Q&A – Mark Reynier owner of Bruichladdich – Part 5
We are now on the penultimate Q&A post and this one’s a cracker. We feature below answers compiled from the the owner of Bruichladdich, Mark Reynier. Having already published the answers from Olaf Meier of SMWS, Jim McEwan also of Bruichladdich, Ann Shackell of Deanston and more recently Gerry Tosh of Highland Park.
1. Q
When did you first get involved in the Whisky Industry and why…. maybe it was a calling from the angels, or your family were already involved?
A. 1985 after winning a tombola draw organised by John Milroy at the London Wine Trade fair. He called me up and invited me in to Soho to collect my prize and at the same time suggested I taste a set of cask samples on a table in his upstairs office. Out of politeness, rather than eagerness or curiosity, I did. One of them was Bruichladdich. I was astonished that it had all the characteristics of a great wine: elegance, subtlety, harmony, complexity and balance. I didn’t believe it was possible in a spirit. Nor did I believe that 15 years later I would be buying it.
2. Q
If you weren’t in this industry where would you like to be and what would you be doing? Remember you are in the real world you still need to be making an income 😉
A. Doing what we have done here with Bruichladdich – but somewhere warmer.
3. Q
So far what has been your proudest moment in the Whisky Industry?
A. 19/12/2000 – completing the purchase of Bruichladdich. 28/5/2001 – the opening of Bruichladdich. 1/11/2011 the first 10 year old Bruichladdich
4. Q
Do you have a favourite Distillery, which one and why?
A. Read the above. My ideal composite distillery would be: the view from the still house of Caol Ila, the distilling layout of Bruichladdich, the setting of Ardbeg and the coastal position of Laphroaig.
5. Q
Where is your favourite bar / pub for drinking your favourite Dram, and who would you choose to be with you?
A. Port Charlotte Hotel with my mate – and colleague – Simon.
6. Q
Has there been a Whisky recently that has surprised the hell out of you?
A. Bruichladdich X4+3, Bruichladdich ‘125’, Organic.
