Company:
Stonedean Limited
Job:
Company Director & Whisky Recreator
Website:
tweeddalewhisky.com
How long have you been working in the whisky industry?
Not long I established Stonedean Limited in January 2009, but I have worked for over 20 years in the food industry. Of course it was my Great Grandfather that had the whisky blending knowledge and expertise. He spent all of his working life in the drinks industry, brewing beer, blending whisky and rum.
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
Establishing Stonedean Limited and recreating The Tweeddale Blend. I’m particularly pleased with batch number two.
Can you remember your first dram, and indeed what it was?
I am not sure if it was Teachers or Bells but I do remember drowning it with Iron Bru. I was young and determined to acquire the taste for whisky. If only I knew then what I know now.
What does whisky mean to you?
Well it’s a passion and I love the variety. You can choose a different whisky to suit your mood and frame of mind. Also for me it's a family craft that was lost and rediscovered.
Where would you like to see yourself in five years time?
Ultimately I would like to be working full time creating Tweeddale Whiskies but I don't know if that'll be in five years, ten or more.
What was your last dram?
Difficult to say, probably a Tobermory which reminds me, I also recently had an Isle of Mull blend. I’ve been fortunate enough to try several drams recently.
Do you have a favourite whisky and food pairing combination?
I am biased of course but you should try some Strathdon Blue cheese with The Tweeddale blend.
What’s your favourite time and place to enjoy a dram?
Anytime and anywhere, there's always a dram that'll match the right mood or occasion.
What do you think is going to be the next big thing on the whisky horizon?
You know I'm not a trend spotter and lets face it there are some very big drinks companies out there with a host of people doing just that and an other host of people trying to create trends. I think in the current economic climate there will be fewer purchases less often but of higher quality and better value.
What’s the one dram you couldn’t live without?
All of them but I think blended Whisky is under rated and if you can get a blend of lowland, speyside, highland and islay with a high proportion of 1st fill sherry casks aged for a minimum of 12 years... well you know what I am saying.
Many thanks to Alasdair Day. Who will be the next Whisky Insider? Click back soon to find out!