This post is in the same theme as the one I asked two days ago (regarding which distilleries impressed you last year). But this time I’d like to focus on specific individuals, rather than distilleries.
Taking a look at the whisky industry as a whole, and all the people involved in it, who do you feel are the leaders? The pioneers? The individuals who set the examples for others in the whisky industry to follow?
I’ll start off the discussion. I can think of a couple individuals who continue to impress me.
As a true pioneer, John Glaser of Compass Box Whisky comes to mind. He, in many ways, created a whole new concept in whiskymaking, producing artisanal whiskies through the meticulous, passionate marrying of small-production, high-quality whiskies.
And as an industry leader, I think of people like Mark Brown, the President and CEO of Buffalo Trace. Since he took over, Buffalo Trace has been producing numerous high-quality, cutting edge whiskeys at fair prices. And we have only seen the tip of the iceberg.
But there are many more people doing great things. Who do you see at the forefront of the industry? And why?
Gotta agree with John here..John Glaser for reasons mentioned above. Got to have respect for the boys that have been in this game for donkeys years too though, the ones who when they speak aye have a yarn to tell..Richard Paterson, David Stewart, Jim McEwan, the Laing Brothers etc. On the other side of the same coin you have Ashok Allingham at Amrut putting out stunning stuff.
I’ll second that Mr Allingham at Amrut has done an amazing job.
John Hall of Forty Creek Distillery in Canada is my hero. Great approach to making whisky.
Billy Walker also comes to mind. Purchasing and running BenRiach and Glendullan are really great. Always interested to see what is next in store for them.
Rick, I think you meant Glendronach (not Glendullan), right?
I nominate:
Ralfy for his wonderful video reviews and his blunt and subjective comments;
Mark gillespie for a continuing, quality whiskycast podcast;
whiskywhiskywhisky.com(Blue Photo) for a wonderful year of offering an alternate forum of discussion;
all the malt maniacs;
and any other individual, non-distillery, non-commercial, blog reviewing whisky.
That should read “(butephoto)” and not “(blue photo)”
I’ll nominate the people who organises events I have participated in the last year(s).
Spirit of Speyside festival, Limburg, Fringe, Spirit of Islay Website adding to that people who organises tastings, both private and public and to the online community making drinking whisky almost a subculture.
Macdeffe
I would vote for Ralfy Mitchell, even if he is not in the whisky-industry, but he is sure a guy to listen for!
I’ll add Eddie Ludlow to Macdeffe’s list. Taking tastings around England to make them more accessible and putting on Whisky Festivals in cities other than London.
Gordon Homer for his Spirit of Islay blog with weekly chats that have evolved over the past 10 yrs..and managing to persuade the odd Islay distillery manager to join in the banter too.
I’ll 2nd the nod for Mark Gillespie. His interviews are top notch and quite insightful. Certainly appreciate all your efforts John, can’t have this list w/o you on it! Also, Jeff Karlovich is doing some nice things with his Whisky events, hitting some smaller crowds with good variety and reasonable pricing. And while I’m at it, Here’s a nod to John MacDougall a real mentor & contributer to many in the industry.
Joe Howell, who handles the spirits at Federal Wine & Spirits, in Boston is the whisky industry leader that I would like to recognize.
The right kind of leadership consists not only in the creation not only of better whisky, but of better drinkers. The two can’t be separated. By taking the time to taste me and a great many others on a very wide selection of different single malts, he is both supressing uninformed brand-motivated buying and encouraging buying motivated by better values.
Not an easy question.
John Glaser is still pushing innovation and back with his spice tree.
Dr Lumsend with his Signet, trying to innovate.
Billy Walker to invest much effort and believes in the sherry casks with Glendronach, while testing new maturation processes.
