Part of a series of blog posts, where the three Bevvy whisky specialists face the most common questions posed by those who are new to whisky. All answered independently, just how similar will their responses be?
QUESTION 8: HOW DID YOU END UP WORKING WITH WHISKY?
Laurie: Aged 17, I started working in one of those naff ‘Scottish souvenir’ shops in central Edinburgh. Amazingly, I enjoyed selling whisky more than Loch Ness Monster fridge magnets, and subsequently worked in various whisky shops and auction houses. I love being immersed in whisky (not literally).
Kieran: The short version of this story is that while I was studying I worked part time in a shop that sold whisky. Over the course of my degree I ended up learning more about whisky than I did the subjects I was studying. Years later I'm still learning.
Lewis: I got a job as an ice cream maker! Where I grew up there is a pretty superb wine and whisky shop, so I got a job there as a part-time ice cream maker / part-time sales assistant. I was quickly drawn more to the liquid side of things and ended up working part-time jobs in wine and whisky shops whilst at uni.
QUESTION 9: WHAT'S THE MOST YOU WOULD SPEND ON A BOTTLE OF WHISKY TO DRINK?
Laurie: I think £100 is a sensible limit for me. In general, bottles worth £200 are tastier than a £100 bottle, but they’re not twice as good. It’s all about value for money!
Kieran: I don’t think I’ve ever set myself an upper limit, but if I’m being honest I’m fairly frugal. The last bottle I bought was around the £100 mark and I considered that a rare treat, and my average spend is less. You don’t necessarily need to splash the cash for a great dram.
Lewis: There was a time (many years ago now) when I thought £30 was a lot to spend on a bottle of whisky, £100 was absurd. Times change, tastes develop and budgets grow. That said I’m fortunate enough to have been able to try a lot of pricy whisky for free and many have been absolutely phenomenal but as yet none have made me want to sell all my possessions and live under a bridge so I can afford a bottle. So, as much as times have changed I can think of only a few occasions where I’ve opened a bottle worth more than £100. In general I’d prefer to spend that money at a bar and taste a few than to have a whole bottle in my cabinet.
WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT BEVVY?
Laurie: I’ve always been a big believer in ‘convenience is king” (read as ‘lazy’), and Bevvy has made it easier than ever for beginners to dip their toes into the world of whisky, whilst also curating the best features, data and content for seasoned whisky veterans. The main thing I love though is that everybody benefits from the success of Bevvy - from drinkers to collectors, and from small independent firms to large multinational brands. The real winner will always be whisky.
Kieran: I’m always looking for ways to enthuse people about whisky, and what excites me most about Bevvy is the fact that it can be an important tool for those who are new whisky, as well as well seasoned drinkers and collectors. Up to date information such as tasting notes and price valuations will help demystify what could appear as an unapproachable hobby. I’d have loved something like this all those years ago when I started out.
Lewis: The people behind it! But other than that, I have a shocking memory which only gets worse the more whisky I drink, I love being able to keep track of everything I’ve tasted at a festival or bar without having to scroll through a load of random photos on my phone. I also like being able to keep a note of what I have in my collection at home in an easy to use format.