The judges’ TOP TWELVE

Who made the cut? 2021 Judges

Robin Russell

Owner, 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. He knows a bit about gin too!

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 but that doesn’t stop him from enjoying a gin from time to time.

Ewan McIlwraith

Owner, Robertsons of Pitlochry

Ewan took over the running of Robertsons of Pitlochry in 2013. His focus is on customer service and helping people enjoy spirits.

Carrie Fenneymore

Store manager, Wood Winters

Caroline has been in the drinks industry since leaving university. She has been with WoodWinters for the last 18 months and manages all things Edinburgh. She holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma in wine and spirits.

Blair Bowman

Author and founder of World Whisky Day

Blair is an in-demand whisky consultant. He is author of the Pocket Guide to Whisky: featuring the WhiskyTubeMap and regularly hosts whisky training sessions around the world. He writes about gin for Scottish Field’s biannual sister magazine Cask & Still.

James Taylor

Buying and Trade Marketing Manager, Gordon & McPhail

James has 34 years of experience in the drinks trade, the last 14 of them at G&M. He has also worked for Oddbins, Fortnum & Mason and House of Fraser.