In some ways, Nick Morgan with his Team trying to keep the prices of some malts still reasonable (compared to other products)
Richard Patterson for his energy at whisky Events
Jim McEwan for his innovative packaging
And many other players, mainly small, who are releasing interesting new products, including Ichiro
Bill Lumsden – Glenmorangie/Ardbeg
Paul Walsh – Diageo
Jim McEwan – BruichLaddich
And Rachel Barrie, because she is by far the prettiest nose (blender) in the business
No offense to Richard Paterson.
I second Red’s comments about Joe Howell at Federal Wine and Spirits.
Joe is a great ambassador for the whisky industry. He isn’t influenced by age or price. To him it’s about what people will enjoy. He has greatly expanded my knowledge and tastebuds in the last several years.
I’m lucky enough to live nearby but if you ever find yourself in Boston, a trip to see Joe is a must.
Yes, I meant Glendronach not Glendullan.
I’ve been to Glendronach (when Chivas owned it).. never been to Glendullan.
Have to add 1 more.. John Hansell.. best facilitation of ideas, news, etc.. ever in the Whisky world (in my opinion.)
While all of these inovators are spot and I could not agree more with every answer, there is one person distilling whiskey out of viginia that is making incredible american whiskey…this is ric wasamund of the wasund distillery. he is proving that great american whiskey can be made out side of kentucky.
also the boys at the hudson distillery with there small batch whiskeys and doing some fun stuff, as well as the gentlam at High west. i can’t seem to remeber there names.
Thanks Rick. Very kind of you to say that. Does that mean I can’t quit? (Just kidding.)
How about Jay Erisman at The Party Source? He’s fast becoming an innovator in the industry, working with Buffalo Trace to create his own versions of the Experimental Collection while holding down a demanding full-timer at the store and writing some great stuff for Malt Advocate. A man of many talents, and I hear he’s got more up his sleeve!
I’ll also nominate David Perkins of High West distillery in Park City, Utah. Though his own whiskey isn’t ready yet, he has sourced some amazing ryes that would never have seen the light of day in their original form otherwise.
He is also riveted by the history of rye whiskey, which gives him a perspective that few others in the microdistilling movement share. David is a great representative of the micro movement, and reflects the passion that is moving our small distillers to new and innovative heights.
Thank you, Sam K. That’s very kind of you to say. I am honored to be listed here.
For Bourbon, I would mention Kirin, owners of Four Roses. Executives like Teruyuki Daino and others deserve credit for doing right by this great distillery. (Now, if only they would send their Japanese whisky to America!) And in Scotland, that tireless champion of truth and justice, Managing Director Mark Reynier of Bruichladdich.
Can I just state that I did not pay lawschooldrunk any money whatsoever. Well, maybe a little bit
I have to agree with those mentioning Ralfy. I feel very privileged to be able to sit in the pub with him chatting about the whisky world over a couple of drams from time to time. It’s refreshing to have such an honest individual in amongst many of the online commentators who are working, or consulting, for some of the drinks companies. Not that I’m saying there is any bias anywhere, but Ralfy is certainly not one to mince his words.
Also I agree with John Glaser as it is through people like him that the whisky industry in Scotland will keep ahead of the game, so to speak. With Japan, the US and even India putting forward quality whiskies this is no time to be squabbling over definitions and rules – the industry needs to adapt to survive and his sort of innovation will hopefully inspire others to follow.
I think Raymond at Bladnoch offers a model that will increasingly be emulated not only in Scotland but in other places in the future.
Small-scale, human touch, no-pretension, approachable, affordable, artisan-crafted with the plus of being independent yet close to many of his fellow distillers.
And John Hansell, of course. I hear he does some blog thing on the internets that’s quite good reading.
so far, the comments have been about innovators who are making POSITIVE contributions/innovations. i was about to make a comment about a certain int’l spirits conglomerate and their “innovations” (higher prices for the same or lesser quality whisk(e)y and prices based on packaging and exclusivity) but i don’t want to turn this thread dark. let’s keep it positive. bt – definitely. high quality, consistency and it appears that they actually care for their customers.
