Martin Betts learnt more than a wealth of whisk(e)y knowledge from Whisky Magazine Live’s Masterclasses, he found out that the Master Blenders and Distillers could communicate with the enthusiast without resorting to cliché
Hushed awe, fiery discussions and looks of amazement. Bourbons, blends, cask strengths, malts and experimental cask samples. Blenders, Distillers and whisky experts. A permeable sense of satisfaction.
This is exactly what the many enthusiasts who attended one or more of the 21 Masterclasses at Whi...
Whisky Live
from Issue 17 published on 16/7/2001
Martin Betts muses on the effect St Patrick's Day has on people not just in Ireland, but all over the world
It goes far beyond Ireland. Further than a bunch of reeling students stumbling from pub to pub or a couple of old boys having a
Guinness and a nip of Bushmills in a cosy bar in Galway. It transcends differing cultures, time zones and nationalities in order to bring the world’s craic (Gaelic word si...
Whisky Events
from Issue 15 published on 16/4/2001
Martin Betts recounts a tale of a family company that was on the brink of extinction yet became a significant force in the drinks industry.
When a company is balancing precariously on the edge of oblivion, ready to freefall towards extinction, you wouldn't expect its saviours to be two young men under the age of 35. Despite the displeasure of investment bankers and the murmurs of discontent from shareholders, the men took control of an ...
Whisky Dynasty
from Issue 14 published on 16/2/2001
With Burns Night fast approaching Martin Betts examines the short, but eventful, life of Robert Burns and the role whisky played within it.
An cut you up wi’ ready slight,” recites the chairman as his knife slices through the haggis with all the precision of a surgical scalpel. There is much applause before the guests toast the Burns Night meal with a fine malt that glides over their taste buds, leaving them all with a satisfying sensat...
Whisky Interview
from Issue 13 published on 16/12/2000
Martin Betts visits a veritable whisky paradise well hidden in the extreme north-west of England.
Nestled in between the seaside kitsch of Blackpool and the historic industrial town of Preston, St Annes on Sea is found in the eminently northern county of Lancashire. This quaint little seaside town on England's north-west coast stares out over the Irish Sea towards the emerald isle, a land of tri...
Great whisky retailers
from Issue 13 published on 16/12/2000
