The road to Scotch was a much larger one than you might think for Beam-Suntory’s Johnnie Mundell. As a traveler, and semi-aspiring film maker, his creative roots were moving in many directions. But as life and love ultimately shaped the journey, Johnnie connected with his homeland and perspective on teaching as he became a whisky brand ambassador. Through a few other brands, Johnnie ultimately found one of the largest challenges yet, representing Japanese culture and history through the lens of Whisky with Beam-Suntory. We chat Ken Loach, school days, Cognac, Jordan Felix and more.
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EP 230 – Mitch Bechard: Ready, Set, Scotch
DownloadMusicians make the best ambassadors and for Glenfiddich’s Mitch Bechard, touring around the world sharing art was second nature. Born in Scotland to Mauritian parents, Mitch was fortunate enough to spend his youth traveling the globe with his family, during which time he developed the kind of wanderlust that would become a central part of his career. Beginning in 1990, he started to take his first steps into the world of food and drink, cutting his teeth in hotel management, as well as running restaurants and cocktail bars in places as far-flung as Portugal, England, Scotland and Australia, as he traveled the globe chasing his passion for the spirits industry. We…
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EP 228 – Brendan McCarron: A Coming of Age Story
Download It is a daunting task to master the art of Scotch maturation, but Glenmorangie/Ardbeg’s Brendan McCarron is just the right man for the job. As part of a big Scottish family, Brendan flocked towards the sciences in school and chemistry became a clear winner of his interest. After time in the lab, Brendan worked with Diageo gems Lagavulin, Oban, and Caol Ila to manage production. As a new marriage began to unfold, so did opportunities in the Scotch industry. Now years later, Brendan introduces his first scotch love child Ardbeg An Oa. We chat Kubrick, soccer, Glenmorangie Astar, and succession plans.
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Ep 219 – Elyse Blechman: Returning the Favor
DownloadElyse Blechman of The Macallan has influenced the hospitality industry in a profound way. From Speed Rack mastery to leading many discussions in the male-dominated field of Scotch Whiskey, Elyse has cherished every word of imparted wisdom from her mother to become the most exceptional woman she could be. From Houston to San Antonio, Elyse has cut her teeth from behind the bar in some of the greatest modern cocktail establishments. This love of hospitality and learning ultimately transformed into a high profile education role with Edrington as an ambition personality sharing The Macallan with the world. We chat mental health, physical health, and how mothers can make us feel…