Mitch kicks off a sold-out Clash of the Drams live recording, making it clear from the start that this is not going to be one of those polite Speyside tastings where everyone nods quietly and pretends to know what quince is.
This year’s brave contenders are Stuart Buchanan from Brown-Forman, Gordon Dundas from Ian Macleod Distillers, Struan Grant Ralph from Glenfiddich, and first-time entrant Charlie Metcalfe from The Balvenie. The audience are given the terrifying responsibility of judging both the drams and the banter, before casting their final vote in the Quaich Bar.
Part one features two outstanding drams. First up is Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix, created after the heavy winter snow of 2010 caused warehouse roofs to collapse, leading Brian Kinsman to vat together a unique selection of rescued casks. The panel talk through the story, the rarity, the price, and why it still holds such a special place for Glenfiddich fans.
Dram two comes from Balvenie, with an 18-year-old finished for seven years in Pineau des Charentes casks. Charlie explains how ambassador-led ideas can help shape whisky projects, while the group get into cask influence, flavour development, market differences, and what happens when ambassadors are allowed anywhere near new liquid.
And because this is Not Another Whisky Podcast, things naturally take a turn. The episode ends with the ambassadors being forced into celebrity-style whisky poems, including Daniel Craig and Jack Nicholson impressions that may never fully leave the room.
Part two is where things get even more unhinged.
00:00 Welcome to Clash
01:37 How the Voting Works
03:11 Meet the Panel
07:16 Festival Banter
10:26 Ambassador Origins
12:47 Dram One: Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix
18:26 The Warehouse Roof Collapse
19:17 Snow Phoenix Price Talk
20:50 Tasting Notes and Vibes
21:54 Dram Two: Pineau des Charentes Cask
25:01 How Ambassadors Shape Whisky
25:38 Signatures and Fingerprints
29:48 Markets and Innovation
32:42 Envelope Impression Game
37:40 Part One Sign Off
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