Whisky Pilgrims

Matt Laird, a man who has walked, hiked, camped and drank his way around this wonderful land. Scotland isn’t just whisky, lochs, highland cows, haggis and so on - it is the amalgamation of them all which creates a scene only artists can portray. Matt, also known as @thedrambler, gives us insight into his whisky rambling knowledge while pouring me some fantastic drams! He founded the Elgin Whisky Club in 2025 and it has already garnered an enthusiastic, loyal community. Amongst all of the chat we follow tangents into murky waters of whisky fomo, collecting and indulging. Too many of us have caught the buying bug and many a time regretted it. It’s a blether for the curious explorers amongst us. This is a long one, so take your time and savour it. Slainte! 

A chance encounter forged an instant friendship on the well-trodden path to liquid eutopia. One afternoon, I received an email from a lucky Springbank ballot winner that would not only result in a new pal - but another whisky pilgrim with a heap of stories.This episode is more akin to striking up a conversation with that stranger you meet in the pub, when you go for a quiet one. Michael paints a picture of his youth growing up around Aberdeenshire pre and post oil boom, its impact on the communities, their lifestyle and social structure. We get nostalgic about grannies cooking, debate the correct way to make Stovies and discuss a trail blazing new cocktail he has created.Like a good book this episode invites you to keep turning the page to see what is next, and honestly, we could have recorded for hours. He shares the love for his wife and family in supporting his whisky hobby – also how important it is to have balance and discipline when indulging in such a luxury. The craft and unique quality of whisky isn’t the only thing which is engaging here; he produces a series of hand crafted items from cask clocks, stave signs and Sgian-Dubh’s with immaculate workmanship! Ladies and gentlemen I introduce his side hustle “Scotland’s Cask” another feather in his cap, featuring annually at various Highland games. Honestly just listen with an open mind, treat it as a casual chat between two new friends and enjoy.Slainte!

A chance encounter forged an instant friendship on the well-trodden path to liquid eutopia. One afternoon, I received an email from a lucky Springbank ballot winner that would not only result in a new pal - but another whisky pilgrim with a heap of stories.This episode is more akin to striking up a conversation with that stranger you meet in the pub, when you go for a quiet one. Michael paints a picture of his youth growing up around Aberdeenshire pre and post oil boom, its impact on the communities, their lifestyle and social structure. We get nostalgic about grannies cooking, debate the correct way to make Stovies and discuss a trail blazing new cocktail he has created. Like a good book this episode invites you to keep turning the page to see what is next, and honestly, we could have recorded for hours. He shares the love for his wife and family in supporting his whisky hobby – also how important it is to have balance and discipline when indulging in such a luxury. The craft and unique quality of whisky isn’t the only thing which is engaging here; he produces a series of hand crafted items from cask clocks, stave signs and Sgian-Dubh’s with immaculate workmanship! Ladies and gentlemen I introduce his side hustle “Scotland’s Cask” another feather in his cap, featuring annually at various Highland games. Honestly just listen with an open mind, treat it as a casual chat between two new friends and enjoy.Slainte!

Join me today as I chat with Sam Staniforth (surname I consistently get wrong) a mum, whisky nerd, sensory rebel and a voice for women in whisky!Sam set off on a pilgrimage many moons ago and took the giant leap over the pond to Scotland. Originally from the US she embraced a culture, industry and dialect to which many a song was written!But how do you find your feet in an industry that has carved many a beaten track for us to follow?The obvious answer is SUPER POWERS, right?Sam invites us to rewire our prescribed sensory systems and embrace our individuality. With a little guidance she hopes to open the conversation, encourage shouting out loud and say the “wrong” thing. Her lived experience with synaestetia and  hyperphantasia are all the credentials she needs to create a new space in the drinks industry.We meander through Sam’s journey, her company Vantage creative, OurWhisky Foundation, motherhood and of course a wee tipple. Pick a spot, take a seat and enjoy.Slainte

Join me today as I chat with Sam Staniforth (surname I consistently get wrong) a mum, whisky nerd, sensory rebel and a voice for women in whisky!Sam set off on a pilgrimage many moons ago and took the giant leap over the pond to Scotland. Originally from the US she embraced a culture, industry and dialect to which many a song was written!But how do you find your feet in an industry that has carved many a beaten track for us to follow?The obvious answer is SUPER POWERS, right?Sam invites us to rewire our prescribed sensory systems and embrace our individuality. With a little guidance she hopes to open the conversation, encourage shouting out loud and say the “wrong” thing. Her lived experience with synaestetia and  hyperphantasia are all the credentials she needs to create a new space in the drinks industry.We meander through Sam’s journey, her company Vantage creative, OurWhisky Foundation, motherhood and of course a wee tipple. Pick a spot, take a seat and enjoy.Slainte

Ey up! Here we continue with Josh’s story through life and whisky. After part one took us extensively through his cancer journey - we now focus on the highlights over the last couple of years! Ballindalloch, Balmenach and Glenmorangie Signet are a welcome line up for any drammer, so pop the cork and get comfy. Slainte!@whiskypilgrims#whiskypilgrims