Explore every episode of the podcast DistilleryTours

In this episode of the distillerytours.scot podcast, David Riddell records from Glendronach Distillery’s tasting room during its 200th anniversary year where he is joined by global brand ambassador Stewart Buchanan, who shares his journey through the Scotch whisky industry, from early hands-on production work and engineering roles to his transition into international brand advocacy.

The conversation explores Glendronach’s heritage and its distinctive sherry-cask style, as well as the importance of long, traditional maturation in shaping its character over two centuries. Stewart also reflects on sister distilleries BenRiach and Glenglassaugh, while touching on anniversary celebrations, visitor events and upcoming special releases to mark this milestone year.

In this episode of the distillerytours.scot podcast we travel to the far north of Scotland to the iconic Pulteney Distillery in Wick. As the distillery celebrates its 200th anniversary, David Riddell speaks to Brand Home Senior Host Daniel Ross in the tasting room to explore two centuries of whisky-making heritage.

They dive into Pulteney’s fascinating history - from its origins in 1826 and its ties to Wick’s once thriving herring industry, to the hands-on, traditional methods still used today. Daniel also shares his own journey into whisky and gives an insider’s look at the distillery’s celebrated core range, including the Harbour, 12, 15, and 18-year-old expressions - each reflecting that signature maritime character.

With anniversary-exclusive releases, new visitor experiences, and behind-the-scenes insights, this episode is a perfect guide for anyone planning a pilgrimage to this northern gem.

In this episode of the distillerytours.scot podcast we speak to Libby-Jo Dempster, Visitor Centre Team Leader at Tomatin Distillery. 

Libby-Jo tells us about Tomatin’s long and illustrious history, once the largest distillery in the world in the mid 70s it was producing some 12.5million litres of alcohol in a year! 

The 23 stills used back then have since become a more modest 6 - with the focus of the distillery now very much quality over quantity as evidenced in the variety of delicious malts Libby-Jo also talks us through. 

In this episode of the distillerytours.scot podcast we speak to Stewart Buchanan, Global Brand Ambassador for Benriach, Glendronach and Glenglassaugh distilleries. 

Stewart's undeniable enthusiasm for all things whisky shines through as we learn more about the enduring histories of both Benriach and Glendronach. 

But it is Glenlassaugh that we pay particular attention to, the small but perfectly formed distillery that is so heavily influenced by both land and sea and provides visitors with, in Stewart’s words: a ‘window to the past’ of whisky making. 

In this edition of the distillerytours.scot podcast we speak to Ian McAlister, Distillery Manager and Master Distiller at Campbeltown’s Glen Scotia Distillery. 

Ian tells us about Campbeltown’s rich whisky heritage and how Glen Scotia has been a part of that for many years. 

We learn more about the distillery’s various whiskies, including their Icons series which pays tribute to the Campbeltown community that ensured Glen Scotia prevailed through history. We may also mention the small matter of one of the distillery's bottlings winning the accolade of World’s Best Single Cask Single Malt in 2023. 

We also hear about the Campbeltown Malts Festival - a four-day celebration of Campbeltown's whiskies and a fantastic way to learn more about the region's malts. 

In this episode of the distillerytours.scot podcast we speak to Drew McKenzie Smith, Managing Director of Lindores Abbey Distillery.

Drew talks about growing up on the farm at Lindores Abbey and how, after a stint working away in England, he and his wife Helen returned to create the distillery we know today. 

We learn that it was thanks to Michael Jackson's book, Scotland and its Whiskies that the family found out about the Abbey's historic links with whisky production. And how that history continues to play a part in the whisky produced by the distillery now. 

Drew also talks about how the Abbey's French-born monks have played a part in the casks used for the distillery's exciting new release - Thiron, which will be available to buy in the distillery's Visitor Centre, online and from selected UK Stockists from 12th September 2024. 

Gordon Dallas is Experiential Ambassador at Ian McLeod Distillers, in this role Gordon brings the stories of Glengoyne, Tamdhu and now Rosebank Distilleries to life with an entertaining flourish!

We speak to him about all three distilleries and their delicious whiskies but with a particular nod to Falkirk’s Rosebank Distillery which has recently been ‘reawakened’ after a 25 year gap in production. 

