Not Another Whisky Podcast

A Mitch & Daz Production
  • 5.0 (1)
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  • Updated Weekly

Not Another Whisky Podcast is your gateway to the whisky world, hosted by industry veterans Mitch Bechard and Daryl Haldane. With four decades of combined experience within the whisky industry for giants like Highland Park, Glenfiddich, Macallan, Johnnie Walker, Talisker, and Lagavulin, these guys know their stuff - and they're ready to share the insider secrets and stories that don't make it onto the distillery tours. ​ This is an informal show where you can learn about whisky without the stuffy attitude. Expect whisky facts, the latest news, terrible whisky jokes, and candid conversations with industry guests. No pretence, just a good chat about great whisky! Do you have a story to share, or are you curious about sponsoring the show? Drop us a line at whiskypodcast@gmail.com. And don't forget to peek into our mischievous antics on Instagram @notanotherwhiskypodcast or swing by www.notanotherwhiskypodcast.com Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4d ago

    WHEN TWO WHISKY PODCASTS WALK INTO A BAR

    This episode is a wee bit different. Earlier this year, Mitch met Graeme and Angus from Whisky Stories and the idea was simple: get both podcasts in the same room, pour a few drams, and record something together. That idea quickly grew into a live event, a charity night, and a raffle that raised an incredible £1,400 for The BEN, supporting people across the hospitality and licensed trade. Recorded live at Uno Mas, this episode sees Not Another Whisky Podcast go head to head with Whisky Stories, with the brilliant Mark Thompson trying his best to keep everyone in line. Expect drams, audience votes, questionable tactics, brilliant whisky chat, and a few strong opinions along the way. We get into favourite distillery visits, cask finishes, whisky bars, and the kind of stories that only come out when you put whisky people in front of a live audience. A huge thank you to everyone who donated bottles, prizes, minis and support for the raffle, and to Sian at Uno Mas for letting us use the venue. Pour yourself something good and enjoy a proper live whisky night with NAWP and Whisky Stories. Hosted by Mitch Bechard and Daz Haldane, this is where the whisky world gets pulled apart properly, with stories, insights, and the occasional bit of chaos along the way. 🥃 New episodes every week(ish) 🎤 Live shows & tastings across Scotland 🎟️ Web: www.notanotherwhiskypodcast.com 📩 Enquiries & partnerships: whiskypodcast@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    WHEN TWO WHISKY PODCASTS WALK INTO A BAR

  2. Aug 2

    20 YEARS AT HIGHLAND PARK WITH MARTIN MARDVARDSEN

    Daz is flying solo this week as he sits down with Highland Park’s Martin Markvardsen on the eve of his twentieth anniversary as the distillery’s brand ambassador. Martin takes us back to his early days managing the legendary Quaich Bar at the Craigellachie Hotel, where 784 whiskies, industry characters and the occasional lock in provided a fairly thorough education. He explains how repeatedly including Highland Park 18 in his tastings eventually led to a phone call offering him the ambassador’s job. They look back at what whisky ambassadorship involved in 2006, from lengthy technical masterclasses and enormous whisky festivals to the characters who shaped the industry, including Jim McEwan, Charlie MacLean, Dave Broom, Ronnie Cox, Ian Miller and Ian Logan. Martin and Daz also discuss how the role has changed. Today’s ambassadors need to understand social media, online tastings, cocktails and content creation alongside the traditional production knowledge and storytelling. There are tales of sideways Zoom tastings, Facebook mistaking Martin’s Highland Park tattoo for pornography and Daz missing his own masterclass after a particularly enthusiastic night aboard the Viking Line. Finally, they attempt to choose their greatest Highland Park releases of all time, covering bottles including Leif Eriksson, the 1977 Bicentenary, Hjarta, the original 50 Year Old, Dark Origins and the ever dependable Highland Park 18. A relaxed and wonderfully nostalgic conversation about two decades with one distillery, the people who make whisky special and why Martin still has no plans to slow down. Hosted by Mitch Bechard and Daz Haldane, this is where the whisky world gets pulled apart properly, with stories, insights, and the occasional bit of chaos along the way. 🥃 New episodes every week(ish) 🎤 Live shows & tastings across Scotland 🎟️ Web: www.notanotherwhiskypodcast.com 📩 Enquiries & partnerships: whiskypodcast@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 YEARS AT HIGHLAND PARK WITH MARTIN MARDVARDSEN

