Join Angus and I as we roll into Elgin for the final leg of our Speyside whisky road trip – and boy, have we got a corker of an episode for you! We managed to corner Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, the legendary independent bottler and a total powerhouse in the Scotch whisky industry.

This chat's a right laugh, folks. We dig into the incredible Gordon & MacPhail family business story, kicking off way back in 1895 when they were, believe it or not, just a local grocer. Stephen spills the beans with some hilarious and fascinating tales about growing up surrounded by whisky (literally!) – from helping his grandad knock down warehouses at Benromach Distillery to navigating the quirks of a multi-generational setup.

We chat about how independent bottling really works, the magic behind whisky maturation, and how Gordon & MacPhail's obsession with quality has kept them at the top of their game for decades. You'll get the inside scoop on their approach to cask management and why building proper whisky industry relationships is absolutely vital. Plus, Stephen drops a few hints about a brand-new release that's about to rewrite the history books – you won't want to miss it!

We'll be sipping on a cracking Glenburgie 1994 from their Connoisseurs Choice range, having a natter about their other distilleries like The Cairn Distillery, and, naturally, rounding it off with Stephen’s personal "What3Drams" picks.

If you're a fan of a good single malt whisky, love a genuine family business yarn, and fancy a chuckle, then this episode is well worth a watch (or a listen!).

Don't miss out:
Subscribe to the Whisky Stories Podcast for more cracking whisky content!

Join our Facebook Group for the Weekend Dram Roll Call – get involved and share your drams with the best whisky community around!

Keep an eye on our newsletter for Angus's Dram of the Week and loads 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
#WhiskyStoriesPodcast #GordonAndMacPhail #ScotchWhisky #SpeysideWhisky #IndependentBottler #Benromach #WhiskyHistory #FamilyBusiness #SingleMalt #WhiskyCommunity #Elgin #WhiskyTasting #WhiskyProduction #TheCairnDistillery

This week on Whisky Stories, it's a complete change of scenery! Graeme journeyed to India and got the incredible chance to catch up with Hemanth and Harsha from the Single Malt Amateur Club (SMAC) in Bangalore.

Join us as we dive into the fascinating story of how Hemanth, the visionary behind the SMAC, built India's largest whisky club from humble beginnings in 2011 to a massive community of over 7000 members today. Harsha was the first to join him, and together, they've not only expanded the club but also became India's first 'independent bottler' and a trusted voice for some of the world's biggest whisky brands.

Due to India's strict licensing laws, we set up our recording on a vibrant rooftop terrace in Bangalore, allowing us to freely explore the 6 or 7 whiskies we had on the table! Hemanth and Harsha offer a brilliant explanation of all things Indian Whisky, from its distilling origins to the potential impact of the new Free Trade Agreement, which will see tariffs on imported Scotch drop significantly from 150% to 75%.

Pour yourself a dram and join us for this unique global whisky adventure!

🥃 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 on the pod, we were back in the Diggers Vaults and joined by the brilliant Ali Reynolds—a man with a seriously impressive whisky journey. From award-winning bartender to global brand ambassador, and now running his own creative spirits marketing business, Ali’s got stories for days.

After winning World Class Bartender of the Year in 2015, Ali landed a dream role as Brand Ambassador for Johnnie Walker—the world’s biggest Scotch whisky brand. From delivering masterclasses and global training sessions, to helping shape how people engage with whisky, his impact has been huge.

In this episode, we talk about:
🥃 The role Johnnie Walker has played in shaping the Scotch whisky industry
🥃 How Ali made his training sessions stand out from the rest
🥃 His move to Denmark to work with the innovative Stauning Distillery
🥃 Launching his new creative agency, Yellow Hammer, which blends his experience in bartending, brand work, and spirits marketing with his passion for photography and storytelling

Ali also shared some great drams, cracking stories, and had us in stitches more than once. This one was packed with insights, laughs, and a fresh perspective on the whisky industry from the inside out.