We learn more about Rosebank’s fascinating history and its role in lowland whisky production and wonder if it’s possible that Alfred Nobel enjoyed a dram (or two)  at the distillery during his time in Falkirk in the 18 hundreds. 

Bridgeen tells us she has ‘the best job in the world’ at Clydeside Distillery and it is easy to understand why when you hear her talk about the distillery’s role in bringing back whisky production to the city of Glasgow. 

In the podcast you will discover more about Glasgow’s rich history of whisky production and how the distillery plays homage to that in its tours and hear about Clydeside’s range of single malts, which draw inspiration from the distillery’s location and industrial heritage. 

In this episode we speak to Lukasz Dynowiak, Global Brand Ambassador at International Beverages. 

Due to his role, Lukasz finds himself in the fortunate position of working with some amazing distilleries including Balblair, Pulteney, Speyburn and Knockdhu and so it will come as no surprise that there was plenty for himself and David to chat about. 

Listen as they delve into the history of each distillery with Lukasz explaining what it is that makes each of their malts so distinctive. Lukasz certainly has plenty of great stories to tell, so sit back relax and prepare to be fascinated…

In this episode we speak to Ian Stirling, joint owner of the Port of Leith Distillery - one of Scotland’s newest distilleries and the world’s tallest! 

Ian tells us about his journey from selling wine in London to co-owning the brilliant gin brand - Lind and Lime which helped set them on the path to building the fantastic Port of Leith Distillery. 

He explains how they managed to secure the land required for the build in Leith and what kind of whisky we can expect from in the coming months and years. 

Ian also answers some questions from our brand new feature - Desert Island Drams! 

In this episode we speak to Jamie Morrison, Glenturret Distillery’s Global Brand Ambassador. Jamie tells us some of the history of Scotland’s oldest working distillery and also brings to life Glenturret’s whisky expressions and its ‘extremely rare range’. 

Glenturret is the only distillery in the world to have a Michelin star venue on site, so there is some discussion around the amazing Lalique restaurant as well. 

In this episode, David Riddell speaks Angela Dineen, Operations Director at the Scotch Whisky Experience which is based at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile near to the castle itself. 

Angela tells us that the Edinburgh attraction is just about to launch a brand new immersive whisky experience which will enthral and engage anyone who visits. 

We also learn more about its amazing whisky collection, which happens to be one of the largest in the world and contains some unique and very old bottles of scotch! 

In this episode of the distillerytours.scot podcast, we’re joined by Iain Allan, Global Brand Ambassador for Glen Moray Distillery. Speaking with Iain we explore a distillery that might feel like a newer name to some, but is steeped in history and character.

Iain guides us through Glen Moray’s diverse range, from the approachable core collection to its more experimental cask-driven releases and the heritage expressions that reflect classic Speyside style. We also take a closer look at the Warehouse 1 Collection, including cask strength bottlings that showcase a richer, more intense side of the spirit.

Looking ahead, we chat about what’s coming up at Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, including the launch of the new Warehouse 1 experience, offering a more intimate, traditional-style cask tasting. Iain also shares details of one of the festival’s more unusual sessions, Shit Happens!, a behind-the-scenes look at the whisky-making process and a chance to taste expressions that never quite made it to market.

In this episode, David Riddell speaks to Archie McDermott, manager at Luvians Bottle Shop in St Andrews. 

Archie tells us more about the history of Luvians and its journey from Fife ice cream parlour to award-winning bottle shop, with the St Andrews branch stocking more than 300 different whiskies and the ‘mothership’ Cupar branch, custodians of over 1000 varieties of whisky… 

He also talks about Luvians role in the Fife Whisky Festival and the growth of the whisky industry throughout Fife and the surrounding areas. 

We speak to the legend that is James Cosmo - actor, producer and proud whisky connoisseur. James discusses how he went from Clydebank to Hollywood to star in over 150 films including Scottish classics Trainspotting and Braveheart and of course we also hear more about his role in the phenomenally successful Game Of Thrones TV series. 

We also hear all about the whisky James has produced with Annandale Distillery and how a call from his agent on New Year’s Day to Annandale’s David Ashton-Hyde led to him working with the distillery to create the delicious Storyman Whisky. 

