Tobermory
A TOBERMORY man who brought two Scotch distilleries back to life has been given one of the highest accolades in Scotch whisky by being named a ‘Keeper of the Quaich’.
Stewart Buchanan, brother of the wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan, is known for resurrecting Ben Riach distillery in 2004.
Stewart was so dedicated that he slept on the floor of Ben Riach’s maltings while he worked to strip down and rebuild every piece of equipment to prepare it for production.
‘It’s a privilege to be invited to be a member of the Quaich,’ said the 47-yearold, who also revamped the Glenglassaugh distillery.
‘To see my work earning rewards and being recognised alongside other Keepers of the Quaich who are stars in the industry in their own right is a real honour.’
Stewart now travels the world holding whisky tastings and educating consumers about Brown-Forman’s three award-winning single malts.
‘Maybe it’s because we were always encouraged to be outdoors so I was always out on boats or camping out, or maybe it’s because growing up on an island like Mull, you learn there’s no such thing as a nine-tofive job.
‘I developed a taste for adventure and I’ve been able to combine that with a passion for whisky.
‘Bringing Ben Riach back to life again, and Glenglassaugh too, is a professional highlight. Also, seeing more and more people from every corner of the globe appreciate the whisky. It was locked away in the distillery and now, after 20 years, I’m able to see it being enjoyed across the world. That’s rewarding for me.
‘There are 155 distilleries in Scotland and I’m lucky enough to represent three of them and travel the world. I wake up smiling every day.’