  3. Jul 26

    THE RISE, FALL AND FUTURE OF IRISH WHISKEY WITH BARRY CHANDLER

    After more than 200 episodes, we have finally given Irish whiskey the proper attention it deserves. Mitch and Daz are joined by Barry Chandler, better known as Irish Whiskey Barry, an independent educator, community builder and three-time Whisky Magazine Ireland Communicator of the Year. Barry guides us through Irish whiskey’s past, present and future using three pot still whiskeys. We begin with Redbreast 12 and uncover the story of Gilbey’s, Dublin’s historic whiskey bonders, the “priest’s tipple” and the surprising connection between Redbreast and the original Baileys bottle. For the present, Barry chooses Boann Legacy, an accessible modern pot still whiskey that represents Ireland’s extraordinary growth from just four working distilleries to more than 50. Finally, we head to the Mourne Mountains and Killowen, a tiny direct-fired distillery Barry describes as “Ireland’s Springbank,” where historic mash bills, radical transparency and hands-on production point towards the future. Along the way, we discuss the Dingle effect, the myths surrounding the malt tax, oats in Irish whiskey, triple distillation, Jameson’s dominance, the current review of the Irish whiskey technical file and the commercial pressures facing the country’s newer distilleries. Plus, Barry explains why “smooth” might be one of whiskey’s most useless compliments. Follow Barry on Instagram and TikTok at @irishwhiskeybarry, and discover Stories & Sips, Three Drams and Irish Whiskey Experiences through his channels. Hosted by Mitch Bechard and Daz Haldane, this is where the whisky world gets pulled apart properly, with stories, insights, and the occasional bit of chaos along the way. 🥃 New episodes every week(ish) 🎤 Live shows & tastings across Scotland 🎟️ Web: www.notanotherwhiskypodcast.com 📩 Enquiries & partnerships: whiskypodcast@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    THE RISE, FALL AND FUTURE OF IRISH WHISKEY WITH BARRY CHANDLER

  4. Jul 19

    LINDORES ABBEY: BURNING BEARS & BUILDING WHISKY

    Mitch heads to Fife for Lindores Abbey Distillery’s annual Bear Burning ceremony, where an enormous bear and ragged staff carved into the hillside is set alight. First, Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Donaldson discusses her journey through the whisky industry, joining Lindores at a pivotal moment, the challenges the business has faced and her plans for building a sustainable future. Then Distillery Manager Gary Haggart takes us into the stillhouse. Gary discusses developing the Lindores spirit character, why good whisky doesn’t necessarily need to be old, the different personalities of two supposedly identical spirit stills and his ambition for drinkers to recognise Lindores simply by its aroma. There’s whisky, history, business, Angel Delight, Star Trek and the crucial importance of not f*****g up the wash still. A huge thank you to everyone at Lindores Abbey Distillery for the invitation, accommodation and excellent hospitality. Find out more about Lindores Abbey Distillery: https://lindoresabbeydistillery.com Listen to more episodes and find out what we’re up to: https://www.notanotherwhiskypodcast.com If you enjoyed the episode, please follow the podcast and leave us a rating or review. It genuinely helps more whisky lovers find the show. Hosted by Mitch Bechard and Daz Haldane, this is where the whisky world gets pulled apart properly, with stories, insights, and the occasional bit of chaos along the way. 🥃 New episodes every week(ish) 🎤 Live shows & tastings across Scotland 🎟️ Web: www.notanotherwhiskypodcast.com 📩 Enquiries & partnerships: whiskypodcast@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    LINDORES ABBEY: BURNING BEARS & BUILDING WHISKY

