First things first, how are you settling in?

I’m settling in really well. The team has been very welcoming and helpful, and it is very beneficial having Alan still with us to ensure a smooth transition.

So, importantly for our Whisky readers, how did you get into the world of whisky and what made you realise that you loved it?

I first got into whisky out of curiosity, fascinated by the variety of region, different styles, flavours and stories behind each brand. I got hooked to whisky from the very first tasting a dram, what I expected to be harsh, that turned to be a very smooth yet rich experience. Learning about the craft behind it just deepened that passion.

Tell us a bit about your life – are you a London local?

I’m from Italy, more specifically from the Amalfi Coast. I grew up surrounded by natural beauty and family traditions, but my curiosity and eagerness to know more brought me to Middle East in 2014, where I lived til 2020 between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Although I have a master’s degree in IT, I’ve been working since 14 at local bars and hotels and when I moved to Dubai I learnt more in depth about hospitality. I’ve been working through the years in some of the most prestigious hotel companies in the world and some of the best bars, working with a wide range of different cultures. London came calling in 2020 and since then I’ve lived there with my wife and 2-year-old little girl.

Do you have a favourite place for a dram in London?

I’ve been experiencing the amazing bar scene available in London, and I still enjoy the comfort and calm of a hotel bar like The Connaught or The Artesian, however you can’t ignore the amazing selection of Japanese whiskies at Sexy Fish or Milroy’s Soho.

Anywhere else in the world that you recommend for whisky drinkers?

I think everyone should experience a trip to a distillery to be fully immersed and appreciate more whiskies. When it comes to bars, I had a really good time at the Widder Bar in Zurich - their whisky library is a must.

Do you find more young people are getting into whisky?

Over the past 5 years, the number of young people approaching whisky has increased, especially since mixologists started to play more with it. Tequila and Mezcal have been a fair competitor to whisky, but most the Mezcal drinkers are originally peated whisky drinkers.

Do you have a dream whisky, one that you're dying to taste?

I would love to try some of the vintage range whiskies from silent distilleries like Brora or Port Ellen before they become completely extinct. However I recently got into Japanese whiskies, and I wish I could taste the Yamazaki 55.

Do you collect whisky yourself?

Not now, but I might get to start soon!

What are you drinking at the moment? 

Since I joined The Whisky shop I have familiarised myself with some brands I'd only heard of in the past and never had the pleasure to try. I got myself a bottle of Arran Amarone Cask (as I love wine as well) and I found it very approachable, with nice notes of red berries, rose and white chocolate.

Arran Amarone Cask Finish

£56.00

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This expression sees Arran's signature single malt finished in Amarone casks from Veneto to create a wonderfully unique flavour profile.

Expect aromas of rose water, ripe cherry, and milk chocolate on the nose. The palate brings red berries, heather honey, and stewed pears before leading into a finish full of cocoa with hints of rose water and cherry appearing again at the close.

Last question: Do you have a favourite whisky fun fact?

I love the fact that in Scotland there are around 22 million barrels of whisky ageing. That’s about 4 for every person!

We are thrilled to welcome Paolo to The Whisky Shop world, and wish him the best of luck in his new role!