Andrew Symington (Signatory, and more importantly, Edradour) for his willingness to experiment. Others clearly deserve the votes of confidence they’ve received above for the same type of forward thinking. Andrew does it on a smaller scale, perhaps, and I appreciate that. Ballechin # 4 is one wonderful example.
Another Andrew: Andy Davidson, and the whole gang, at Glencairn. Using their glass makes a huge, positive difference in nosing, tasting, and appreciating whisky (and perhaps whiskey and other spirits, too). And Andy is a wonderful gentleman to work with.
Jay, I was privileged to sample both the Rye ‘n’ Barrel and Wheat on Rye (thanks to John and Linda Lipman), and thought they were both great efforts. Looking forward to what’s next.
I also hope we cross paths some day!
Interesting thread this, as I was just today reading the article at the front of the Malt Whisky Yearbook 2010 by Gavin D Smith entitled Whisky Innovators. It features Bill Lumsden and John Glaser et al. A good wee read.
Raymond Armstrong at Bladnoch, Scotch whisky’s (indeed Ulster’s), answer to Donald Trump!!!
Seriously tho, he’s the most down-to-earth guy I’ve met from the whisky industry and what he has achieved with Bladnoch is incredible, with the potential for so much more. An auld eejit as well!!
Also, it has to be Ralfy for his honest, no-bullshit approach to all things whisky. Just tell them how it is Ralfy!!
the very knowledgeable Brett Pontini and his staff at Binnys. Developed palate, and an honest staff who seem to have firsthand experience tasting the stock, but honest enough to say I haven’t tried it. They stock wide and deep, ship nearly nationwide, buy single barrels of scotch and bourbon – giving the consumer the distillery vision, the independent bottlers, and their opinion.
Their basic Buffalo Trace is sublime, the young Caol Ila and Laphroig over the past years were bright, racy and delicious, the older Highland Park single cask bottlings were amazing to nose, taste and savor – and these are just a drop in the bucket.
On finally, I don’t know if its their size or Illinois taxation policies, but they are extremely well-priced, and that is before their semi-annual sales. Anyone with back issue of Malt Advocate – check out their advertisement (towards the front of the magazine, full page advert) – others take note – move that stock by pricing aggressively – it works for Binnys and may work for you.
On a personal level I would definitely say Brett Pontini and the good people at Binnys. I buy the majority of my scotches from them and listen to their opinions on things I am going to buy. Brett is always very helpful and honest.
John Hansell would be the top of the list.
I listen and have purchase based on your reviews. I appreciate your “no ego” approach and the fact you take time to respond to people and listen to their opinions. Keep up the great work John!
There’s too many to fit into one comment, but from online off the top of my head:
Mark Gillespie and WhiskyCast
John (of course) and this here blog
Mark and WhiskyWhiskyWhisky
Ralfy’s reviews – though I rarely get to watching all of them
The Malt Maniacs
The Good Dr Whisky
The team at Connosr who have done wonders in the last 12 months
The Twhisky lads Dubber and Clutch who were doing wonders on Twitter too, but seem to have calmed down of late
(and thanks to those who mentioned me)
My votes for distillery centric nominees would be for Jim McEwan and Mark Reynier at Bruichladdich and Billy Walker for revitalizing Glendronach. Regarding whisky enthusiasts who blog and inform, the Malt Maniacs and Caskstrength.net are favs and more recently your blog here, John. For retailers, The Whisky Exchange for an unbelieveable selection of stocks and my local Westchester NY shop Cross River Wine Merchant for bringing in the PC5 three years ago that got me hooked
Some great choices here – I would certainly add Jim McEwan and Mark Reynier here for what they have done to advocate for independent distilleries (although I know they have ruffled more than a few feathers) and for their innovation.
I would second the shout out for Brett Pontoni – The Malt Advocate recognizing him last year for his contributions and they continue into 2010. To that I would add Monique Houston here at the Dundee Dell (yes I am biased) but you could not find two better ambassadors at the retail/sales level the Brett and Monique.
