Company:
Ardgowan Distillery
Job:
Whisky Maker
Website:
ardgowandistillery.com
How long
have you been working in the whisky industry?
I joined
Lang Brothers in 1974 and then spent many happy years at Edrington prior to
joining the Ardgowan Distillery. I’m still working now, so that makes 46 years!
What has
been your biggest career highlight to date?
The
resurrection along with others of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky, culminating
in it being selected as the best single malt Scotch whisky in the world three
times, was an extraordinary team effort of which I remain extremely proud.
Can you
remember your first dram, and indeed what it was?
It was my
second day at Lang Brothers when I was introduced to Glengoyne single malt in
the staff sample room. It made for a pretty special first week at work!
What does
whisky mean to you?
If gold
medals were awarded for lifetime experiences, then whisky would undoubtedly be
the winner for me. It has enabled me to travel the world, meet so many
wonderful people and indulge my creativity and passion for a really
incredible product.
Where would
you like to see yourself in five years’ time?
Over the
next few years, I would like to play a part in the education of the public
about Scotch whisky. There are many great ambassadors out there and we need
them in this ever-challenging market. The Ardgowan Distillery and our
Clydebuilt series will be at the forefront of my thoughts too – we have a
really exciting vision to build a world-class distillery and visitor centre in
my home village of Inverkip and I would love to be closely involved in the
production of the first spirit, and ensuring it finds a home in the finest
first-fill sherry casks
What was
your last dram?
A bottle of
Clydebuilt Coppersmith is lying beside my laptop as we speak, and a dram will
be poured as soon as I am finished.
Do you have
a favourite whisky and food pairing combination?
My favourite
whisky and food pairing would be Highland Park 30 Year Old, with scallops and
Stornoway black pudding – all fantastic natural Scottish produce.
What’s your
favourite time and place to enjoy a dram?
Sitting
watching sunset going down atop Yesnaby Cliffs on Orkney – stunning.
What do you
think is going to be the next big thing on the whisky horizon?
Undoubtedly
blended grain and single grain casks will feature heavily in the future of
Scotch whisky.
What’s the
one dram you couldn’t live without?
As I created
Clydebuilt Coppersmith blended malt, there will always be a bottle in my drinks
cabinet!
Many thanks
to Max McFarlane. Who will be our next Whisky Insider? Click back soon to find
out!