Oliver Hughes Was/is one of the most inspirational characters I have ever met. He is /was “Simply The Best” I have been around this industry for 55 years and have never met anyone who could match Oliver’s vision of where he wanted to be God knows, I have tried and failed so often but somehow…

People who think that sales of Scotch Whisky will rise for ever are completely deluded. In my lifetime in the business (now 55 years), I have seen more ups and downs than most of todays Industry leaders. In fact most of them were probably never born when previous “Shit hit the fan”. Therefore I find…

I have given much considered thought before arriving at the conclusion that I might, (only just might!), be in a position to continue my business activities — possibly even expand them — whilst also helping other, probably younger people to get a footing, then hopefully a grip in this great industry we call THE WHISK(E)Y…

Yep, it has been different to say the least. 3 visits to hospital for me since January….nothing really serious (at least I don’t think so), A respiratory problem which required reverse whatever it is called ie … stopping your heart and restaring it 15 seconds later. I remeber saying to the surgeon just before I…

A  question I am being asked more and more. Some people keep contacting me about all The Fairs, Tastings around the world etc., No matter which way it is played, a whisky from a Malt Distillery (in particular) is really the same, no matter which name one cares to attach to it. Casks can give…

1st..The tansparency stuff!! 2nd The outbreak of measles….aka new/proposed new distilleries in Scotland and Ireland 3rd..The view propounded by some, that malts will become a scarcity ?   1st…”A storm propogated in a teacup”….In other words a non issue. 2nd For sure there will be Red Faces, and of course in due course Bankruptcies ..…

What does everybody think of all the Distillery projects….Proposed projects we keep hearing about ? True or False. The name Pattinson comes to mind!!! Beware !!!! //John

Yesterday we went to register the death of my Mother in Law. She died on Sunday Aged 93….pretty good I would say. When we came out of the Registrars office the next people in line were a young couple with a tiny baby who was about to be registered. That encapsulated to me the Life…

Following up on my post regarding Transparency in Scotch Whisky, I have no doubt that it is a very well intentioned sentiment and being promoted by very well intentioned people. It is a bit like Liberalism in the broadest sense, and I share many of the Liberals’ views. However, it is nonsense to suggest that all of…

2016 has been noteworthy this far for a few reasons.   Lady P’s Mum aged 93 is very ill and not expected to survive much longer. I have got a Hip problem which will require a replacement unit sometime soon But they say they cannot do the replacement until my blood pressure is lower. I…