Episode 48: Angus Alchemy

In this episode of the DistilleryTours.scot podcast David is joined by Mark Westmorland, Global Brand Ambassador for Wolfburn Distillery in Thurso, for a fascinating chat about one of Scotland’s most northerly whisky producers.From Wolfburn’s history and distinctive single malts to its small-batch releases and the experience of visiting the distillery, there’s plenty to discover. Mark also shares his remarkable journey from police officer to whisky ambassador, before revealing some very personal choices in Desert Island Drams.There’s also news of a special charity bottling in support of Poppyscotland. Released to mark 100 years of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, the limited-edition 12-year-old single malt will see £15 from every bottle sold donated to Poppyscotland to support veterans and their families.So pour yourself a dram and join David and Mark for a conversation filled with whisky, memories and a few laughs along the way.

In this episode we head to Speyside to speak with Tino Took - VIP and Guide Team Leader at Glenfiddich Distillery about starting out in a whisky bar in Iceland to becoming part of one of Scotland’s best known distilling families. Tino shares his journey into whisky and reveals the history, traditions and craftsmanship behind Glenfiddich. David also chats to Tino about the distillery’s famous triangular bottle, its pioneering approach to global markets, the importance is long-term family ownership and what makes Glenfiddich’s whisky distinctive. Plus, there’s the usual desert island drams where Tino reveals his dream dinner guests, favourite whiskies, music and the one bottle he’d take with him. 

In this month’s DistilleryTours.scot podcast, David visits the newly refurbished Dalmore Distillery to meet Ludo Ducrocq, Head of Brand Homes and Head of Ambassadors at Whyte & Mackay.Ludo shares the fascinating story of how a summer job at a distillery sparked a career in whisky, before taking David through Dalmore’s rich history, its distinctive approach to whisky-making and the thinking behind its newly reimagined visitor experience. There’s also a look at Dalmore’s famous multi-cask maturation, its exceptional range of whiskies and what visitors can expect when they book a v private experience at the distillery.And, of course, David puts Ludo through the ever-popular Desert Island Drams, discovering his dream dinner guests, whisky choices, music, reading material and the one dram he would take with him when sailing off into the sunset.

In this episode of the distillerytours.scot podcast, we visit Glencadam Distillery to speak with Master Blender Iain Forteath. Iain shares his journey from wine and retail into whisky, and explains how Glencadam’s bright, fruity and characteristically creamy spirit has evolved from a historic blending malt into a celebrated single malt in its own right.We explore the distillery’s 200-year history and traditional hands-on production as well as Glencadam’s core range -  from the approachable 10 Year Old to older bourbon-cask expressions and the varied Reserva series. Iain also lifts the lid on sourcing exceptional casks, the growing world of Chinese single malt at the company’s Chuan Malt Whisky distillery, and exciting upcoming releases - including the oldest Glencadam ever bottled.In Desert Island Drams, Iain picks his dream dinner guests, favourite whiskies, music and the one bottle he would sail away with!

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’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 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.

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.

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.