Whisky Focus - Richard Paterson Celebrates 50 Years in the Whisky Industry

Richard Paterson celebrates 50 years in the whisky industry

This month one of the most well known figures in the Scotch whisky industry celebrates 50 years of creating some of the worlds most coveted and iconic whiskies, that person is Richard Paterson who is renowned for his role as Master Distiller at The Dalmore Distillery in the Scottish Highlands.

I am sure many of the whisky connoisseurs amongst you have come across Richard over the years, perhaps at a tasting event where the stylish Glaswegian who is often recognisable by his co-ordinated tie and handkerchief enthusiastically shares his unparalleled passion, expertise and intimate knowledge of whisky and all in his very own enormously entertaining and equally educational unique style.

Richards father was a whisky broker and bottler who had warehouses in Stockwell Lane in Glasgow, he had one small company, Paterson's Best. It was his fathers inspiration and dedication that lead Richard to a career in the whisky industry. Richard learned the complex art of producing the perfect whisky from his father and grandfather.

Richard began his career as a general production assistant at A. Giles & Company Whisky Blenders & Brokers in Glasgow, where he learned the art of whisky distilling and blending. He then joined Whyte & Mackay Ltd one of Scotland’s leading makers of Scotch whisky and owners of The Dalmore. Just five years later, at the age of 26, Richard was promoted to Master Blender.

Richard Paterson has now been at the helm of The Dalmore for nearly five decades where he continues to create, develop and keep a careful watch over some of Scotland’s oldest and rarest whisky stocks. His intimate knowledge of rare and exclusive casks has allowed him to create the category of super luxury Dalmore single malt, which sadly is a category of whiskies which most of us will never get to taste unless our numbers come up in the lottery.

Nicknamed ‘The Nose’ for his exceptional ability to assess and understand the structure of whiskies through smell alone, Richard’s charismatic and energetic approach to illuminating the art of whisky making has earned him a legion of fans and a celebrity status amongst whisky lovers the world over.

Richard has played a significant role in the surging popularity of single malts and premium blended whiskies in the past 25 or so years and continues to do so today. He is an innovator who takes inspiration from a range of sources, from art to music, fragrance to fashion and cuisine to fine wine. Since its origin, The Dalmore has been renowned for pushing the boundaries in whisky creation, maturing stocks for long periods and moving spirit between casks – both practices which were unheard of at the time.

Richard has made it his mission to continually evolve the art of multi-cask maturation and finishing, which has led to ground-breaking and definitive releases such as The Dalmore King Alexander III, the first single malt whisky in the world to achieve a six cask finish. The Dalmore Constellation Collection is another such example which includes a selection of 21 single cask releases which perfectly showcase the depth and complexity of stocks which can be uniquely created at The Dalmore.

Richard commented on his 50 year milestone saying: "The past 50 years has flown by and I am so proud of what I have achieved in the industry. My time with The Dalmore has provided me with some of my fondest moments. The chance to create and work with the world’s oldest and rarest malts has been an absolute privilege and I’m forever grateful that I’ve been able to share these treasures with fellow whisky lovers across the world.

"While my work with The Dalmore has undoubtedly been a career highlight, I’ve also been fortunate enough to share my passion with whisky fans whilst contributing to the work of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. This variety has made my time in the industry all the more enjoyable.

"The next 18 months are shaping up to be among my best yet. I enjoy meeting people who have a passion for whisky and I’m relishing the chance to share my celebration with connoisseurs from across the world."

If that has put you in the mood to try one of Richards creations then look out for The Dalmore 35 which is due to be launched in October this year, I am certain Richard will have selected something special to launch in his 50th year, you can read what Richard has to say about it here: The Dalmore 35

If you can't wait then you will find a great selection of The Dalmore single malt whisky available from specialist Whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange

Slainte mhath Richard
 

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