Grants 25YO is just a stunning, stunning whisky. My fondest memory is sharing this at a special event at Gordon Castle with a group of Australian consumers who had won a prize to select one our Rare Cask Reserve blends. It was one of those great whisky moments: great camaraderie, great surroundings, shooting the breeze with one of the best whiskies in the world! For any malt snobs who turn their noses up at blends, they should try this. And you can buy it in the UK for less than £200. Unbelievably good value.

The Girvan Patent Still 25YO is proof that aged single grain, in great casks, with great wood management is every bit as good as aged single malt. We only use first fill bourbon casks for the range, which gives the 25YO an amazing ‘liquid crème brule’ flavour profile. The best moments are the reaction from people at tasting events I do; a real “Wow!” factor. From knowing nothing about single grain, people come away genuinely loving it. That’s hugely motivating in my job.

Kininvie 23YO single malt batch 1 is a beautifully balanced Speyside single malt. 80% matured in first fill bourbon and 20% sherry cask, it combines buttery notes with dried orange peel and a distinctive floral character. When I think of batch 1 I always remember the launch in Taiwan. A reclusive venue, with no signs, no fuss, no pomp – We just let the whisky do the talking. And boy what a whisky tasting and food pairing! Things like Longan Honey Duck with orange, sautéed scallop and asparagus, salmon with kimchi…for someone who loves wine with food, I came away with a new perspective on how certain foods can work with whisky.