Q & A – Ian Buxton, Author of 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die – Part 6
It is now 2011 and this is our first Q & A of the year.
Both Whisky Boys met Ian at the Glasgow Whisky Festival in November 2010,where we had a wee chat and got him to sign a copy of his book. He was kept very busy, not only by the visitors but also by the other exhibitors, all were interested in this grand wee book.
Ian now living in Perthshire has also written the following :-
The Enduring Legacy of Dewar’s
Glenglassaugh: A Distillery Reborn
Ian’s books are readily available in good bookshops and certainly on line and in various good Whisky shops, all well worth a wee read.
Now lets see how Ian got on with his Q & A:
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. In 1987, when my wife and I wanted to return home to Scotland with two small children. I was working in the brewing industry and loved it; couldn’t find a beer job in Scotland and was offered a position with Robertson & Baxter, the blenders, in Glasgow. Haven’t looked back since.
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. Writing full time – though there is that income problem. The vast majority of writers earn a pittance.
3. Q. So far what has been your proudest moment in the Whisky Industry?
A. Launching Glenmorangie’s Native Ross-shire expression – the FIRST branded single cask, cask strength bottling.
Creating the World Whiskies Conference.
Cajoling fellow writers into contributing to “Beer Hunter, Whisky Chaser” to commemorate my late friend Michael Jackson – and presenting £9,000 to the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the UK.
Standing in the re-opened still room at Glenglassaugh watching the first new make since Nov ’86 and knowing that I’d helped bring it back.
It’s been a great ride so far.
4. Q. Do you have a favourite Distillery, which one and why?
A. That’s like choosing a favourite child – and if I choose one others may never speak to me. So many whiskies, so little time!
5. Q. Where is your favourite bar / pub for drinking your favourite Dram, and who would you choose to be with you?
A. We live out in the country and drink drive legislation means pub trips are limited. I’m happy at my own fireside with my wife for company.
6. Q. Has there been a Whisky recently that has surprised the hell out of you?
A. In researching drams for 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die I was reminded just how great good rye whiskey can be. And The Wine Society (UK) have an excellent Highland Blend.
