Company:
Glenfarclas Distillery
Job:
Director of Sales
Website:
glenfarclas.co.uk
How long have you been working in the whisky industry?
I joined the whisky industry in 1997. My first job was more of an apprenticeship, first with Muntons Malt and then with Inverhouse Distillers for a year. I was a mashman, stillman and worked in the warehouses before moving into the sales and marketing side. Between 1998-2000 I worked for a distributor in Hong Kong being a sales rep, so I've definitely seen all sides of the industry.
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
There have been a few, including filling casks over the millennium on the 31st of December 1999 and the 1st of January 2000 with my father and Gandfather. Also seeing my signature on the back of the bottle was also a big moment, especially on the 40yo and our 175th Anniversary where there was so much family history in each bottle.
Can you remember your first dram, and indeed what it was?
Interesting question and as a dram is an unspecified measure I can say my first was a 105 Glenfarclas, being rubbed onto my gums whilst I was teething about 35 years ago. My first proper dram, I cannot tell you what it was as I have no memory of that defining moment.
What does whisky mean to you?
Everything! Whisky has always been such an important part of my life and it always will.
Where would you like to see yourself in five years time?
Doing a follow up interview with The Whisky Wire!
What was your last dram?
Glenfarclas 175th Anniversary, our anniversary bottling celebrating 175 years of legal distillation.
Do you have a favourite whisky and food pairing combination?
Not specifically, but you really can’t beat a good plate of Haggis Neeps and Tatties. I'm also partial to the crisps and Olives at the Coburg bar with a glass of Glenfarclas 40 year old.
What’s your favourite time and place to enjoy a dram?
Anywhere is a good time to enjoy a good dram, so long as the company is good and everyone is in good spirits. Be it in a wee bothy somewhere or on top of the Hancock tower.
What do you think is going to be the next big thing on the whisky horizon?
Now that would be telling, wouldn’t it.
What’s the one dram you couldn’t live without?
Glenfarclas 15 year old.
Many thanks to George Grant. Who will be the next Whisky Insider? Click back soon to find out!