Name: Callum A. Fraser
Company: Glenfarclas Distillery
Job: Distillery Manager
Website: glenfarclas.com

How long have you been working in the whisky industry?
I’ve worked in the whisky industry for 35 years, beginning my career at Deanston before joining Glenfarclas in 2012, where I’ve remained ever since.

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
There have been many highlights in my career. Becoming Production and Distillery Manager at Glenfarclas was a huge honour, alongside seeing our 35 Year Old being released. My colleague Douglas and I had worked on this product for a good few years, so it was a special moment to see it bottled and available to the public across the globe. More recently, it was a massive privilege to be the Distillery Manager when we released our 70 Year Old whisky. It had been looked after by six managers in total and continuing its legacy and being the one who finally saw it bottled was incredible.

Can you remember your first dram, and indeed what it was?
Not one to be proud of, I’m afraid – a Bell’s 5 Year Old, taken from my dad’s drinks cabinet as a young boy with my mates. I’m pleased to say my taste in whisky has evolved considerably since then!

What does whisky mean to you?
To me, whisky represents life, happiness and a feeling of togetherness. It’s something to enjoy in good and bad times, as long as it’s shared with friends and loved ones – much like my first dram!

Where would you like to see yourself in five years’ time?
In five years’ time, I’d love to still be right here at Glenfarclas, continuing to make top-quality spirit and helping oversee everything that goes into keeping the distillery running smoothly. That’s really all I could ask for!

What was your last dram?
My last dram was our recently released Glenfarclas 70 Year Old – our oldest expression to date.

Do you have a favourite whisky and food pairing combination?
Our Glenfarclas 12 Year Old pairs beautifully with salmon — its smooth, slightly sweet flavour complements the richness of the fish. If you’re having steak, our 15 Year Old is an excellent match. It’s deeper and bolder, making it perfect either alongside the meal or as a satisfying finish afterward.

What’s your favourite time and place to enjoy a dram?
That’s a tough question to answer, as there are a few. Obviously, time spent with friends and close family is important to me. I also enjoy a single dram at the end of the working week – a small toast to the team here at Glenfarclas for all their hard work and dedication in crafting this wonderful product.

What do you think is going to be the next big thing on the whisky horizon?
Honestly, I have no idea! The world of whisky is always evolving, making it hard to predict what’s coming next. But one thing I’m sure of is that Glenfarclas will continue doing what we’ve always done: crafting whisky the traditional, time-honoured way. That consistency is important to us because it ensures the spirit we produce today remains true to its heritage, passing faithfully from one generation to the next.

What’s the one dram you couldn’t live without?
I’ve got a real soft spot for Glenfarclas 12 Year Old — it’s a go-to for good reason! But if I’m lucky enough to get my hands on a bottle, our 17 Year Old is something truly special — a dram that really stands out and definitely not to be missed.

Many thanks to Callum A .Fraser. Who will be our next Whisky Insider? Click back soon to find out!