2017 Judges

Darren Leitch, National Retail Manager, The Whisky Shop Darren has been involved with the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge since its second year in 2001 and has always championed it as the ultimate whisky competition. Vince Fusaro, Owner, Luvians Bottle Shop Vince has been in the whisky world since 1983 and believes that he is still learning. He has always felt highly privileged to be in the industry and has had the opportunity to taste great whiskies, such as the 1938 Mortlach.

Mike Lord, Owner, The Whisky Shop Dufftown

Mike is in his second decade at the helm of The Whisky Shop Dufftown, with its exceptional selection situated in the heart of Speyside. He genuinely relishes the opportunity the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge gives him to compare so many whiskies from across the industry.

Robin Russell, Proprietor, Robbie’s Drams Whisky Merchants

Robin has spent his entire working life in the licensed trade and was one of the first people in the country to launch a whisky festival – the annual Whisky An’A’ That festival in Ayr.

Ewan McIlwraith, Owner, Robertsons of Pitlochry

Ewan took over the running of Robertsons of Pitlochry in 2013. As a family-run business, his focus is always on customer service and he is ever willing to spend time talking to them and letting them sample some of the many whiskies open for tasting.

Mark Angus, Retail UK Sales Manager, Gordon & MacPhail

This year’s Challenge is Mark’s fifth – he says that the most exciting part of the event is not knowing what flavours you are about to sample. He is the Retail Sales Manager for Gordon & MacPhail, which has been awarded five-stars by VisitScotland, and is a director of the Speyside Whisky Festival.

Douglas Wood, Owner, Woodwinters Wines and Whiskies

Owner of the award-winning wine and whisky retailer and wholesaler Woodwinters Wines and Whiskies, based in Stirling with retail in Bridge of Allan and Edinburgh, Douglas was a senior judge at the International Wine Challenge.

Matthew McFadyen, Co-founder, The Good Spirits Company

Matthew McFadyen is one of the co-founders of The Good Spirits Company, Glasgow’s leading independent spirits specialist. He is particularly interested in Scotch malt whisky. His first bottle of whisky was a Laphroaig 10yo.