Stuart is one of the Co-owners/Directors of Shetland Reel and also owns and operates The Malt Whisky Company which releases its own range of independently bottled single cask, single malt Scotch whiskies. Stuart has worked in the Scotch whisky industry since 1979, managing several of the most well-known distilleries.
How did you get involved in the drinks industry?
After graduating from university I worked with a company that sold process equipment to the whisky industry. After visiting and working in distilleries in Rothes, Dufftown, Elgin and Islay I was hooked and fell in love with the industry and knew that was going to be my career. Loved the spirit industry then and still do now.
What do you enjoy most about working for Shetland Distillery?
Creating new gins, seeing the pleasure on people’s faces when they try them, visiting Shetland, working with the rest of team. Really too many things to just chose one.
Where is your favourite place in Shetland to enjoy a gin?
There are many nice places on Shetland to enjoy our gin but my favourite places are really when I am elsewhere either in Scotland or elsewhere and see people choosing our gin, fabulous.
What it is your signature cocktail?
Really difficult this one particularly when choosing between a Simmer Negroni, if choosing a long drink or Up Helly Aa 2019 with soda water over ice. The Up Helly Aa probably just wins it.
What makes Shetland Reel special to you
The team, the products, the customers.