Master blender Keith Law tells us more on the casks selected to blend Storyman and we hear how David made the move from Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck to work for Annandale Distillery and the Globe restaurant in Dumfries.

We speak to Holly Aynsley, PR & Events Manager and Calum Rae, Assistant Distillery Manager at Holyrood Distillery. Holly tells us about the history of Holyrood and why you should go along to enjoy some of the brilliant experiences that are available. She also tells us about the distillery’s Mash Up Festival and how to get your hands on some tickets. Calum explains their approach to distilling and the experimental work they have been doing using different casks and yeasts. 

We speak to Andrew Lennie, Single Malt Specialist at Whyte & Mackay. 

Andrew tells us all about Jura, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin distilleries; their history, the brilliant malts they produce and why we should visit! He also talks about some of the new expressions we can look forward to tasting in the future.

We speak to Jo McKerchar, Diageo Historian & Archivist and Kirsten Wilson Senior Site Manager at Glenkinchie Distillery. 

Jo tells us all about the history and legacy of Glenkinchie Distillery and its place as the Lowland home of Johnnie Walker while Kirsten explains the processes and traditional methods that go into producing such an outstanding and complex malt whisky. 

Karen tells us about the history of Angels’ Share Glassware and how she and her Dad were inspired by the Ken Loach film The Angels’ Share. She also tells us about the famous whisky angels and what it’s like being a director of the Fife Whisky Festival. 

We speak to Mike Stuart, owner of Inverurie Whisky Shop 

Mike tells us about the shop's incredible selection of whiskies as well as its popular whisky academy, tours and bespoke journeys. Not to mention his multi-award winning Foghouse Gin. 

We speak to John Stirling, director at Arbikie Distillery. 

John tells us about the distillery's new visitor centre and about how sustainability and a field-to-bottle approach is at the heart of everything they do..

We speak to Matthew McFadyen co founder and director of Glasgow-based retailer, The Good Spirits Co. 

Matthew tells us about how his passions for interesting whiskies, spirits and wine led him and two friends to set up the business, how the company’s three shops got through the COVID pandemic and he also recalls a memorable whisky voyage to Campbelltown. 

We speak to Dennis Malcolm, Master Distiller at Glen Grant Distillery. 

Dennis tells us some fascinating tales about his 60 year career in scotch whisky and also discusses what makes Glen Grant such a special distillery, being awarded the OBE for his services to whisky and what it’s like to have a 60 year old 25,000 euro whisky named after you. 

In this episode of the DistilleryTours.scot podcast, we head to the shores of the Firth of Forth to meet Colm O’Rourke, the larger-than-life owner of Blackness Bay Distillery in the historic village of Blackness, just outside Edinburgh.

Now in his seventies, Colm is pouring his heart and soul into his legacy project. The distillery’s whisky is made the traditional way in copper pot stills with unforgettable names: Lucifer and Lilith. Want to know the story behind them? You’ll have to listen in.

The distillery’s first single malt is still about a year away, but the branding journey is already turning heads. Colm tells us all about the battle to call it Mary Queen of Scotch, plus the thinking behind their cheeky new make spirit Virgin Mary and their blended whisky Blended Mary.

And that is not all. Colm also owns The Lobster Pot pub and restaurant in Blackness, a must-visit after any distillery tour and freshly crowned Best Seafood Establishment at the 2025 Food Awards Scotland.

We speak to Jo McKerchar, Diageo Historian & Archivist and Sam Hale of the Caol Ila Distillery. 

Sam and Jo discuss what makes the Caol Ila Distillery so special, from its unique and stunning setting to its role at the heart of the community that surrounds it. They also allude to the rich history of Islay and its enduring relationship with whisky - Caol Ila's 175th anniversary being a real cause for celebration this year. 

Richard Woodard speaks to one of the most well-known figures in Scotch whisky - Billy Walker of Speyside's GlenAllachie Distillery.

Billy tells us about his 50 years working in Scotch whisky, explaining what drew him to buy GlenAllachie in 2017 and how he has sought to fulfil the potential he saw in the distillery’s spirit. But it’s not all about single malt, Billy also discusses blending an unlikely sideline into rum and how Scotch whisky has changed over the past five decades. 

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Jonathan Wilson, Visitor Centre Operations Manager at the Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery in Perthshire.

