This week, we were joined by the brilliant Stuart Baxter—aka Barley Baxter—Global Spirits Ambassador for International Beverage, covering iconic Scotch whisky brands like Old Pulteney, Speyburn, Balblair, and anCnoc.

Stuart’s whisky journey began with the Chivas Ambassador Programme, and since then, he’s travelled the globe sharing drams and stories. One highlight? His wild time working in India—including that unforgettable night as the only guest in an entire hotel.

We dived into the history of Old Pulteney Distillery, including the wild days of prohibition in Scotland when the distillery was—believe it or not—used as a morgue.

Stuart brought some fantastic whiskies for us to try, including a dram from Speyburn, which only opened its doors to visitors in the last three years. With its drum maltings from 1905—the first distillery to install them—it’s now firmly on my must-visit distillery list.

We were also lucky enough to sample a rare staff-only bottling from Balmenach, and a surprise dram from New Zealand—Cardrona Single Malt Whisky.

And if that wasn’t enough, we even uncovered the bizarre connection between Dr Seuss and a drunken duck in a kilt...

An episode packed with whisky, scotch, distillery stories, global adventures, and big laughs.

Enjoy! 🥃🌍🦆

🥃 For all things Whisky Stories, visit our Linktree! You'll find quick access to our latest podcast episodes, social media channels, exclusive content, and more:
https://linktr.ee/WhiskyStories

💬 Did you enjoy this video? Let us know why in the comments!

☑️ Subscribe to Whisky Stories here:
https://www.youtube.com/@WhiskyStoriesPod?sub_confirmation=1

---------------
*Welcome to the Official YouTube Channel of Whisky Stories*

This is your definitive source for all things Scotch whisky and its rich culture. Step into the realm of our acclaimed Whisky Stories Podcast, where we dive deep into the tales of single malt Scotch, blended Scotch, and whiskies from across the globe. Our channel is helmed by the lively Edinburgh trio of Graeme, Angus, and Ross, who bring the authentic atmosphere of a Scottish whisky pub right to your screens. We gather in our favorite Edinburgh spot to chat with a wide array of guests from the whisky industry—master distillers, historians, and enthusiasts—who bring with them stories as varied and complex as the whiskies they love.
One of the highlights of our podcast is the 'What 3 Drams' segment, where guests pick three whiskies that hold personal significance and share not just the flavors but the rich anecdotes and histories behind each one. From vintage single malts to innovative new blends, these discussions uncover the multifaceted nature of Scotch whisky.
➡️ At Whisky Stories, we cover everything from thorough tastings and distillery histories to the nuances of whisky production and the latest industry news. Whether you're a fan of the deep smokiness of Islay Scotch or the subtle complexities of Highland single malts, our channel is packed with information to enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of whisky. Hit subscribe and follow us to stay updated with our regular uploads that not only entertain and inform but also deepen your appreciation for whisky. We encourage responsible drinking as you join our community and share in the fun, engaging, and sometimes cheeky conversations that only Whisky Stories can offer. Raise a glass to more great drams and greater stories from Edinburgh’s vibrant whisky scene! Cheers!

---------------
📲 *Follow Whisky Stories on Social Media:*

Instagram ▶️ https://www.instagram.com/whiskystoriespod/
Facebook ▶️ https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Whisky-Stories/
TikTok ▶️ https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskystories

🎧 Check out the Whisky Stories Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you stream your podcasts. Join us for in-depth discussions, fascinating tales, and a deep dive into the world of Scotch whisky:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whisky-stories-podcast/id1716848202
https://open.spotify.com/show/7plPZwwVx2LzHWYPggnoKj

---------------
#WhiskyStories

This week, we bring you the final episode from our epic Whisky Stories road trip up north—and we’re wrapping it up in style with a private tour of Tomatin Distillery.

Located in the heart of the Highlands, Tomatin is a Highland Distillery with a rich history and a reputation for producing some truly exceptional Scotch whisky. We were lucky enough to get access-all-areas, diving deep into the production process, the history of the distillery, and of course… sampling whisky straight from the cask in their oldest warehouse.

Along the way, we kept the fun going with a few of our favourite games—Mystery Distillery and Play Your Distilleries Right—and we also heard the chaotic tale of Chuck’s mad dash to the airport after one too many drams the night before his flight to Japan.

