Whisky Pilgrims

A deep dive into independent bottling, as Andrew Smith (co-founder and director) shares his in-depth geekery of distilling and cask maturation. He is one half of Little Brown Dog in Aberdeenshire, which takes its name from his beloved dog, who was his constant companion, following him everywhere.In January, they won two major accolades at the highly esteemed Scottish Whisky Awards; gold medal for the best blended Scotch and the title of Independent Bottler of the Year.As we continue the whisky pilgrimage, join us in Andrew’s home to listen to the story and discover the how’s and whys of this rapidly growing whisky sector. These guys are amongst the ones who really know their craft and wizardry as they bring exceptional drams to the punters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your patience has been rewarded! Part Two of the conversation with Juliette and Callum Buchan recorded at the taproom, Against The Grain, in Elgin.Andrew and Josh introduce Part Two with GlenAllachie 10 year old, (Cask Strength Batch 59.4%) and the big hitter GlenAllachie 15 year old, (46%). We toast Juliette, celebrating her time at the giant of the Speyside region, The GlenAlachie distillery.In this second half, over more hauf an' haufs, we get personal, sharing stories worth sharing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GlenAllachie is one of our favourites for its complex adventurous drams and it's on our doorstep. One of their big personalities is European renowned Juliettte Buchan, French from birth, Scottish from heart. She has been European Sales Manager for 5 years, before becoming Brand Home Manager over a year ago.In this episode, we chat with Juliette and her husband Callum about another one of their loves; Against The Grain, a beer and whisky emporium in Elgin.We are introduced to hauf an' hauf with a GlenAllachie 9 Fino sherry cask, Benriach Smoky 12 and GlenAllachie 15. We had no agenda, just hit Record and let the conversation and pairings flow.In this first half, we also cover independent bottlers and maturation. Rather than cutting it short, you will need to wait for a couple of weeks for Part Two. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As you descend towards Rothes on the A941 you can see Doig’s pagoda peeping through the treetops. Tucked away in a narrow glen with the Granty Burn running through it, is the hidden gem of Speyburn distillery. It's not just its locale that makes it a hidden gem but the liquid. To taste it, you do need a little more effort than going to the supermarket and yet it doesn’t cost the earth. Don’t let the affordability fool you, they produce sumptuous drams. Distillery Manager, Euan Henderson treated Andrew and Josh to their range of whiskies (including an exceptional treat) that makes them stand out of the crowd. In this episode walk with them through the distillery and discover the contrast of the old and the new. The tales from past inhabitants and their pioneering drum maltings are exceptional, left untouched for decades they offer a fascinating insight into its heritage. The transition from the old to the new has been crafted by the people of the distillery itself, a clear expression of their passion and commitment to this distillery. Like Rothes itself, Speyburn deserves greater recognition. Putting this distillery in the spotlight shows of their heritage and commitment to excellence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The best laid plans of mice and men Go oft awry, And leave us only grief and pain, For promised joy!"In the late hours of the eve of the Scottish National Whisky Festival, Storm Éowyn got the better of us and our plans for our first episode didn't come to pass. Being Burns Night we explored the life of the great poet with drams from Lochlea and Annandale distilleries.  "Freedom and whisky gang thegither, tak aff your dram!” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Irishman and Yorkshireman share a common love of all things whisk(e)y.Join us in this Inaugural Episode and answer the clarion call to put your best foot forward on this pilgrimage of discovery. All are welcome, whether you are a seasoned traveller or struggling to find your feet in the world of whisky. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me today as I chat with Sam Staniforth (surname I consistently get wrong) a mum, whisky nerd, sensory rebel and a voice for women in whisky!Sam set off on a pilgrimage many moons ago and took the giant leap over the pond to Scotland. Originally from the US she embraced a culture, industry and dialect to which many a song was written!But how do you find your feet in an industry that has carved many a beaten track for us to follow?The obvious answer is SUPER POWERS, right?Sam invites us to rewire our prescribed sensory systems and embrace our individuality. With a little guidance she hopes to open the conversation, encourage shouting out loud and say the “wrong” thing. Her lived experience with synaestetia and  hyperphantasia are all the credentials she needs to create a new space in the drinks industry.We meander through Sam’s journey, her company Vantage creative, OurWhisky Foundation, motherhood and of course a wee tipple. Pick a spot, take a seat and enjoy.Slainte Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me today as I chat with Sam Staniforth (surname I consistently get wrong) a mum, whisky nerd, sensory rebel and a voice for women in whisky!Sam set off on a pilgrimage many moons ago and took the giant leap over the