 

Jonathan tells us what it’s like being part of the Bacardi family, while living the history of Dewar’s; what their other distilleries of Macduff, Royal Brackla, Craigellachie and Aultmore bring to his work, and his 182-mile charity cycle which took him to each one; the beauty of blends and the process involved in their Double Double 32 year old; and the surprise bit of wildlife that they pulled out of their condenser!

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Roslyn Frame, Brand Engagement Manager at the Tullibardine Distillery in Perthshire.

 

Roslyn tells us about how her preconceptions of the Tullibardine Distillery didn’t match the reality; how the whisky changed when Terroir Distilleries took Tullibardine over, giving them access to their Burgundy casks; and what their on-site cooper and hand-crafted approach bring to the visitor experience. 

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Andy Bell, Head of Sales for Europe and the Nordics for the Isle of Arran Distillers.

 

Andy tells us about the Lochranza Distillery’s unique history, and the impact its founder had on the wider whisky industry. He compares the processes at Lagg and Lochranza, and tells us about their Project North and South, which brought the two spirits together.

When we spoke to Pierrick for the Lagavulin podcast, the Jazz Festival Bottling hadn’t been announced, but we couldn’t help but ask him about it. 

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Pierrick Guillaume, Distillery Manager at the Lagavulin Distillery on Islay.

 

Pierrick talks about the sights, sounds and smells of Islay, why he loves working at the Lagavulin Distillery and the journey that brought him there, and why he’s taken the Lagavulin 12 year old on holiday with him.

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Mark Westmorland, global brand ambassador for the Wolfburn Distillery in Thurso.

 

Mark talks about the team at Wolfburn and how each of their strengths makes the Distillery thrive, how their motto of ‘Fortune favours the brave’ leads them in all they do, and how choosing his favourite whisky is like choosing his favourite child.

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Paul McDonagh, owner of the world-famous Bon Accord bar in Glasgow.

 

Paul says a dram of whisky is like a conversation in your hand – there's so much to know and talk about from the taste to the way it's been distilled. ⁠He also tells us about what makes the Bon Accord truly special, the many whisky clubs that call it home, and his favourite dram, the GlenDronach 18 Year Old.

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Lauren Mustard, Dufftown Distilleries and VIP Ambassador for the Balvenie and Glenfiddich Distilleries of William Grant & Sons.

 

Lauren tells us about the way Glenfiddich is experimenting with their whisky, the things she loves about both distilleries, and a charming denial of any family connection to the whisky industry, closely followed by several connections. She also tells us the story behind her favourite dram, the never-to-be-repeated, Snow Phoenix. 

In the latest episode of the distillerytours.scot podcast, we sit down with David Allen, Director of Sales and Marketing at Springbank Distillers.

David shares the rich history of distilling in Campbeltown and explains why Springbank is often described as a working museum. Family owned for many years and still fiercely traditional, the distillery continues to do almost everything by hand, from floor malting onwards. 

The conversation also highlights Springbank’s vital role within the Campbeltown community - this is a distillery built as much on people and place as it is on spirit.

We also delve into the resurrection of Glengyle Distillery in the early 2000s, a pivotal moment that safeguarded Campbeltown’s status as a Scotch whisky region. 

David also talks us through the distinct styles of Springbank, Hazelburn, Longrow and Glengyle’s Kilkerran, as well as the tours and visitor experiences on offer and the growing importance of the Campbeltown Malts Festival in attracting whisky lovers from around the world.

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Rikki Scott, Visitor Centre Supervisor at the Aberlour Distillery.

 

Rikki talks to us about avoiding the power of suggestion at a tasting, connecting people to a whisky through their own experience and the memories it brings back for them. From the smell of your mother’s hairspray to the look on your father’s face as he came home from work, different whiskies evoke something different for everyone.

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Gordon Dallas, Whisky Experiential Ambassador at the Glengoyne Distillery.

Gordon tells us about the famous Teapot Dram, how he took one of his tours to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, his love of history and how he’s really brought Glengoyne’s to life, including how alcohol pushed the evolution of the human species!

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Nick Savage, Master Distiller at the Bladnoch Distillery.

