Exploring Glenlivet's New Cask Masters Collection with Andrew Bardsley and Kevin Balmforth

In this episode, we dive into the Glenlivet's new Cask Masters collection with special guests and Kevin Balmforth, Glenlivet’s newly appointed Master Blender and Andrew Bardsley, the Global Brand Director of Prestige at Pernod Ricard, The discussion touches on their personal experiences, motivations, and approaches to crafting these unique whiskies. We taste and evaluates three new expressions: the 14-year-old, 16-year-old, and 19-year-old, highlighting the distinct flavours, casks, and innovations involved. Kevin also shares insights into the creation of the Glenlivet 56-year-old special release, and there are discussions on the balance between innovation and consistency in maintaining Glenlivet's storied legacy. The episode wraps up with information on where to find these exclusive whiskies in travel retail.

00:00 Introduction to Glenlivet's Cask Masters Collection

00:10 Meet the Experts: Andrew Bardsley and Kevin Balmforth

01:40 Setting the Scene: Quake Bar and Festive Vibes

02:14 Andrew's Busy Year and New Releases

04:16 Kevin's Journey in the Whisky Industry

07:53 The 14-Year-Old Glenlivet: Tasting and Insights

16:08 Exploring the 16-Year-Old Glenlivet

18:02 Exploring Whisky Styles

18:49 The Surprising 16-Year-Old

20:36 Innovation and Consistency at Glenlivet

23:09 The Unique Scottish Oak

30:19 The 56-Year-Old Glenlivet

33:38 Cask Masters Series and Pricing

35:54 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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In this episode, Mitch welcomes back Mark Thomson, to the Pod. They chat about Mark's recent departure from Duncan Taylor. Mark discusses his transition to freelance work, selling his house, and moving to the countryside. They delve into the current state of the whisky industry, including trends, pricing, and the future of brand ambassadorship.

Mark also shares his top picks for value whiskies under £100 :

-https://www.inchdairniedistillery.com/

-https://www.glenscotia.com/products/12-year-old-single-malt-whisky

https://www.arranwhisky.com/shop-whiskies/arran-single-malts/14-arran-quarter-cask-whisky-the-bothy

https://www.bowmore.com/en-gb/whiskies/15-year-old-sherry-oak-cask

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:47 Catching Up with Mark Thomson

01:26 Life Changes and New Beginnings

03:07 Whisky Industry Insights

05:27 Market Trends and Predictions

14:41 Brand Ambassadorship Challenges

17:30 Value Whiskies Discussion

18:09 Reviewing the Limited Edition Arran Whiskey

19:37 Exploring Glen Scotia's Offerings

20:53 Discovering InchDairnie Distillery

23:40 Tasting Notes on Tormore and Bunnahabhain

27:59 Reflecting on Whisky Preferences and Trends

32:00 Whisky Predictions for 2026

35:47 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

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Mitch chats with Greg Schwartz and Guy Satchwell, the masterminds behind the riveting whisky docuseries, 'Water of Life' and 'Independent Spirits'. Get a front-row seat to their journey from film sets to distilleries, the joyous mayhem of their shoots, and the serendipitous moments that fuelled their passion projects. Along the way, they spill secrets about their upcoming 'Farm to Bottle' series and tease the next Independent Spirits Festival. Spoiler: there’s plenty of whisky, collegiality, and late-night drams in between!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:43 Meet the Guests: Greg Schwartz and Guy Satchel

01:50 The Water of Life: Origins and Inspirations

05:31 Making Connections in the Whisky World

09:19 Filming Challenges and Experiences

15:03 The Impact of COVID-19 on the Film's Release

16:16 The Journey to the Docuseries

16:27 The Birth of the Independent Bottlers Film

17:18 Challenges and Collaborations

18:42 The Making of the Docuseries

19:21 Insights into Independent Bottlers

22:01 Structuring the Series

26:53 The Independent Spirit Festival

30:19 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

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Welcome back to the chaos! Daz and Mitch kick off the episode with beard banter and a Santa lookalike contest. Then they rejoice over Scotland's World Cup qualification. Mitch shares his packed schedule, including tours and tastings with bartenders and ambassadors from across the globe. The episode also features an interview with Tom Jolly and Pavel Sowa from the new fine dining spot - Geamair blending local produce with innovative dishes. They chat about Bruichladdich's quadruple distilled whisky, RoseIsle maltings halting production, and Glencadams new visitor centre.

00:00 A Humorous Start

01:26 Celebrating Scotland's World Cup Qualification

03:45 Whiskey Adventures and Tastings

10:56 Fine Dining at the Craigellachie Hotel

21:34 Discussing the Menu Concept

22:47 The River Space Course

23:18 Goals for the Restaurant

24:52 Booking and Pricing Details

26:41 The Gamekeeper and Polly's Tipple

30:44 Whiskey News: Diageo Halts Roseisle Maltings

32:39 Peatland Restoration Efforts

37:34 Brooke Laddie's Quadruple Distilled Whiskey

39:22 Glen Ham Visitor Center Opening

41:54 Holiday Whiskey Traditions

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In this special episode of 'Not Another Whisky Podcast,' hosts celebrate nearing their 200th show by welcoming co-host Mitch Beard as a guest on his own podcast!

Mitch discusses his recently published book, 'Not Another F*cking Whisky Book,' shares some of its hilarious anecdotes, and reflects on the challenges and inspirations behind writing it. They delve into the unique storytelling style, the process of self-publishing, and how his personal stories intertwine with serious whisky industry topics.

Check out the book here

00:00 Introduction and Episode Milestone

00:27 Technical Difficulties and Podcast Setup

00:55 Special Guest Introduction: Mitch Beard

02:42 Mitch Beard's New Book

04:50 Inspiration Behind the Book

11:02 Writing Process and Challenges

13:20 Self-Publishing and Advice for Aspiring Authors

15:01 Writing Process and Style

15:51 Releasing the Book and Initial Reactions

17:14 Stories from the Book

22:53 Whisky and Sustainability

23:45 Future Plans and Reflections

27:07 Where to Buy the Book

28:33 Upcoming Podcast Episodes

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This week, Mitch goes it alone and visits the brand new Eden Mill Distillery in Guardbridge, just a stone’s throw from the historic town of St Andrews, where he catches up with the Brand Home Manager, Euan Kinninmonth.

Set on the banks of the stunning Eden Estuary (with views toward the iconic St Andrews skyline), Eden Mill blends rich heritage with bold modern innovation. Euan guides Mitch through the distillery’s dual focus on both gin and whisky — from their award-winning coastal gins (including botanicals sourced from the local Fife landscape) to their rapidly evolving single-malt whisky programme.

But there’s more than production to explore: the new visitor centre opens up a next-level experience, featuring a top-floor cocktail bar overlooking the estuary, and yes — a golf simulator (naturally, given the proximity to the home of golf) built right into the distillery experience.

Tune in to find out how Eden Mill is creating spirits with a sense of place, embracing sustainability (including running on renewable electricity) and carving out a distinctive voice in the Lowland whisky scene.

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This week Mitch and Daz sit down with Sullivans Cove CEO, Andy Gaunt, they chat all thing Tasmanian whisky and get to try their new 25 year old (the oldest 'New World' whisky to hit the market.)

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.