pond to Scotland. Originally from the US she embraced a culture, industry and dialect to which many a song was written!But how do you find your feet in an industry that has carved many a beaten track for us to follow?The obvious answer is SUPER POWERS, right?Sam invites us to rewire our prescribed sensory systems and embrace our individuality. With a little guidance she hopes to open the conversation, encourage shouting out loud and say the “wrong” thing. Her lived experience with synaestetia and  hyperphantasia are all the credentials she needs to create a new space in the drinks industry.We meander through Sam’s journey, her company Vantage creative, OurWhisky Foundation, motherhood and of course a wee tipple. Pick a spot, take a seat and enjoy.Slainte Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ey up! Here we continue with Josh’s story through life and whisky. After part one took us extensively through his cancer journey - we now focus on the highlights over the last couple of years! Ballindalloch, Balmenach and Glenmorangie Signet are a welcome line up for any drammer, so pop the cork and get comfy. Slainte!@whiskypilgrims#whiskypilgrims Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We often talk about the connection between whisky and its ability to ground us in a specific time and place, which can be said for most sensory experiences. Here, I talk with Josh Lavers as he indulges me with some of the drams which have shaped his journey to date. A young man who found himself at a crossroads, when his ambition to jump headfirst into the industry he loved, was abruptly paused. Battling cancer at the beginning of his production apprenticeship wasn’t what he had planned, to say the least.Josh shows us how keeping life simple and doing it with a smile is the fastest way to appreciating it. We explore some wonderful distilleries (Wolfburn, Ballindalloch, Balmenach Glenmorangie) and use each one as a marker on his linear timeline, endorse the wonderful charity Friends of Anchor, who supported Josh through his treatment, oh, and we drink some bloody good whisky.Some stories need a few drams and time to savour them, that’s why this one will need a part two. It’s a rocky road ahead, let’s not rush it.Slainte! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Irishman and a Yorkshireman meet up in the epicentre of Scotland for a few drams to celebrate 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On location at Benriach distillery, we chat to Stewart Buchanan, their Global Brand Ambassador and one of the friendliest, straight talking, whisky experts you’ll ever meet. He started out hands-on in the distillery, learning every part of the process. He knows what makes Benriach tick because he’s lived it. No fluff or flannel just passion and pizzazz.Now, as the face of Benriach around the world, Stewart shares that same enthusiasm wherever he goes. He’s all about keeping whisky fun and approachable, whether he’s pouring drams in Speyside or hosting tastings in Singapore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A marriage, a vatting, a blend — call it what you will.Some folks still turn their noses up at them. Maybe they had a rough encounter once, or maybe someone told them “real whisky” has to be single malt.But here’s the thing — there are millions who adore blends. Don’t let an old prejudice keep you from a new discovery. Not all blends are equal — and that’s the beauty of it. When the right whiskies come together, they can create something far greater than the sum of their parts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pilgrims can find themselves in unexpected places. Stay with us in this episode, as we discover what's behind Bogincur, a Wonderland in Moray; exploring water, coffee and whisky. We chat with Warren (aka The Wizard), a water engineer with many passions. He takes us on an adventure down the rabbit hole as we experience, among other things, a whisky that escapes the confines of time! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugely proud to introduce young Sam Nettleship, recent graduate from Heriot-Watt University, now part of the production at Ballindalloch Distillery, where we all met in 2024. In this episode, we keep it real and raw, listening to Sam’s whisky journey so far, whilst enjoying the Seven Springs Edition One and one of the Thompson Brother’s Mystery Malts. Included are his insights into savouring drams, heritage barley, English whisky, low fliers and his other love; rum. (Coming soon is an episode when we grapple with what it means to Drink Responsibly.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s no doubt that living in Speyside is whisky heaven but this time, Andrew and Josh take a detour to explore the rich, world of Irish whiskey.They meet up for a blether and uncork three bottles; one from the oldest licensed distillery in the world, another of the iconic John’s Lane release and a newcomer from the current whiskey renaissanceIn just two decades, Ireland has gone from three distilleries to nearly fifty. It’s not just a revival — it’s a revolution. And while Whisky Pilgrims usually seek out affordable, accessible drams for everyday enjoyment, this episode is a celebration, and one particular dram makes an exception. This isn’t Scotch versus Irish. It’s Scotch and Irish. Two traditions, two cultures, one shared love for whisk(e)y, so, whether your glass holds single malt or pot still, grain or blend, raise it high.Sláinte mhaith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.