Evan Eckersley @sagelikefool
Johanne McInnis @whiskylassie | Books: Malt Whisky Yearbook 2023 & 2024, Contributor By day a civil servant, mom, sailor and fantastic cook but with one quick trip to her walk in closet she turns into the Whiskylassie. She has worn out many business cards: Tasting society president, story teller, master class presenter, judge, published write and now she proudly adds Contributing Editor. She is a passionate whisky enthusiast, teacher, mentor and friend. Fun fact: Johanne sometimes experiences synaesthesia when nosing/tasting spirits.
Evan has spent most of his adulthood either thinking, reading about or admiring whisky bottles. He even tastes the golden liquid from time to time. After finally coming to the realization that his spouse was tired of hearing him talk about whisky most of the time, he really had no choice but to go work in a shop that sells the stuff (and other adult potables occasionally). Believe it or not, he does have hobbies outside of whisky like using big words that he doesn’t actually grasp the meaning of (or pronounce to our editor’s dismay) and speaking about himself in the third person.
Josh Ward @knowyourwhisky | @WhiskyHeathens
Gavin D Smith Books: The A9 handbook and Whisky Opus (with Jonny McCormick) Gavin lives in the Scottish Borders and has been writing professionally since the mid-1980s. He is also a Master of the Quaich – the highest honour bestowed by the Scotch whisky industry and is highly recognised as one of the world’s leading whisky writers. He acts as Contributing Editor Scotland for Whisky Magazine, produces feature material for a wide range of international publications and regularly undertakes writing commissions for leading drinks companies. Author and co-author of more than 30 books, relating to whisky, beer, Scottish history, and literature, including Worts Worms and Washbacks, An A-Z of Whisky, Whisky Wit & Wisdom, The Whisky Men, Discovering Scotland’s Distilleries, Goodness Nose - written with Master Blender Richard Paterson, and two editions of The Micro-distillers’ Handbook.
Josh is our resident whisky troubadour who loves to scamper his way through a world that’s full of tasty pleasures. Surrounded by tobacco smoke and peated scotch he’s a tall bottle of Ledaig or perhaps a Famous Grouse. Sitting in the pews while he stands at the pulpit are many a malt fanatic or bourbon drinker alike who all gather in fellowship. Don’t mistake his sermons for the rambling of a madman (although his look sort of fits the part) because this whisky heathen has a devotion worth noting through the golden stories he shares.
Heather Storgaard @storgaard.heather
Mike Brisebois @thewhiskyexplorer | thewhiskyexplorer.ca Mike is Canada’s go-to whisky expert, offering knowledge, education, recommendations and hosting tasting events for whisky enthusiasts nationwide. With six years of experience in the whisky industry as a brand ambassador and as a judge for the Canadian Whisky Awards, Mike bridges the gap between brands and consumers, both virtually and in person. Serving as a bilingual consultant for emerging brands and whisky festivals, he strives to elevate products in the Canadian market. His ultimate mission to craft unforgettable experiences, showcasing the brand narrative, the whisky itself and the people behind the distillery making each brand truly exceptional.
Heather Storgaard is a writer and whisky specialist originally from Speyside. She has explored Scotch whisky through studies in Culture and Heritage and recently received the Inspirational Young Person Award from Scotland Food & Drink. Having spent years based in Scandinavia, Switzerland and Germany, she also has a soft spot for up-and-coming whisky regions around the world.
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the whisky explorer magazine
the whisky explorer magazine
FALL 2024
FALL 2024
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