I think the Ardbeg and Glenmorangie teams deserve some accolades as well. I don’t know all the folks involved in the decisions but Micky Heads, Jackie Thomson, Bill Lumsden and others connected with these two distillersy have done a lot to bring new innovative products to the market and helped make it a very interesting year.
Others mentioned (John and Compass Box, Andrew at Edradour/Signatory) also deserve our thanks.
I’ll cask my votes for Brett Pontoni and the Binnys crew and Sukhinder for creating the best go-to places where to buy in the US and UK respectively; John Hansell and Serge Valentin for advise on what to buy; Fred and Stewart Laing and Andrew Symington for bottling so many wonderful single casks over the years that might otherwise have been dumped into blends; Mark Brown and the BT crew, and Chris Morris and the OF crew for making great American whiskies and keeping them affordable; and last, Iain Henderson and Jimmy Russell for lifetime achievement acknowledgments for making stunningly memorable whiskies.
Let’s acknowledge the Dark Leaders because they impact us as well: the nameless bean-counters who close great and storied distilleries based purely on cost considerations; the Price Leaders who set whisky prices so high that only financial managers grown obscenely fat on the bounty of our tax dollars through making risk public and profit private along with insider market manipulations can afford them; the rapacious middlemen set up and protected by cozy arrangements with politicians, who rake profits merely by signing off on distribution paperwork; and the giant companies who can’t be bothered to find the outstanding casks in their warehouses.
I would agree with John Glaser at Compass Box, Bill Lumsden at Glenmorangie, THe good folks at Buffalo Trace and their Experimental Collection, The Malt Maniacs, and of course John Hansell. I would also add Chris Morris of Woodford Reserve. Although he’s had a couple of misses with his Master Distillers Collection, I love his innovation. Also, I would add Jim McEwan, not for what he’s been doing at Bruichladdich (I think he’s had better years than 2009), but for his work on the Eades Anticipation Series Double Malts with the Chris, Joe, and Brian in Virginia. I am really looking to see what they pull off in the near future.
I have to agree with Dr. Bill at Glenmorangie, and the Ardbeg crew. Also the nod to Binny’s and Brett, great picks with casks and very knowledgeable staff.
I loved two-bit cowboy’s note about Glencairn, those glasses certainly changed alot for me.
I’d like to give a nod to the Brand Ambassadors… working tirelessly to expand our knowledge, palates and their audience. Those that have come through Omaha have brought an enthusiasm and excitement to whisky that brings new fans online every time. Simon, Gerry, Martin, Sharon, Ian, David, Davinia, Steve, and George… I learn something new every time.
And John Hansell of course. Great dialogue.
Thanks for the nod, BJ.
Thanks to Eric, lawschooldrunk, and of course, Richard (who was kind enough to mention me even though I set his TomTom audio to music!).
There are so many people that I would consider to be industry leaders (and those of us in the media are on the periphery of that)…including folks like Richard, Nick Morgan, Bill Lumsden, Jim McEwan, the distillery managers like John Campbell and Michael Heads, the Laing brothers, the Urquharts of Gordon & MacPhail, the Grants at Glenfarclas, etc. I know that there are too many names to mention here…and by mentioning a few, I hope others are not offended by having their names left out.
John, while I said those of us in the media are on the periphery, I consider you one of those leaders as well. As an editorial voice and a rater of whiskies, your influence on the industry has been quite clear.
Mark
As a sometime contrarian I am often more easily motivated to contribute when disagreeing than the more positive alternative, but I had to admit Dr. Bill Lumsden would have to be at the top of my list. The Glenmorangie Signet is one of the most unique whiskies I’ve tried in a long time. The Nectar D’Or, Quarter Century and the new Sonalta are also spectacular.
One other individual left off the list who I think should be included is John Hall of Kittling Ridge/40 Creek Fame. He has done some wonderful things for Canadian whisky, giving it back some the respect it once had. I encourage any of you who have the opportunity to try his Double Barrel Reserve.
Cheers
Andrew Ferguson
Calgary, Canada