I wanted to find out the best way to learn how to taste whisky like a Master Blender.

So I asked one. Dr Kirstie McCallum has over 26 years blending experience throughout the whisky industry and is the Master Blender for Whyte & Mackay. She oversees the whisky coming from Jura, Tamnavulin, The Dalmore and Fettercairn as well as the Whyte & Mackay blend.

But how can you learn to taste whisky like a Master Blender? It turns out you just need to keep practicing and smelling as many different things as possible.

Adding water to identify different aromas and being open to trying lots of different types of whisky.

0:00 Introduction — Live at Tamnavulin Distillery
3:00 What Does a Master Blender Actually Do?
6:00 How Do You Grade and Select Casks Across a Portfolio?
9:00 How Did Both Kirsties Fall in Love With the Whisky Industry?
12:00 When Did You Go From Making Whisky to Actually Enjoying a Dram?
15:00 How Do You Make Whisky for Different Global Markets?
18:00 How Does Cask Management Work at Tamnavulin?
21:00 Why Doesn't Tamnavulin Have an Age Statement?
24:00 Do Casks Get Shared Between Tamnavulin and The Dalmore?
27:00 Why Does Tamnavulin Stay at 40% ABV?
30:00 How Do You Taste Whisky Like a Master Blender?

I headed up to Tamnvaulin Distillery during Spirit of Speyside Festival to check out what goes on at the distillery which is closed to visitors for 51 weeks of the year.

While I was there I got a chance to sit down with two of the most important people at Whyte & Mackay; Dr Kirstie McCallum who is the Master Blender for Whyte & Mackay and covers The Dalmore and Fettercairn, and Kirsty Hodge who is the Whisky Maker for Tamnavulin.

We chatted about how they got into whisky coming from a chemistry background, the importance of taste and smell versus just chemistry, why Tamnavulin doesn't have an age statement release on the market, why Tamnavulin releases are all at 40% abv, and I asked them to help me learn how to taste whisky.



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*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!

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🎧 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:
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https://open.spotify.com/show/7plPZwwVx2LzHWYPggnoKj

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#WhiskyStories

I always wondered how independent bottlers got hold of casks and why big brands and distilleries were so happy to sell whisky to them.

But when Finn Thomson explains how he gets the casks from the likes of Diageo, they all work together to grow whisky instead of competing.

If independent bottlers can introduce whisky drinkers to new whiskies from distilleries and brands then it helps everyone grow.

0:00 Introduction
4:00 Is Finn Thomson's Family Scotland's Oldest Whisky Family?
7:00 The First Record — James Thompson Gets Caught in 1772
12:00 How Did the Family Business Actually Work in the 1800s?
15:00 The WWII Chapter — David Thomson Captured in France
20:00 What Did Scottish Whisky Look Like Before Distilleries?
25:00 The Ben Eagles Brand — How Did It Start?
32:00 Launching Ben Eagles at Gleneagles — Did It Work?
36:00 The Golden Era of Whisky Packaging — Ceramic Eagles and Swing Tops
44:00 What Does It Mean to Be a Custodian of a Whisky Brand?
49:00 How Do You Carry a Brand Forward Without Losing Its Identity?
52:00 Why Finn Chose Expensive Packaging Over Cheaper Bottles
58:00 How Does Premium Packaging Actually Affect Sales?
1:00:00 What's Wrong With How Independent Bottlers Market Themselves?
1:04:00 How Do You Build a Brand Through Retailers Rather Than Direct Sales?
1:08:00 How Do You Balance Young and Old Releases as an Indie Bottler?
1:16:00 Does Finn's Grandfather Still Have a Say in the Business?
1:20:00 Why Do Big Companies Like Diageo Support Small Independent Bottlers?
1:24:00 The Tartan Army World Cup 2026 Bottles — What's the Story?
1:32:00 Scotland vs Brazil 1998 — The Stories Behind the Cask
1:40:00 Tasting the Tartan Army Bottlings — Glengarioch 28 Year Old
1:44:00 Why the World Cup in America Is a Big Deal for Scottish Whisky

Finn Thomson is an Independent Bottler with deep family roots in the whisky industry and history going all the way back to 1772.
Starting how own Independent Bottler business and brand was a big step, but when you hear the family history, it's almost like Finn was destined to do this.
In this episode we spoke about Finn's family whisky history and then how that transferred to him. We dived into branding and how important a bottle shape, feel and design is. We spoke about access to liquid, the casks that Finn still has from his grandfather and his new exciting project for the World Cup with the Tartan Army Whisky special releases.

🥃 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

Brora whisky is like gold dust. You can find bottles of it on auctions and through retailers, but it’s very very expensive. Because it was a distillery that had been lost and demolished back in the 80s.

The distillery was closed in 1983. But Diageo decided to bring it back to life and restored the whole distillery brick by brick to ensure it looks exactly the same.

It’s been open since 2021 and offers some very exclusive and expensive tours.

Have you been to the distillery? Or have you ever tried the whisky from before it closed in 1983?

This is something that really annoys me.

When it comes whisky, everyone can drink it whatever way they want to. Ice, water, with lemonade, it’s my whisky, let me drink it how I want it.

No one wants snobbery in whisky.