30 MINS WITH HOLYROOD DISTILLERY MANAGER CALUM RAE

Ho ho ho! It’s that magical time of year when Mitch and Nicholas don their Santa hats (and questionable beards) to bring you the grand finale of Not Another Whisky Podcast for 2024. That’s right—it’s the Not Another Whisky Awards episode! 🎉Join us as we reflect on an incredible year of whisky, banter, and shenanigans. From the biggest laughs to the best drams, we’re diving into everything that made 2024 unforgettable. Expect stats that’ll blow your Santa socks off, whisky-fueled categories like “Best Guest,” “Most Over-the-Top Whisky Packaging,” and “Best Nicholas Rant,” plus some listener-voted gems. Spoiler alert: the jokes are reenacted live, so prepare for maximum festive flair.And if that’s not enough to keep you listening, there’s a HUGE announcement at the end of the episode that’ll shake things up for 2025. Trust us, it’s worth sticking around for. No skipping ahead—Santa is watching!So grab a dram, settle in by the fire, and celebrate the season with us in style. Whether you’re hiding from your in-laws or sneaking a sip at the office party, this is the ultimate way to toast the end of the year. Slàinte!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special live episode of Not Another Whisky Podcast, we take you straight to the heart of Speyside—to the iconic Benromach Distillery. Mitch is joined by none other than Keith Cruickshank, Benromach's distillery manager and a man with over 20 years of experience at the helm of this beloved distillery.Keith takes us behind the scenes of Benromach’s old-school approach to whisky-making, from their trademark subtle smokiness to their unwavering commitment to first-fill casks. Along the way, we explore the magic of Speyside peat and the dedication it takes to stick to tradition in a fast-changing whisky world.Expect stories about Keith’s early days breathing new life into the distillery, what keeps him excited after two decades. Whether you’re a whisky aficionado or just curious about what makes Benromach so unique, this episode is packed with insights and a dash of Speyside charm.So pour yourself a dram, settle in, and join Mitch and Keith for a conversation about the heart and soul behind Benromach. Don’t forget to hit subscribe and leave a review—it’s the best way to keep the whisky flowing.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Not Another Whisky Podcast, Nicholas takes the reins for an enlightening chat with the legendary whisky writer Dave Broom. Why, you ask? Well, Mitch had a minor scheduling mishap—turns out whisky isn’t the only thing that improves with timekeeping. While Mitch was busy not being here, Nicholas and Dave dove into the third edition of The World Atlas of Whisky, exploring the evolving global whisky scene, surprising new regions, and the joys (and headaches) of keeping up with the ever-growing industry.Get your copy of The World Atlas of Whisky (Third Edition) here: Buy on AmazonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Not Another Whisky Podcast, Mitch and Nicholas are back with their trademark blend of sharp wit, whisky expertise, and questionable banter.They dive headfirst into the hottest whisky news and stories that’ll have you raising a glass—or an eyebrow. First up, they celebrate the fiery launch of Loch Lomond’s new release, crowned IWSC Producer of the Year. Then, it’s a toast to Ewan McGregor’s remarkable charity auction for CHAS, raising an incredible £135,000 with his rare Arran cask whisky.Nicholas takes a deep dive into the dramatic rebranding of Highland Park, while Mitch raises an eyebrow at Diageo’s bold plan to redevelop Talisker. Fear not, history buffs—the original distillery was already a goner back in 1960.Geek out over Glenrothan, the upcoming whisky-themed movie, and dish on Glasgow 1770’s winter cask strength editions. The lads also tackle the controversial Wolfcraig unbranded spirit refunds and toast to Nc’nean’s groundbreaking sustainable bottle return scheme.From sustainability to spirits, this episode has it all, including a sneak peek at their next guest, the legendary Dave Broom, who’s got a new book and—wait for it—a beard oil worth discussing.Pour yourself a dram, sit back, and enjoy the ride—it’s a stonker!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mitch sits down with Phil Keene, the legendary mind behind House of Hazelwood, to explore a series of extraordinary whiskies that marry tradition with innovation. Phil, the Commercial Director of House of Hazelwood, takes us on a deep dive into the brand’s philosophy and the craft behind some of its most unique expressions—each one a testament to rare casks, ghost distilleries, and expert blending.From the floral elegance of The Garden at Hazelwood (47-year-old blend) to the robust, Highland-influenced Hazelwood Highlander (39 years), each dram tells its own story. Phil shares insights on preserving the delicate balance of aged whiskies, blending rare stocks, and working with silent distilleries to revive forgotten flavours. Mitch and Phil also discuss the role of grain whisky, age versus character, and how bespoke projects cater to the discerning whisky collector.Whether you’re a whisky investor or a die-hard fan of Islay’s smoky spirit, this episode has something for every palate. Grab a dram and join us for a conversation filled with laughter, history, and a few surprising notes on the future of rare blended Scotch.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Not Another Whisky Podcast, Mitch and Nicholas pull back the curtain on the Keepers of the Quaich—a society dedicated to honouring those who’ve made their mark in the Scotch whisky world. Both inductees share the story of their journey to becoming Keepers, from the exclusive ceremony at Blair Castle to what it really means to carry this honour.Alongside guest insights from fellow Keepers like Charlie Maclean MBE, Mark Thomson and Juliette Bucan, they explore the role of the Quaich society today: how it fosters whisky tradition, honours those in the industry, and even challenges what it means to protect Scotch’s legacy in a modern world. Expect stories, laughs, and behind-the-scenes secrets from whiskies most prestigious “club.”Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we reconnect with Pete Allison, co-founder and whisky maker at Woven Whisky. Since our first chat back in 2022, Woven has gone from strength to strength, blending whiskies from across the globe and shaking up the industry with its experimental, ‘borderless’ approach. Pete shares how the brand has evolved, from bold releases like the Experience No. 20 to the launch of its new blending studio in London.Join us as we explore the art of whisky blending, break down the barriers of tradition, and get an inside look at the creativity driving Woven’s vision. We will also explore how Pete and his team balance innovation with craftsmanship, their favourite unexpected flavour combinations, and what’s next for Woven.If you’re curious about whisky and love the idea of something new and exciting, this episode is for you. Plus, Pete shares where you can find Woven’s latest releases and how to get involved in creating your custom blend at their new studio. THE WOVEN LONDON STUDIO Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mitch & Nicholas catch up on all the mad news over the past month and catch up on what has been happening.Big news being the launch of Mitch's new venture Whisky Talks - check it out here -WHISKY TALKSSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Not Another Whisky Podcast, Mitch goes solo and is joined by Calum Rae, Distillery Manager at Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh. They dive into the distillery's journey since 2019 when Holyrood became the first single malt whisky producer in the city in nearly a century. From the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Calum and his team are reviving the city’s rich brewing and distilling heritage while shaking things up with modern, experimental approaches.Mitch and Calum reminisce about the ‘Edinbu’ release launch, where they shared a few drams and some good laughs. They also discuss Holyrood’s debut whisky, ‘Arrival,’ Expect some chat about how music can be related to what the distillery is doing as they explore what makes Holyrood one of the most exciting distilleries on the scene today.Whether you’re a whisky geek or just curious about what’s happening in the Scottish capital’s whisky world, this episode is a must-listen. So, grab a dram and tune in for some whisky banter and insights.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we head to Charlies flat in Edinburgh for a catch up over a few drams.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.