  5. Jul 12

    MITCH & DAZ JUNE CATCH UP - NEW LIVE SHOW ANNOUNCED

    🎙️ NOT ANOTHER WHISKY PODCAST IS GOING LIVE On Thursday 6 August, we are taking on the guys from Whisky Stories in a live podcast battle at Uno Mas in Edinburgh. There will be six whiskies, with three chosen by each podcast, plenty of questionable competitive behaviour. Tickets are £20, with every penny going to The BEN, the charity supporting people working within Scotland’s hospitality industry. The show starts at 7pm and capacity is limited, so grab your tickets before they disappear: 👉 BUY TICKETS FOR THE LIVE SHOW Back to the episode… Mitch and Daz are finally back together for another catch-up, covering everything from sherry-soaked holidays and Islay building sites to whisky in a can and one of the worst distillery tours Mitch has ever experienced. Mitch reports back from Portugal and Jerez, where a private visit to the new Sherry Museum provided a much deeper dive into the history, culture and casks behind one of Scotch whisky’s most important influences. Then it is over to Islay, including warehouse tastings, dinner at Bowmore, a visit to Ardbeg House and a hard-hat preview of the new Portintruan Distillery with Georgie Crawford. They discuss its automated floor maltings, multiple spirit styles and what another major distillery could mean for the future of the island. There is also news of two upcoming Turas Mòr bottlings and the usual run through some of the latest whisky news. Along the way, they get into: • The whisky opportunity in Portugal • Why whisky lovers should visit Jerez • Whether Islay can retain its character as the island grows • Port of Leith’s whisky in a can • The new permanent release from Isle of Harris • Four Roses being sold to Gallo • A truly questionable distillery tasting involving plastic cups and someone else’s water bottle • The best whiskies Mitch and Daz have tasted recently The episode finishes with Mitch naming the GlenAllachie 19 Year Old Solera Cask as his whisky of the year so far. Apart from his own whisky, obviously. Follow Not Another Whisky Podcast on Instagram and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Mitch Bechard and Daz Haldane, this is where the whisky world gets pulled apart properly, with stories, insights, and the occasional bit of chaos along the way. 🥃 New episodes every week(ish) 🎤 Live shows & tastings across Scotland 🎟️ Web: www.notanotherwhiskypodcast.com 📩 Enquiries & partnerships: whiskypodcast@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    MITCH & DAZ JUNE CATCH UP - NEW LIVE SHOW ANNOUNCED

  6. Jul 5

    50 YEARS OF WHISKY WITH KENNY MACKAY

    This week, Mitch sits down with whisky industry veteran Kenny Mackay at Ballindalloch Distillery in Speyside. Kenny has spent nearly 50 years in Scotch whisky, working with names including Peter Thompson’s, Bowmore, Macallan, Carn Mor, Lindores Abbey and Ballindalloch. In this episode, he shares stories from across his career, from missing out on becoming a helicopter pilot to helping launch Black Bowmore and shaping some of Scotland’s best known whisky brands. We talk about the early days of malt whisky marketing, growing Macallan in Scotland, the birth of whisky collecting, the changing world of independent bottling, and why Ballindalloch’s slow, estate led approach makes it such a special distillery. Kenny also gives his take on where the Scotch whisky industry is right now, why downturns are nothing new, and why he still sees plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Expect brilliant stories, sharp industry insight, a few legendary bottles, and one very committed fire alarm. Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Ballindalloch Distillery 01:10 Introducing Kenny Mackay 02:20 The Navy’s loss and whisky’s gain 03:00 Starting out at Peter Thompson’s of Perth 04:20 Glen Grant, Macallan and early whisky distribution 06:20 How the industry has changed over 50 years 09:40 The story behind Black Bowmore 12:00 Bowmore 40 Year Old and early luxury whisky 13:50 Independent bottling then and now 14:30 Building Carn Mor 19:40 One of One and raising millions for charity 23:00 Ballindalloch Distillery and the single estate approach 29:00 Vintage releases and the long term family vision 31:30 Kenny’s take on the current Scotch whisky market 38:00 The cashflow reality of growing a single malt brand 39:10 Quick fire questions 44:20 Desert island drams Hosted by Mitch Bechard and Daz Haldane, this is where the whisky world gets pulled apart properly, with stories, insights, and the occasional bit of chaos along the way. 🥃 New episodes every week(ish) 🎤 Live shows & tastings across Scotland 🎟️ Web: www.notanotherwhiskypodcast.com 📩 Enquiries & partnerships: whiskypodcast@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 YEARS OF WHISKY WITH KENNY MACKAY