This episode is packed with great laughs, brilliant insight, and some stunning Tomatin whisky. A huge thanks to the team at Tomatin Distillery for the warm welcome and the unforgettable experience.

Enjoy!

🥃 For all things Whisky Stories, visit our Linktree! You'll find quick access to our latest podcast episodes, social media channels, exclusive content, and more:
https://linktr.ee/WhiskyStories

💬 Did you enjoy this video? Let us know why in the comments!

☑️ Subscribe to Whisky Stories here:
https://www.youtube.com/@WhiskyStoriesPod?sub_confirmation=1

---------------
*Welcome to the Official YouTube Channel of Whisky Stories*

This is your definitive source for all things Scotch whisky and its rich culture. Step into the realm of our acclaimed Whisky Stories Podcast, where we dive deep into the tales of single malt Scotch, blended Scotch, and whiskies from across the globe. Our channel is helmed by the lively Edinburgh trio of Graeme, Angus, and Ross, who bring the authentic atmosphere of a Scottish whisky pub right to your screens. We gather in our favorite Edinburgh spot to chat with a wide array of guests from the whisky industry—master distillers, historians, and enthusiasts—who bring with them stories as varied and complex as the whiskies they love.
One of the highlights of our podcast is the 'What 3 Drams' segment, where guests pick three whiskies that hold personal significance and share not just the flavors but the rich anecdotes and histories behind each one. From vintage single malts to innovative new blends, these discussions uncover the multifaceted nature of Scotch whisky.
➡️ At Whisky Stories, we cover everything from thorough tastings and distillery histories to the nuances of whisky production and the latest industry news. Whether you're a fan of the deep smokiness of Islay Scotch or the subtle complexities of Highland single malts, our channel is packed with information to enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of whisky. Hit subscribe and follow us to stay updated with our regular uploads that not only entertain and inform but also deepen your appreciation for whisky. We encourage responsible drinking as you join our community and share in the fun, engaging, and sometimes cheeky conversations that only Whisky Stories can offer. Raise a glass to more great drams and greater stories from Edinburgh’s vibrant whisky scene! Cheers!

---------------
📲 *Follow Whisky Stories on Social Media:*

Instagram ▶️ https://www.instagram.com/whiskystoriespod/
Facebook ▶️ https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Whisky-Stories/
TikTok ▶️ https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskystories

🎧 Check out the Whisky Stories Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you stream your podcasts. Join us for in-depth discussions, fascinating tales, and a deep dive into the world of Scotch whisky:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whisky-stories-podcast/id1716848202
https://open.spotify.com/show/7plPZwwVx2LzHWYPggnoKj

---------------
#WhiskyStories

We’re back in Dornoch for Episode 2 of our Highland whisky adventure, and this time, Phill and Simon Thompson gave us the full behind-the-scenes tour of everything they’ve built—and everything that’s still to come.

We started at the heart of it all: the Dornoch Distillery, tucked away in the back garden of Dornoch Castle. This tiny distillery—built in an old storage building—is one of the smallest in the world, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character and craftsmanship.

The lads walked us through their whisky-making ethos, from using heritage barley and old-school yeast strains, to how they push their tiny stills to get the character they’re after.

Then it was a short stroll through the town to visit their bonded warehouse, where they store, bottle, and label both their independent releases under Thompson Bros and their own Dornoch Distillery whisky.

We also got a sneak peek into their exciting new project—Mystery Distillery—and we’re already buzzing for what’s to come.

After a quick browse in their bottle shop, we made our way to the site of their next big venture: the future home of the Struie Distillery. Phill and Simon shared the vision behind the build and how whisky fans can get involved through their crowdfunding campaign.

And of course, we wrapped it all up back at the Dornoch Castle bar, enjoying some cracking whiskies... and some seriously questionable opinions about how to eat French pastries.

Another brilliant episode full of whisky, scotch whisky, whisky history, and a look into the future of Highland whisky.

🥃 For all things Whisky Stories, visit our Linktree! You'll find quick access to our latest podcast episodes, social media channels, exclusive content, and more:
https://linktr.ee/WhiskyStories

💬 Did you enjoy this video? Let us know why in the comments!

