Company:
Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd
Job:
Production Director / Distillery Manager
Website:
arranwhisky.com
How long have you been working in the whisky industry?
I started at the Bowmore Distillery on the 19th of October 1977, which makes it 37 years this year.
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
The biggest highlight has to be when I joined the board at Isle of Arran Distillers, which gave me an insight and input into the direction of the company.
Can you remember your first dram, and indeed what it was?
Too long ago to remember, but I should imagine it would have been a dram from the Bowmore warehouse.
What does whisky mean to you?
Everything! I live it, love it and breathe it!
Where would you like to see yourself in five years time?
The future is difficult to predict, but hopefully still at Arran having seen through all the present and proposed upgrades at the distillery.
What was your last dram?
My youngest son works at Caol Ila, and he persuaded me to try their latest release.
Do you have a favourite whisky and food pairing combination?
Not a favourite whisky and food pairing, but I was told recently that our Machrie Moor and cigars go very well together. Having tried this pairing for myself I completely agree!
What’s your favourite time and place to enjoy a dram?
At home after a busy day.
What do you think is going to be the next big thing on the whisky horizon?
At Arran we’re finding a big increase in our bottled single cask sales, which is likely to continue. Globally if the Indian market opens up there will be enormous potential and opportunities.
What’s the one dram you couldn’t live without?
I have to be biased here and say our Arran 14 Year Old.
Many thanks to James MacTaggart. Who will be the next Whisky Insider? Click back soon to find out!