented the creative, eclectic world of its founder with its contemporary work in five areas: decorative items, interior design, jewellery, perfumes, and art. The crystal pieces are produced in Alsace France at the unique Lalique factory, opened in 1921. Lalique continues to thrive as a truly timeless lifestyle brand.

www.lalique.com

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/