☑️ Subscribe to Whisky Stories here:
https://www.youtube.com/@WhiskyStoriesPod?sub_confirmation=1

---------------
*Welcome to the Official YouTube Channel of Whisky Stories*

This is your definitive source for all things Scotch whisky and its rich culture. Step into the realm of our acclaimed Whisky Stories Podcast, where we dive deep into the tales of single malt Scotch, blended Scotch, and whiskies from across the globe. Our channel is helmed by the lively Edinburgh trio of Graeme, Angus, and Ross, who bring the authentic atmosphere of a Scottish whisky pub right to your screens. We gather in our favorite Edinburgh spot to chat with a wide array of guests from the whisky industry—master distillers, historians, and enthusiasts—who bring with them stories as varied and complex as the whiskies they love.
One of the highlights of our podcast is the 'What 3 Drams' segment, where guests pick three whiskies that hold personal significance and share not just the flavors but the rich anecdotes and histories behind each one. From vintage single malts to innovative new blends, these discussions uncover the multifaceted nature of Scotch whisky.
➡️ At Whisky Stories, we cover everything from thorough tastings and distillery histories to the nuances of whisky production and the latest industry news. Whether you're a fan of the deep smokiness of Islay Scotch or the subtle complexities of Highland single malts, our channel is packed with information to enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of whisky. Hit subscribe and follow us to stay updated with our regular uploads that not only entertain and inform but also deepen your appreciation for whisky. We encourage responsible drinking as you join our community and share in the fun, engaging, and sometimes cheeky conversations that only Whisky Stories can offer. Raise a glass to more great drams and greater stories from Edinburgh’s vibrant whisky scene! Cheers!

---------------
📲 *Follow Whisky Stories on Social Media:*

Instagram ▶️ https://www.instagram.com/whiskystoriespod/
Facebook ▶️ https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Whisky-Stories/
TikTok ▶️ https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskystories

🎧 Check out the Whisky Stories Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you stream your podcasts. Join us for in-depth discussions, fascinating tales, and a deep dive into the world of Scotch whisky:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whisky-stories-podcast/id1716848202
https://open.spotify.com/show/7plPZwwVx2LzHWYPggnoKj

---------------
#WhiskyStories

We hit the road for a true Highland whisky adventure as the Whisky Stories Grand Tour to Dornoch begins!

Leaving Edinburgh bright and early at 7am, we jumped in the Whisky Wagon and headed north. After a quick stop at Tomatin Distillery (more on that in a future episode!), we made our way to Dornoch to meet the brilliant Phill and Simon Thompson—aka the Thompson Bros.

Phill and Simon welcomed us with open arms for the weekend and gave us the full story behind their incredible journey—from bottling 1930s whisky on their parents’ kitchen table, to launching their own line of independent bottlings, building the tiny but mighty Dornoch Distillery, and now planning their bold next step: the brand-new Struie Distillery.

We stayed at the beautiful Dornoch Castle, enjoyed a cracking evening in the cellar with the lads, and were treated to some amazing whiskies and proper Highland hospitality.

This is just Episode 1 of our Dornoch adventure—stay tuned for Part 2 next week, and trust us, you won't want to miss it.

Enjoy! 🥃🏰🔥

🥃 For all things Whisky Stories, visit our Linktree! You'll find quick access to our latest podcast episodes, social media channels, exclusive content, and more:
https://linktr.ee/WhiskyStories

💬 Did you enjoy this video? Let us know why in the comments!

☑️ Subscribe to Whisky Stories here:
https://www.youtube.com/@WhiskyStoriesPod?sub_confirmation=1

