Managing Dalmore (Andrew Scott)
Gavin D Smithmeets the man behind the classic Highland malt
Dalmore distillery is the jewel in Whyte & Mackayâs crown. Located 20 miles north of Inverness, on the shores of the Cromarty Firth, Dalmore dates back to 1839 and has belonged to the Glasgow-based company since 1960.
It produces what is arguably one of the finest Highland malts on the market and holds a number of notable records. In 2002 a bottle of 62-year-old Dalmore changed hands for £25, 877.50, making it the worldâs most expensive bottle of whisky sold at auction.
Given all of this, and the fact that until recently Dalmore was run by one of the bestloved and longest-serving figures in the Scotch whisky industry, the pressure is on the latest distillery manager.
Yet, sitting in his homely office, overlooking the calm waters of the Cromarty Firth, Andrew Scott looks more like a man who is relishing an opportunity rather than fighting to live up to his responsibilities.
Andrew is very much from the modern school of distillery managers, men with degrees and formalised, structured training.
His predecessor at Dalmore was another Andrew, though universally known as âDrew.â The late Drew Sinclair steadily graduated through the ranks during his 40 years to the top job. Tragically, he died just a few weeks after officially retiring.
According to Scott, âDrew was a very well respected man with a great, loyal team behind him. Iâm honoured to take over from him. The guys accepted me and morale is good.
âI had to earn their respect by proving I had the knowledg.....
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By Gavin D. Smith
Section : Whisky Interview
Page number : 60
