Highland Whisky Academy Masters

Tatsuya Minagawa

Visit one of Scotland's most famous Whisky Bars and chat with the owner about selecting, sourcing and selling.

The Highlander Inn sits in the centre of the Malt Whisky universe' in Craigellachie, Speyside and is world-renowned for it's amazing collection range single cask malts. The owner Tatsuya Minagawa has been a barman all his life, with the exception of a 3 year stint as Brand Ambassador for the Japanese Whisky brand Suntory. Tat's wealth of knowledge will showcase what makes a great destination whisky bar and serve 3 specially chosen drams as he discusses all things whisky with our group.

Tatsuya Minagawa

'The Whisky Doc' Dr Paul McLaughlin

Nosing and Tasting - A highly skilled and in-depth look at our senses and how you can enhance your own experience of whisky.

The Whisky Doc, Paul McLaughlin has dedicated his time to learning and tutoring his fellow Canadians about the world of Whisky. A respected and regular attendee to Scottish shores in search of more knowledge, Paul is also a good friend of ours, having shared many a whisky tale and Whisky Ambassador course together. A dentist by profession, The Whisky Docs speciality is in nosing and tasting and how to hone your own capabilities. The Whisky Doc will teach you how to bring your olfactory senses to life.

Dr Paul McLaughlin

Annie Manson

Our Sherry sommelier will be on hand to guide you through a stunning array of Sherry from Jerez.

Annie Manson, from Annie B's Spanish Kitchen was born and bread in the are and a direct descendant of John and Alexander Manson, founders of the Glen Garioch distillery. Although Annie was born with whisky coursing through her veins her speciality though is now Sherry. Our Sherry Sommellier now hosts tours in her home region of Jerez, and Annie will be with us to talk about one of Scotch Whiskies favourite partners. Annie expert gudiance will showcase some of Spain's finest sherries and Bodegas, their production methods and flavours.

Annie Manson

Andrew Smith

One of the most famous Independent bottlers will take you through the world of independent bottling and its place in the market.

Andrew Smith is a well known and respected member of the whisky world. Having worked in one of Scotlands finest Whisky hotels, Andrew has now setup his own distillery and independent bottling brand - Little Brown Dog. Andrew has worked as a whisky consultant on numerous new builds will be guiding you through his experience of setting up a distillery from scratch and building it into a successful business.

Andrew Smith

6 unforgettable experiences on the Malt Whisky trail

GLEN GARIOCH DISTILLERY

Glen Garioch Distillery

Established in 1797, Glen Garioch (pronounced 'Geery') is one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland - and its most Easterly. Situated in the historic market town of Oldmeldrum, Glen Garioch is a rare find indeed.

GLENDRONACH DISTILLERY

GlenDronach Distillery

Founded in 1826, GlenDronach has been creating the finest sherried single malts for nearly 200 years. Located in Forgue by Huntly, its reputation has travelled worldwide - to those in the know, it's a well kept secret.

GlenAllachie Distillery

GlenAllachie Distillery sits in the heart of Speyside, nestled into slopes of the Ben Rinnes mountain. Winning multiple awards in its first few years as an independent distillery, GlenAllachie is already renowned for producing fantastic whisky.

Knockdhu Distillery

At Knockdhu Distillery the methods used to make 'anCnoc' (pronounced 'a-nock') whisky have hardly changed in over 100 years, and it's these traditional techniques that help to create it's distinctive, modern flavour.

Ardmore Distillery

Unchanged since 1898, Ardmore still employs traditional distilling and warehousing methods in its peated single malt whisky. Ardmore is shaped by its deep-rooted connection to the land, people and wildlife of its Scottish Highland home.

Speyside Cooperage

Enjoy a journey through the lifecycle of the cask, as you experience the sights, sounds and aromas of a working cooperage. Watch skilled Coopers traditionally shaping, shaving and charring casks into what is an integral part of the whisky industry.

Your Experiences