---------------
*Welcome to the Official YouTube Channel of Whisky Stories*

This is your definitive source for all things Scotch whisky and its rich culture. Step into the realm of our acclaimed Whisky Stories Podcast, where we dive deep into the tales of single malt Scotch, blended Scotch, and whiskies from across the globe. Our channel is helmed by the lively Edinburgh trio of Graeme, Angus, and Ross, who bring the authentic atmosphere of a Scottish whisky pub right to your screens. We gather in our favorite Edinburgh spot to chat with a wide array of guests from the whisky industry—master distillers, historians, and enthusiasts—who bring with them stories as varied and complex as the whiskies they love.
One of the highlights of our podcast is the 'What 3 Drams' segment, where guests pick three whiskies that hold personal significance and share not just the flavors but the rich anecdotes and histories behind each one. From vintage single malts to innovative new blends, these discussions uncover the multifaceted nature of Scotch whisky.
➡️ At Whisky Stories, we cover everything from thorough tastings and distillery histories to the nuances of whisky production and the latest industry news. Whether you're a fan of the deep smokiness of Islay Scotch or the subtle complexities of Highland single malts, our channel is packed with information to enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of whisky. Hit subscribe and follow us to stay updated with our regular uploads that not only entertain and inform but also deepen your appreciation for whisky. We encourage responsible drinking as you join our community and share in the fun, engaging, and sometimes cheeky conversations that only Whisky Stories can offer. Raise a glass to more great drams and greater stories from Edinburgh’s vibrant whisky scene! Cheers!

---------------
📲 *Follow Whisky Stories on Social Media:*

Instagram ▶️ https://www.instagram.com/whiskystoriespod/
Facebook ▶️ https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Whisky-Stories/
TikTok ▶️ https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskystories

🎧 Check out the Whisky Stories Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you stream your podcasts. Join us for in-depth discussions, fascinating tales, and a deep dive into the world of Scotch whisky:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whisky-stories-podcast/id1716848202
https://open.spotify.com/show/7plPZwwVx2LzHWYPggnoKj

---------------
#WhiskyStories

This week, we welcomed back Justine Hazlehurst, co-founder and organiser of the Fife Whisky Festival, to talk about the success of this year’s festival, which took place over three whisky-filled days in March.

Our conversation sparked an interesting debate—should Fife become its own independent whisky region in Scotland? With the growing number of Fife whisky distilleries and the success of the Fife Whisky Festival, the idea is certainly worth exploring!

But Justine wasn’t just here to talk about the festival—she’s also just written and published a whisky book, and it’s one that dives deep into one of the most infamous events in Scotch Whisky history: The Pattison Crash of the 1890s.

The Pattison Brothers have made frequent appearances on the podcast, but Justine has uncovered the full, fascinating story in her new book, Opening the Case. Their shady accounting practices, lavish spending, and African Grey parrots trained to advertise their whisky nearly brought Scotch Whisky to its knees.

This episode is packed with whisky history, Fife Whisky, whisky scandals, and plenty of great chat.

Enjoy! 🥃📖🔥

🥃 For all things Whisky Stories, visit our Linktree! You'll find quick access to our latest podcast episodes, social media channels, exclusive content, and more:
https://linktr.ee/WhiskyStories

💬 Did you enjoy this video? Let us know why in the comments!

☑️ Subscribe to Whisky Stories here:
https://www.youtube.com/@WhiskyStoriesPod?sub_confirmation=1

---------------
*Welcome to the Official YouTube Channel of Whisky Stories*

This is your definitive source for all things Scotch whisky and its rich culture. Step into the realm of our acclaimed Whisky Stories Podcast, where we dive deep into the tales of single malt Scotch, blended Scotch, and whiskies from across the globe. Our channel is helmed by the lively Edinburgh trio of Graeme, Angus, and Ross, who bring the authentic atmosphere of a Scottish whisky pub right to your screens. We gather in our favorite Edinburgh spot to chat with a wide array of guests from the whisky industry—master distillers, historians, and enthusiasts—who bring with them stories as varied and complex as the whiskies they love.
One of the highlights of our podcast is the 'What 3 Drams' segment, where guests pick three whiskies that hold personal significance and share not just the flavors but the rich anecdotes and histories behind each one. From vintage single malts to innovative new blends, these discussions uncover the multifaceted nature of Scotch whisky.
➡️ At Whisky Stories, we cover everything from thorough tastings and distillery histories to the nuances of whisky production and the latest industry news. Whether you're a fan of the deep smokiness of Islay Scotch or the subtle complexities of Highland single malts, our channel is packed with information to enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of whisky. Hit subscribe and follow us to stay updated with our regular uploads that not only entertain and inform but also deepen your appreciation for whisky. We encourage responsible drinking as you join our community and share in the fun, engaging, and sometimes cheeky conversations that only Whisky Stories can offer. Raise a glass to more great drams and greater stories from Edinburgh’s vibrant whisky scene! Cheers!

