Meet the distiller: Sandy McIntyre, Tamdhu Distillery
Full name and distillery you work at
Sandy McIntyre, Tamdhu Distillery.
What made you want to work in whisky?
Was not a conscious career choice – more by accident due to other circumstances.
How did you get into the distiller role you’re in now?
Previously worked for Diageo in Maltings and Distilling but chose to work for a smaller less corporate company hence applied for role at Tamdhu.
What is something surprising that people might not know about your role?
I am also a house landlord for the 10 staff houses we have at Tamdhu. Also I have been known to drive HGV lorries at night and collect pot ale from Tamdhu for delivery elsewhere for processing.
What characteristics are you looking for in the whiskies you make and how do they represent the region/distillery?
Looking for a Fruity NMS with a bright nose, this marries exceptionally well with Oloroso Sherry seasoned casks which typify the style of Speyside Whisky of old. Brings a sweetness, fruitiness and bold natural colour to our mature whisky.
What was the first whisky you ever tried?
Famous Grouse – my dad used to use it on my gums to kill the pain for toothache when I was age 5-6.
Are you working on any exciting new releases this year?
Yes we are always working on new releases – either non-aged for our Special releases for Speyside Whisky Festival or some older rarer releases that we spend time working with packaging and design.
Who is your whisky hero?
Alan Winchester – ex Chivas -he has extensive knowledge of the industry, both historically and locally for Speyside. On top of that he is such a likeable guy.
What’s your unpopular whisky opinion?
Not a fair question to ask as a whisky that I don’t really like someone else adores. There are no bad whiskies, just some are better than others!!!! And it is all down to personal flavour choices.
If {your whisky} was a movie star, who would they be?
George Clooney – smooth and refined.
Describe {your whisky} in three words
Sherried, powerful, rich
Now describe yourself in three words
Introverted, passionate, trustworthy