At Lindores, we pride ourselves on being a close-knit team filled with fantastic talents and personalities. In our latest instalment of People of Lindores, we sat down for a dram with Elliot Wynn Higgins, our Cask Custodian, and had a chat about his time in the whisky world.
- How did you end up in the whisky industry?
Curiosity – I was working in one of Edinburgh’s more iconic late-night venues, Finnegan’s Wake, when I had just started university. Time and time again, I would get asked which malt or scotch I would recommend. Bearing in mind that we had a back bar of 12 different brands, I ignorantly thought they were all the same, until I lifted two bottles (Laphroaig and Dalwhinnie) to have a smell, and right away noticed such a contrast.
From there, I knew I couldn’t just sell any whisky at random as the flavours were completely different. So, I took myself off and read a book on whisky, and instantly fell in love with the process of how it is made and the fact that it takes 3 years minimum to produce.
My curiosity then turned into a passion; I knew I wanted to work closer to the whisky world. In 2015, a new prestigious whisky bar was opening on Edinburgh’s West End, named Usquabae (the modern spelling for Aqua Vitae) and I ended up working at the venue for several years and finishing my degree on the side. The bar had over 700 different bottlings from all over the country and I built up my base knowledge from working with all the brands and visiting many distilleries along the way.
- What brought you to Lindores?
After having worked at Usquabae for several years, I felt it was time to move on. After being on the hunt for a few months, I happened to become acquainted with one of the Lindores directors who then introduced me to Helen and Drew. I was invited to the distillery for the launch of the Aqua vitae, and from there, Helen invited me up for an interview with both her and Drew to become the new Brand Home Manager. I then took on this role in June 2018.
- What is your proudest memory from your time at Lindores?
I think it would be an accumulation of things, but one thing that stands out for me would be our launch week. We were all handed van keys and given a route by our UK Sales Manager, Murray, to which we would all travel our separate routes up and down the UK. Personally, I was given the western route, ending up in Oban. The sun scorched down all day and there was no wind, and that memory of driving along with the whisky in the back to deliver will live with me for years. Knowing that everyone at Lindores had waited so long to launch our whisky and share with the world.
- What would you say to anyone thinking of dipping a toe in the whisky industry, either as a collector or as a career?
Do it, don’t hesitate. The whisky world may seem massive, but really it is one big happy family sharing common interests! Collecting is all subjective, but it is becoming increasing popular now – you will need to be quite selective as to what bottles you collect nowadays as the appreciation in my eyes is definitely slowing.
- Money no object, which bottle would you buy (not Lindores!) to enjoy?
Easy – my favourite whisky on the planet is Talisker 18. I find it is like a peppered smoke crème brûlée. I would happily sit and consume this whisky all day, every day, for the rest of my life!
- Who would you most like to share a dram with and why?
Winston Churchill. I think he would be a very interesting man to talk with and share a whisky -the stories he must have will be very unique to say the least. A close second would be Johnny Cash.
- Do you have a hero in the industry?
Our very own Distillery Manager, Gary Haggart. The man is a legend and is such a great guy to work alongside and learn from. When the day comes that we are no longer colleagues, I will miss him dearly, but he is a friend for life. We have a running joke that if we have someone visiting Lindores and we are both showing them around, I will always introduce Gary as my padawan who is learning everything from me. Never fails to get a laugh, little do they know I am not lying!
- Which distillery in the world would you most like to visit?
To get my inner geek going, I think visiting the old Karuizawa Distillery in Japan (no longer in existence) would be a superb experience. However, I think a visit to Kentucky needs to be on the cards for me at some stage. Knowing that I love bourbon matured whiskies, I need to check out the heart of their production, so I would say Buffalo Trace.
- Apart from whisky, what are your great loves and passions in life?
Sport, all kinds of sports. I follow pretty much everything, but my favourite being rugby. My hobbies outside of work consist of training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and walking my Cocker Spaniel, Ted. He is my little pride and joy in life and of course my companion.
- Using whisky tasting notes, how would you describe yourself?
An all rounder, similar to Lindores actually. You can approach me any time of year, what ever the mood, I’m a lover of conversation and laughs. Flavour notes, smooth (obviously), well-rounded with a hint of spice. I mean, I do like a curry or two every now and then!