---------------
📲 *Follow Whisky Stories on Social Media:*

Instagram ▶️ https://www.instagram.com/whiskystoriespod/
Facebook ▶️ https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Whisky-Stories/
TikTok ▶️ https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskystories

🎧 Check out the Whisky Stories Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you stream your podcasts. Join us for in-depth discussions, fascinating tales, and a deep dive into the world of Scotch whisky:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whisky-stories-podcast/id1716848202
https://open.spotify.com/show/7plPZwwVx2LzHWYPggnoKj

---------------
#WhiskyStories

This week, we welcomed back Hazel MacLeod, now a Whisky Specialist at Woven Whisky. Hazel was actually our third-ever guest on the podcast, and back then, she was working in Business Development for William Grant & Sons, handling major brands like Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Monkey Shoulder.

Since then, she’s made the jump from the big whisky names to the world of independent blending, where Woven is redefining what it means to create “yummy whisky” through innovation, experimentation, and creative cask selection.

Unlike traditional Scotch Whisky blending, Woven explores unique casks from around the world and pushes the boundaries of flavour. Hazel introduced us to their latest release—a "Spirit Drink" blending whisky with coffee, part of an exciting collaboration with Assembly Roasters.

As a sleep-deprived dad to a six-month-old, I can confirm that whisky and coffee might just be the ultimate pairing—and this Woven Makers Project Coffee release was something truly special.

We recorded this episode in The Athletic Arms - Diggers cellar, which we’re now officially christening “The Diggers Vaults”.

A fantastic chat full of whisky, blending, innovation, and plenty of laughs.

Enjoy! 🥃

🥃 For all things Whisky Stories, visit our Linktree! You'll find quick access to our latest podcast episodes, social media channels, exclusive content, and more:
https://linktr.ee/WhiskyStories

💬 Did you enjoy this video? Let us know why in the comments!

☑️ Subscribe to Whisky Stories here:
https://www.youtube.com/@WhiskyStoriesPod?sub_confirmation=1

---------------
*Welcome to the Official YouTube Channel of Whisky Stories*

This is your definitive source for all things Scotch whisky and its rich culture. Step into the realm of our acclaimed Whisky Stories Podcast, where we dive deep into the tales of single malt Scotch, blended Scotch, and whiskies from across the globe. Our channel is helmed by the lively Edinburgh trio of Graeme, Angus, and Ross, who bring the authentic atmosphere of a Scottish whisky pub right to your screens. We gather in our favorite Edinburgh spot to chat with a wide array of guests from the whisky industry—master distillers, historians, and enthusiasts—who bring with them stories as varied and complex as the whiskies they love.
One of the highlights of our podcast is the 'What 3 Drams' segment, where guests pick three whiskies that hold personal significance and share not just the flavors but the rich anecdotes and histories behind each one. From vintage single malts to innovative new blends, these discussions uncover the multifaceted nature of Scotch whisky.
➡️ At Whisky Stories, we cover everything from thorough tastings and distillery histories to the nuances of whisky production and the latest industry news. Whether you're a fan of the deep smokiness of Islay Scotch or the subtle complexities of Highland single malts, our channel is packed with information to enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of whisky. Hit subscribe and follow us to stay updated with our regular uploads that not only entertain and inform but also deepen your appreciation for whisky. We encourage responsible drinking as you join our community and share in the fun, engaging, and sometimes cheeky conversations that only Whisky Stories can offer. Raise a glass to more great drams and greater stories from Edinburgh’s vibrant whisky scene! Cheers!

---------------
📲 *Follow Whisky Stories on Social Media:*

Instagram ▶️ https://www.instagram.com/whiskystoriespod/
Facebook ▶️ https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Whisky-Stories/
TikTok ▶️ https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskystories

🎧 Check out the Whisky Stories Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you stream your podcasts. Join us for in-depth discussions, fascinating tales, and a deep dive into the world of Scotch whisky:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whisky-stories-podcast/id1716848202
https://open.spotify.com/show/7plPZwwVx2LzHWYPggnoKj

---------------
#WhiskyStories