Nick tells us about his passion to protect and nurture the stocks at Bladnoch, his earlier work where he applied engineering concepts to improving the life of a cask, the theory behind Bladnoch's genius Waterfall series, and he gives his tasting notes on his favourite malt, the Bladnoch 14 Year Old.

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Paul Graham, Visitor Centre Operations Manager, and Fraser Hughes, Distillery Manager, at the Ardnahoe Distillery.

Paul and Fraser talk about what makes this brand-new distillery unique and what brings people back to Islay again and again; Fraser has an unusual way to find a job if you’re looking for one in the whisky industry; and Paul tells us about his favourite of the Hunter Laing whiskies – the Scarabus.

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Stewart Buchanan, Global Brand Ambassador for Brown Forman, who own the Benriach, Glendronach and Glenglassaugh Distilleries.

Stewart talks about the different whisky profiles of the three distilleries, gives his high points from the Benriach Distillery restoration, tells us more about the history of Glendronach and the surrounding area, and whets our palate with the tasting notes from the Glendronach Port Wood.

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Helen McKenzie Smith, co-owner of the Lindores Abbey Distillery in Fife.

Helen tells us about the history of the monks at Lindores Abbey, how she and her partner raised the money to build a distillery and the importance of not being ‘Disney-fied’, their approach to bringing up people through their team at the distillery, and of course the release of their first Scotch malt whisky – the 1494!

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Jenna Collins, Visitor Centre Supervisor at the Strathisla Distillery in Speyside.

Jenna tells us what it means to her to work at the Home of Chivas after spending her career working in distilleries, why she thinks everyone should get to write their own tasting notes, and news of their Distillery Reserve Collection for 2020. And there’s even an interesting request from Queen Victoria!

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Peter Holroyd, Distillery Manager at Kingsbarns Distillery in Fife.

Peter gives us a deep dive into the production of their award-winning Dream-to-Dram, from the mixture of yeasts they use, to their long-distillation; from their cut points to how their mixture of casks gives such a fruity but rich flavour – and there’s a surprise in his comparison to a sweet-shop favourite.

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Iain Allan, Visitor Centre Manager and Global Brand Ambassador at the Glen Moray Distillery in Elgin.

Iain tells us how the whisky has changed over the years, what he’d like to see change in the industry, and an amusing if slightly scary story about the history of the Distillery and its proximity to the old site of Elgin’s public hangings. 

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews John Fordyce, co-owner of The Borders Distillery in Hawick.

John tells us why he chose Hawick for the site of the distillery, why both the refurbished building and their focus on sustainability are so important to them, and why he thinks the industry should market blends with the same energy they market single malts.

In this edition of the DistilleryTours.scot podcast, we’re heading to the Angus coast to visit Angus Alchemy, just outside Carnoustie. We sit down with Distillery Manager Colin Thomson and founders Phil Paton and Martin Brown for a lively chat about their bold and unconventional approach to spirits.

From Honeyberry Moonshine to Prickly Gin, Angus Alchemy is shaking up the scene with inventive flavours, a rock ’n’ roll attitude, and tasting experiences that are anything but ordinary.

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews Annette Mackenzie, Visitor Centre Manager at the Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain.

Annette’s love of whisky is palpable and, as she tells us about the traditions of Glenmorangie brought down through generations of families working in the Distillery, she inspires us to experiment with different kinds.

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews David Thomson, owner of the Annandale Distillery in Dumfriesshire.

David tells us how he worked with Dr Jim Swan on the refurbishment, using sensory profiles to design Annandale’s whisky and its plant. And he also has an unusual tale of how they found their water source.

Nikki Simpson from DistilleryTours.scot interviews the Glenturret Distillery's brand ambassador Jamie Morrison.

Jamie told us what it’s like to work for one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, and whet our whistle with an evocative description of their Peated Edition single malt.

In this episode of the DistilleryTours.scot podcast, we’re joined by Alex Thomson, Brand Home Manager at Glenturret Distillery in Perthshire - Scotland’s oldest working distillery.

Alex takes us through Glenturret’s rich history and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at some of the tours that bring this iconic distillery to life for visitors. We also explore the Glenturret’s standout special releases, including an exclusive collaboration with Jaguar, and get a taste of what makes Lalique, the only two Michelin-starred restaurant housed within a distillery, such a remarkable experience.