The last story I want to share, is the reason I chose to write about a still man that truly enjoyed his job for 30 years - that I want you, the reader, to take note of: A few years ago, one of the tour guides had some Japanese bartenders who wanted the autograph of the person who was responsible for making Bunnahabhain. Even though she said the master distiller was not onsite, they were adamant that wasn’t who they wanted so she went and got Robin. He also explained the person, whose name was on bottles, didn’t actually work at the distillery every day. They reiterated they wanted the autograph of the person who MADE the whisky. Apparently, in their culture, it’s more important to get the signature of the Still man because once home with a photo and autograph of the “maker”, they could get a better job. Robin immediately obliged. I think as whisky drinkers we sometimes forget the people behind the scenes that are part of the entire process especially since we only see brand ambassadors and the occasional master blender at festivals and events. The fact of the matter is, each step of the process is imperative but none likely as important as the actual distillation run itself. Especially in distilleries like Bunnahabhain where there are no electronics involved, just hands on, time honoured training, eyes/ears/nose of making the new make spirit – day in, day out. So reflect on this: Spirit perfected before it even reaches a cask = Bunnahabhain whisky bottles everywhere around the world. And, for at least the last 30 years and possibly another 50 to come some of the best Bunnahabhain expressions were created, in part, by many a distillery manager standing on the shoulders of a tattoo laden, friendly and dedicated giant.
That’s… who Robin Morton is.
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the whisky explorer magazine
WINTER 2024
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