Dr. Bill Lumsden, director of distilling and whisky creation at Glenmorangie Co., has a lifelong passion for wine that started with a humble bottle of Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile in 1984. This experience sparked his interest in wine collecting and eventually influenced his approach to whisky making.
During a recent interview, Lumsden shared his journey, which took him from a student’s curiosity about red wine to a renowned distiller who collaborates with high-profile clients like Beyoncé Knowles Carter. Glenmorangie recently released a series of wine cask-finished whiskies, including a Port wine-finished expression that convinced Lumsden to join the company in 1995.
Lumsden’s approach to whisky is shaped by his experience with world-class wines. He experiments with different finishes and collaborates with wine regions like Barbaresco, Margaux, and Corton-Charlemagne. His whiskies reflect a blend of Scottish terroir and international flair.
When not working on whisky, Lumsden enjoys his own collection of wine. He shares tips for selecting wines to pair with meals, including recommendations for special occasions, everyday drinking, and hidden gems from around the world. The Glenmorangie director’s enthusiasm for wine is contagious, inspiring readers to explore the intersection of whisky and wine.
Source: https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/scotlands-most-famous-distiller-is-also-a-wine-fanatic-he-has-some-tips-0470e9ab