  7. Jun 28

    THREE BLENDERS WALK INTO A BAR A CHAT WITH BRIAN KINSMAN, SARAH BURGESS AND OLIVER CHILTON

    Live from Spirit of Speyside, host Daz welcomes three blenders—Brian Kinsman (William Grant & Sons), Ollie Chilton (Elixir/ Tormore), and Sarah Burgess (Head of Whisky Creation at International Beverage, jokingly “banned” from other sessions)—to taste four whiskies and talk careers, process, and mischief. Brian explains his science-to-apprentice path under David Stewart and taking over in 2009; Ollie traces retail-to-cask-buying and acquiring Tormore in 2022; Sarah recounts starting as a Cardhu tour guide, moving through Diageo, becoming a Macallan blender via a sensory/blending interview, then returning to Scotland. They taste a 2023 Tormore “plain spirit”, a 2006–2018 Speyburn single cask, and a Glenfiddich 30 22-year with oloroso and a palo cortado finish, discuss water’s role in blending, sensory blind spots, grain’s value, stock legacy, cask strategy, innovation limits, and shifting whisky audiences toward flavor over age. Hosted by Mitch Bechard and Daz Haldane, this is where the whisky world gets pulled apart properly, with stories, insights, and the occasional bit of chaos along the way. 🥃 New episodes every week(ish) 🎤 Live shows & tastings across Scotland 🎟️ Web: www.notanotherwhiskypodcast.com 📩 Enquiries & partnerships: whiskypodcast@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    THREE BLENDERS WALK INTO A BAR A CHAT WITH BRIAN KINSMAN, SARAH BURGESS AND OLIVER CHILTON

  8. Jun 21

    THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY'S LEITH WHISKY LEGACY

    Recorded in the historic Vaults in Leith, Mitch Bechard is joined by SMWS “chief storyteller” Richard Goslan and Kask Whisky founder Justine Hazlehurst for a deep dive into one of Scotch whisky’s most overlooked powerhouses. Leith was never just a port. It was a whisky engine room: bonding, brokering, blending, bottling and shipping enormous volumes of Scotch around the world. At one point, the area was home to around 90–100 bonded warehouses, yet its role in shaping the modern industry is often pushed into the background. Richard brings The Vaults to life, from its ancient origins and long links with the drinks trade to the birth of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in 1983. He shares how the Society’s single-cask ethos developed, why bottle 1.1 became legendary, how the tasting panel works, and how SMWS bottle names manage to be both brilliant and completely unhinged. Justine guides us through Leith’s boom-and-bust whisky past, from Pattison’s infamous 1898 crash, to wars, consolidation, the whisky loch, and the stories still hiding in plain sight on the Leith Whisky Trail. There are disputed parrots, a very real pub puma attack, independent bottling chat, festival stories, and a reminder that whisky history is always better when it hasn’t been polished to death. A proper sense-of-place episode from one of Scotland’s most important whisky rooms. 00:00 Welcome to The Vaults in Leith 00:48 Meet Richard Goslan and Justine Hazlehurst 02:46 Inside the history of The Vaults 05:57 Why Leith matters to Scotch whisky 08:46 The origins of the Leith Whisky Trail 11:06 Wild stories from Leith’s past 12:46 SMWS founding story and bottle labels 16:30 Whisky as a shared community 19:54 Leith’s boom-and-bust whisky timeline 26:02 The whisky loch and SMWS’s first cask 28:11 SMWS codes, flavour profiles and tasting culture 29:42 How the SMWS tasting panel works 30:47 The joy of flamboyant bottle names 31:25 Creators Collection and whisky artwork 32:28 Desert island dram: SMWS 1.1 34:54 Glenfarclas and Leith connections 35:50 The independent bottling boom 38:26 Fife Whisky Festival and modern whisky culture 40:39 Justine’s Pattison crash book 45:19 The Pattison parrots myth 48:01 Finding Pip Hills again 52:07 Vaults legends and wild old days 54:35 Where to find Richard and Justine Hosted by Mitch Bechard and Daz Haldane, this is where the whisky world gets pulled apart properly, with stories, insights, and the occasional bit of chaos along the way. 🥃 New episodes every week(ish) 🎤 Live shows & tastings across Scotland 🎟️ Web: www.notanotherwhiskypodcast.com 📩 Enquiries & partnerships: whiskypodcast@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY'S LEITH WHISKY LEGACY
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About

Not Another Whisky Podcast is your gateway to the whisky world, hosted by industry veterans Mitch Bechard and Daryl Haldane. With four decades of combined experience within the whisky industry for giants like Highland Park, Glenfiddich, Macallan, Johnnie Walker, Talisker, and Lagavulin, these guys know their stuff - and they're ready to share the insider secrets and stories that don't make it onto the distillery tours. ​ This is an informal show where you can learn about whisky without the stuffy attitude. Expect whisky facts, the latest news, terrible whisky jokes, and candid conversations with industry guests. No pretence, just a good chat about great whisky! Do you have a story to share, or are you curious about sponsoring the show? Drop us a line at whiskypodcast@gmail.com. And don't forget to peek into our mischievous antics on Instagram @notanotherwhiskypodcast or swing by www.notanotherwhiskypodcast.com Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-another-whisky-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    A Mitch & Daz Production
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    223
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © A Mitch & Daz Production
  • Show Website
    Not Another Whisky Podcast

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