Name: Keith Cruickshank
Company: Coleburn Distillery
Job: Master Distiller
Website: whiskyresortspeyside.com

How long have you been working in the whisky industry?
I’ve been working in the whisky industry for the past 34 years. I started at Chivas Brothers, beginning on the shop floor before moving through roles as Warehouseman, Distillery Operative, Distillery Manager and eventually Master Distiller, honing my craft along the way. My career then took me to Caperdonich, Glen Grant, Benromach and finally Coleburn Distillery.

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
That’s a tricky one. It’s hard to choose just one highlight from the past 34 years, but personally, I would say that having the opportunity to revive Benromach and Coleburn Distillery and being part of their growth and successes over the years has been a major highlight. Equally special is seeing someone buy a bottle of the whisky we’ve worked so hard to create and enjoy it. That’s very rewarding.

Can you remember your first dram, and what it was?
My first dram would have been a Bell’s 12 Years Old. Believe it or not, I didn’t start drinking whisky until I was around 30. As you get older, your palate develops and begins to appreciate things in a different way. You start to enjoy the finer things in life and whisky is one of those.

What does whisky mean to you?
Whisky has given me countless opportunities and opened many doors. Put simply, it’s what I do and what I’m passionate about. Several members of my family have worked in the industry for many years, so it has almost become a way of life for me. Very few people have the chance to progress from the shop floor to Master Distiller, so I consider myself extremely privileged.

Where would you like to see yourself in five years’ time?
In five years, I hope the next chapter of my career will be well established, with Coleburn Distillery producing exceptional spirit, five-star immersive experiences at the on-site Whisky Resort and further batches of the Local Heroes range being enjoyed around the world.

What was your last dram?
The last dram I enjoyed was a Benromach 10 Years Old, which is currently my whisky of choice. Our Local Hero “Sweet Peat” has a very similar flavour profile and has already become a firm favourite of mine.

Do you have a favourite whisky and food pairing?
Whisky and food is an interesting combination. I enjoy chocolate and cheese with whisky and strangely enough, Local Heroes “Sweet Peat” pairs well with both. Personally, I prefer it with cheese, as it brings out even more flavours in the whisky, though there are countless pairing possibilities.

What’s your favourite time and place to enjoy a dram?
Without a doubt, my favourite place to enjoy a dram is at home with friends and family. There’s nothing better than sharing a whisky after a long week at the distillery.

What do you think is going to be the next big thing on the whisky horizon?
For the industry as a whole, we need to continue delivering exceptional products to consumers worldwide who are seeking authentic, high-quality whisky with real provenance. Single malt fits perfectly with these aspirations. There are exciting opportunities in both emerging and traditional markets, as well as the potential to attract new consumers to single malt.

What’s the one dram you couldn’t live without?
Right now, it would have to be my first aged statement from Benromach – the 10 Years Old. It’s a perfect example of a dram that showcases the classic pre-1960s Speyside character. However, as the Local Heroes range expands and we eventually produce whisky from Coleburn Distillery, I’m sure one of these will become my must-have dram.

Many thanks to Keith Cruickshank. Who will be our next Whisky Insider? Click back soon to find out!