Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Morrison Bowmore

It started with my Dad, at home in Aberdeenshire. He had a single malt collection that I was in awe of and The GlenDronach was his absolute favourite. On leaving home for Edinburgh University, I used to treat myself to a miniature of single malt every couple of weeks as a reward for hard work, and soon tasting and collecting miniatures became a hobby.

Stuart MacBride, Author

I had gone to study architecture at Herriot Watt in Edinburgh. I personally loathed the degree, but personally loathed the degree, but occasionally we'd have a big dinner and that's where I learned about whisky. Although, apparently, my taste for whisky began much earlier. My parents tell a story that I waddled around a party when I was a toddler, unwittingly minesweeping everyone's drinks. It's fair to say my parents were fairly shocked when they discovered what had been happening!

Whisky being poured at an event

Angela Dineen, Operations Director at The Scotch Whisky Experience

I grew up in Speyside surrounded by whisky distilleries. My granda and uncle both worked at Benrinnes distillery, and I spent my summers at university working as a tour guide at Glenfiddich distillery. I feel in love with whisky during those fun-filled summers up in Speyside where I also made friends for life.

Nick Bradley, Brand Manager, Glen Scotia and Littlemill

I've enjoyed whisky since I was a very young man - my dad used to give me nips of it on fishing trips and when my mum was out! But moving to Scotland is where my love and appreciation really blossomed. The first thing I did was get myself a membership to whisky clubs. Then I was lucky enough to be offered the Brand Manager job with Glen Scotia, which was my first introduction to Campbeltown whiskies. Safe to say my mind was officially blown, and then I was truly happily hooked.

The original feature is from the Autumn 2022 edition of Whiskeria, delivered to the door of W Club subscribers and also free with any Whisky Shop purchase in store or online.