2018 Judges
Darren Leitch, National Retail Manager, The Whisky Shop
Darren has been involved with the Challenge since 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.
Mike Lord, Owner, The Whisky Shop Dufftown
Mike is in his second decade at the helm of The Whisky Shop Dufftown, situated in the heart of Speyside. He relishes the opportunity the Challenge gives him to study 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. His focus is on customer service and he is ever willing to spend time talking and helping people sample the many whiskies open for tasting.
Mark Angus, Retail UK Sales Manager, Gordon & MacPhail
This year’s Challenge is Mark’s sixth– 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 and a director of the Speyside Whisky Festival.
Douglas Wood, Owner, Woodwinters Wines and Whiskies
Owner of the award-winning Woodwinters Wines and Whiskies in Stirling, Bridge of Allan and Edinburgh, Douglas was a senior judge at the International Wine Challenge.
Matthew McFadyen, Co-founder, The Good Spirits Company
Matthew 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.
Blair Bowman, Author and Founder of World Whisky Day
Blair is an in demand whisky consultant. He is the author of the Pocket Guide to Whisky: featuring the WhiskyTubeMap and regularly hosts whisky training sessions around the world.