Moray
Whisky Guide ExtraordinaireMoray brings an unmatched passion and expertise to our team. His stories of Scotland and banter make him a perfect whisky host. His deep love for Islay and it’s peaty whiskies and his extensive knowledge of Scotland’s distilleries make him an invaluable guide for our guests.
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What’s the most unusual whisky you’ve ever tried? A 53-year-old Lagavulin, given straight from the cask by the legend himself, Iain MacArthur.
What whisky would you serve to your best friends? Sharing a Bunnahabhain Palo Cortado sherry cask from Warehouse 9 is unforgettable.
Advice for new whisky enthusiasts: Variety is key. Don’t pick a whisky just because someone said it was the best. Everyone’s palate is different. There are thousands of malts out there; strap in and enjoy the ride.
Jamie
Whisky Guide ExtraordinaireJamie’s dedication and enthusiasm make every whisky tour a unique and enriching experience. His knowledge of Scottish history comes through on every tour. Join him on a journey through Scotland’s most renowned distilleries and discover the magic of Scottish whisky and delve into Scotland’s history.
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If you could enjoy a dram with any three people, living or dead, who would you invite? My grandfather, Billy Connely and Frankie Boyle. My grandfather liked a dram, I never actually had a chance to enjoy one with him. I’d like to see how he’d react to the other two Scottish comedians. He was quite old fashioned so it would be interesting.
What tips would you give to someone looking to deepen their knowledge of whisky? Listen to your guides, they have a wealth of knowledge and ask questions. They know more than they’ll tell you. Read books and watch tasting videos on YouTube etc.
What is your favourite whisky region and why? Definitely Islay, I was not always a big fan of whisky. I think most people work their way up to Islay whisky, learn to appreciate what an Islay whisky holds. For me it was the opposite, I found whisky quite inconsequential really until I tried first a Bowmore and then a Laphroiag. Just bursting full of character and that is what really sparked my love for whisky.
Frazer
Whisky Tour ExpertFrazer, our whisky tour expert, is a proud Orcadian with a deep-rooted passion for whisky. He’s your man if you have questions about any of our tours or want help to create your dream itinerary. His love for both heavily peated Islay whiskies and the sophisticated subtleties of Speyside malts brings a unique perspective to our team.
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If you could only drink one whisky: If I had to choose just one whisky to drink for the rest of my life, it would be a tie between Ardbeg An Oa and Highland Park 18. Ardbeg An Oa captivates with its smoky power, wrapped in smooth, silky butterscotch, black pepper, and clove. On the other hand, Highland Park 18, matured in sherry seasoned casks, offers a sophisticated taste of ripe cherries, and candied orange peel, with a whisper of Orkney’s salty seaspray. It’s a nod to my hometown Kirkwall and a testament to Highland Park’s masterful craftsmanship.
Favourite whisky region: Speyside and Islay are both incredibly special to me. Speyside whiskies are renowned for their smooth and subtle flavours, often with fruity and floral aromas. Islay, on the other hand, is all about bold, peaty whiskies that carry the essence of the island itself. The history and heritage of Islay whisky are deeply intertwined with the identity of the island, making it a truly unique experience.
Advice for new whisky enthusiasts: My best advice for someone new to the world of whisky is to keep an open mind. Don’t be intimidated by the experts or the vast selection out there. Whisky is incredibly diverse, and there’s something for everyone. Start with different regions and styles to find what resonates with your palate. And remember, it’s not just about tasting; it’s about the stories, the history, and the people behind each bottle. Engage with fellow enthusiasts, visit distilleries, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
Stefan
WHISKY GUIDE EXTRAORDINAIREStefan brings a wealth of passion and knowledge to our whisky tours. His favourite part of the job? Meeting whisky lovers from around the world and introducing them to the surprising delights of Scotland’s finest spirits.
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What’s the most unusual whisky you’ve ever tried? The weirdest whisky I’ve tried was The Macallan ‘The Harmony Collection – Fine Cacao.’ They worked with a master chocolatier to create a blend that really does have strong notes of chocolate. I had one dram and liked it a lot, but I almost passed out when I saw the price label.
If you could only drink one type of whisky for the rest of your life, what would it be? Laphroaig. It is my father’s favourite whisky and the first one I really enjoyed when I was younger. It might not be ‘the best,’ but I always associate it with Christmas and other special family occasions, so it will always have a special place in my heart.
What tips would you give to someone looking to deepen their knowledge of whisky? Sample whiskies far and wide to find what you like. Taste is extremely subjective, and the only way to find the one you like the most is to try them all. You’ll soon narrow down what you like and what you don’t, which will help you identify ones in the future that you are more likely to love. Just be open-minded as there are plenty of surprising whiskies out there! I would also add that price (up to a certain point) is not an indicator of quality. There are plenty of excellent, cheaper whiskies out there.
If you could enjoy a dram with any three people, living or dead, who would you invite, and what would you serve? I’d invite Billy Connolly, Kevin Bridges, and Bon Scott. I’d serve something smooth and affordable like Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve, given the quantities likely to be drunk at that kind of party!
Clare
Head of OperationsClare is the captain of our whisky adventures, navigating our passages through the waters of life and distillery experiences. Combining her whisky expertise, nearly a decade of experience in tourism and deep knowledge of Scotland’s travel routes, Clare ensures every journey is as smooth as a dram of the finest whisky. When she’s not coordinating tours, you’ll find her sampling the latest distillery offerings or wild swimming in Scotland’s serene lochs, always ready to chart a new adventure.
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What tips would you give to someone looking to deepen their knowledge of whisky? Come on a Scottish Routes tour of course! Or check out Ralfydotcom.
What advice would you give to someone new to the world of whisky? Get involved. Pop into a pub and try a whisky flight. I am of the opinion that there is a whisky for everyone! There are so many different flavours and strengths you will find something you like.
What is your favourite whisky region and why? Islay. I love the sense of adventure of having to get on a ferry or plane to visit. The people on the island are friendly and being by the sea is wonderful. And, of course, it’s an island of incredible whisky. I love peaty whisky. You have iconic, historic distilleries like Bowmore established in 1779 but also newer exciting distilleries such as Kilchoman and Ardnahoe.
Olga
Digital Marketing Wizard-
What’s the most unusual whisky you’ve ever tried? That would be the Octomore Edition 14.3 during a visit to the Bruichladdie distillery on Islay. It’s a peaty marvel that packs a punch. I thought it was delicious—loved the complexity and the extreme boldness.
Do you prefer your whisky neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water? Neat is my go-to, especially in a Glencairn glass. But I do like to play around with a few drops of water to tease out those hidden aromas and flavours.
What advice would you give to someone new to the world of whisky? Dive in headfirst! Sample whiskies from different regions, try them at various temperatures, and don’t shy away from adding water or ice to discover what you like best.