The Rolex Whisky Passion Project Gavin Linde

Join us as we chat with Struan Ralph, aka "The Whisky Beard," from the William Grant family. We dive into Struan's early whiskey memories, the transformative journey of single malt whiskies, and their rise in global markets. Listen in for anecdotes from New York's social scene, industry insights, and discussions on whisky trends, finishes, and pricing. Discover how the whisky industry is evolving and what makes these spirits so special. Tune in for a captivating conversation about the world of whisky and its enduring allure.

Ryan Mills and Gavin engage in a detailed discussion about their whiskey passion, exploring various types of whiskeys and the whiskey-making process. They emphasize authenticity in social media, focusing on genuine enjoyment over popularity. Ryan shares his whiskey tasting events and collaborations within the whiskey community, highlighting the educational and enjoyable aspects of whiskey exploration. Personal Spirits Collections and Rolex Whisky Passion Project gavin and Ryan engaged in a light-hearted discussion about their personal collections of opened and unopened bottles of spirits, with Ryan estimating he had around 350 bottles. They shared their drinking habits and strategies for managing their collections. The conversation then transitioned to the introduction of Ryan to the Rolex Whisky Passion Project, a platform for passionate whisky enthusiasts. gavin expressed his interest in helping more people get to know Ryan through this platform. Whiskey and Cigar Preferences Discussed Ryan and gavin shared their early experiences and preferences regarding whiskey and other alcoholic beverages. They both recalled their initial introductions to whiskey, which were not typically consumed neat, and often accompanied by cigars. Ryan's family had a significant influence on his love for cigars, while gavin found cigars to be a way to control his environment. They also delved into their cultural backgrounds and how it influenced their drinking preferences, with gavin's Italian heritage leading him to appreciate digestifs like Sambuco, and Ryan's exploration of different types of whiskey gravitating towards smoky, peaty Scotch. They also shared their past drinking habits, with Ryan admitting to a fondness for Long Island Iced Teas and gavin revealing his late introduction to Bourbon. Whisky Appreciation and Isle of Skye Experiences gavin and Ryan shared their experiences and appreciation for different types of whiskies, particularly the Isla Scotch. gavin, who had recently visited the Isle of Skye, described it as a "happy place" with a unique atmosphere, where the pace of life seemed to slow down and the distilleries provided employment for the local community. They both agreed on the importance of slowing down to appreciate the different flavors and notes in whiskies. The conversation also touched on the history and production of whiskies, from ancient Mesopotamia to modern times, and the influence of peating and other processes on the finished product. Developing Authentic Social Media Presence gavin and Ryan discussed the development of Ryan's social media presence, particularly on Instagram and TikTok. Ryan shared that his authentic and relatable approach to content creation, centered around his passion for luxury items like cigars and whisky, has attracted a dedicated following. Both gavin and Ryan emphasized the importance of realness in their content creation, describing their social media platforms as a form of education and a way to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with others. They both agreed that the journey and process of creating content was more important than the end result, and that a genuine and authentic approach was key to building a loyal audience. Food and Drink Pairings, Whiskies, and Community gavin and Ryan discussed their love for experimenting with food and drink pairings, particularly the combination of Glendronic 18 sherry and mac and cheese. They also shared their experiences with promoting and enjoying whiskies, with gavin sharing his encounter with a couple who had been drinking Mcallen for 50 years, inspiring him to try new spirits. Ryan highlighted the importance of helping people experience different types of whiskies and the joy of discovering new favorite drinks. He also spoke about the unique experiences that come with being in the whisky industry and the importance of the community they've built through various platforms. Whiskey Passion and Community Bonding Ryan and gavin s

Jordan Felix engages in a deep dive into premium whiskies at Clyde Common, exploring a diverse selection of single malts and bourbons.
Gavin and Jordan engaged in a wide-ranging conversation about their experiences with alcohol and whiskey, starting with their early introduction to alcohol and their favorite drinks during their youth. They reflected on the lack of customer care in some establishments and reminisced about various spirits like Anniversary Port, Sambuka, and Ouzo.
Their discussion then focused on their experiences with whisky, particularly Johnnie Walker Black, and their growing appreciation for different types of whisky, especially after their time at Clyde Common. They reviewed various single malt whiskies, sharing their favorites and discussing the challenges of supply and demand in the industry.
Finally, they reminisced about their fond memories of whiskey, their preferences for aged whiskies, and the importance of distillery management in maintaining quality.

In part 2 of this conversation, Gavin and Justin Jesser discussed whiskey collecting and the industry's authenticity challenges. They delved into topics like the evolving consumer base, conducting blind tastings, and educating others about unique finds. Gavin shared insights on his experiences with whiskey collecting, aiming to provide value through relationships with brands while staying true to his principles. Insights focused on identifying valuable bottles, savoring unique flavors, and creating memorable moments while investing wisely. The discussion extended to social media presence for authentic sharing of knowledge about whiskies and promoting quality products over marketing gimmicks. Both expressed dedication to enhancing whiskey appreciation globally through genuine insights rather than trend-following. The meeting concluded warmly with mutual appreciation for contributions to the industry, emphasizing the importance of real connections in fostering a deep-rooted passion for whiskey. Their exchange showcased a blend of investment savvy, passion for spirits, and fostering genuine connections through shared appreciation for fine whiskies.

The distilled essence of a passion-filled, part 1 of 2, discussion between Gavin and Justin Jesser of Whiskey Decision, crackles throughout their latest deep-dive into the intricate world of whiskey. Akin to the spirit they cherish, their conversation distills key themes of market trends, the authenticity in whiskey influence, and the pursuit of a legacy in the whiskey industry. Justin Jesser and Gavin discuss various topics like whiskey investments, auction strategies, and personal brand preferences. Gavin shared experiences in finding valuable whiskies and collecting rare bottles, emphasizing the importance of caution in navigating the market to avoid overpaying. Justin highlighted building personal connections through whiskey tastings for deeper conversations beyond business matters.

In this episode of the Rolex Whiskey Passion project, host Gavin welcomes guest Zachary Miller, also known as the Whiskey Librarian. Zachary shares his journey into the world of whiskey, from growing up around the South Sound Whiskey Society to becoming the Whiskey Librarian and a railroad engineer. He discusses his love for whiskey and the importance of education and exposure in the industry. Zachary also talks about his Instagram page and the value of tasting notes and bottle photography. Don't miss this engaging conversation about the artistry and passion behind whiskey.