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 #podcast #whisky #johnniewalker #scotchwhisky #whiskytasting #whiskeyadvice #whiskylovers #edinburgh #edinburghwhisky #singlemaltscotchwhisky #whiskygram

In this week’s episode, we were joined by Christopher Coates, Editor at Large for Whisky Magazine, along with returning guest and co-host Hazel MacLeod (aka Hazy Drams) from Woven Whisky.

Christopher took us through his incredible journey into the world of whisky—from an impromptu student tasting led by a German roommate, to working in the shop at the Scotch Whisky Experience, and eventually hitting the road (and the skies) as a full-time whisky writer, editor, and content creator.

From being handed the keys to a car and told to go find whisky stories in the Scottish Highlands, to producing world-class whisky content across print, video, and events, Christopher’s stories are as insightful as they are entertaining.

And, being the gent that he is, he brought along three brilliant whiskies for his What3Drams picks:
🥃 Dram 1: Hellyers Road ‘The Iberian’ – A Tasmanian single malt finished in sherry and port casks
🥃 Dram 2: Fuji Gotemba Single Blended – A beautiful expression from Japan
🥃 Dram 3: Tamdhu 21 – Sherried elegance from Speyside

We also caught up with Hazel on what’s new at Woven, and—of course—got stuck into plenty of top-quality Scotch whisky chat, drams, and storytelling.

It’s a longer episode this week, but trust us—it’s well worth pouring yourself a big one and settling in.

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 z#whisky #singlemaltscotchwhisky #japanesewhiskey #tamdhu21 #scotchwhisky #whiskyreviews #whiskygram #whiskytubefamily #whiskylover #whiskyfun #whiskylife #whiskey #whiskeyadvice #scotchwhisky

In this bonus episode of What 3 Drams, we asked our Whisky Stories followers and Facebook group what they thought were the best whiskies to pair with a BBQ—and then we did our best to bring it to life…

Unfortunately, we picked the only day last week when it absolutely pissed it down with rain, but that didn’t stop Angus and I from firing up the BBQ and cracking into three cracking whiskies to pair with some slightly overdone sausages.

Here are our What 3 BBQ Drams:
🥃 Glenallachie 12 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish (Limited Release) – Sweet, rich, and perfect with grilled meat
🥃 Ardnamurchan AD – A Highland coastal dram with just the right touch of smoke
🥃 Ardbeg An Oa – Peaty, punchy, and ideal for standing next to a smoking BBQ

The sausages were passable, the drams were excellent, and the sun eventually came out.

💬 Let us know what you think of our picks—and drop your go-to BBQ whisky recommendations in the comments!

Cheers!

🥃 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 #bbq #bbqwhisky #bestwhisky #whiskyreview #whiskyreviews #ardbeg #glenallachie #ardnamurchan #singlemaltscotchwhisky #singlemaltscotch #scottish #edinburghwhisky #whiskypodcast #whiskygram #whiskyvlog #whiskylovers

In this episode of What 3 Drams, we let Ross Barr loose in the legendary Athletic Arms (aka The Diggers Whisky Vaults)—one of our favourite places to record, hidden down in the cellar beneath the pub.

Surrounded by some absolute gems like the Glenfiddich Old Classic Reserve, Glengoyne White Oak, and a full shelf of Ardbeg releases, Ross had one task:
👉 Pick his top 3 whiskies from the Vault.

Here’s what he went for:
🥃 Dram 1: Aberlour 11 Year Old Bourbon Cask – Distillery Exclusive
🥃 Dram 2: Ballindalloch First Fill Bourbon
🥃 Dram 3: Highland Park Cask Strength

We want to know:
💬 What do you think of Ross’s picks?
💬 What should we cover next in What 3 Drams? Let us know in the comments!

Subscribe for more whisky picks, stories, and nonsense from the vaults.

🥃 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 #whiskyvlog #whiskytasting #scotchwhisky #whiskylovers #highlandpark #aberlourwhisky #scotchwhisky #scotch #singlemaltscotchwhisky #caskstrength