With two shops under the Scottish gantry name, do you have any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the alcohol retail industry?
Have a look at working in wholesale first and see the different types of shops, customers, trends to give an understanding of what can be done. It will also help build your contacts and knowledge within the trade seeing the trade in action. From this you can formulate your ideas on what products work, what sells and how a buyer v seller relationship should work. If wholesale is not for you, get to know your local independent retailer, try different products all the time, do the WSET exams to give you professional accreditation.
What started your interest in the alcohol industry?
I started as a waiter when I was 16, moving into working a bar when I was 18. I had always been fascinated with the amount of different products out there and wanted to understand why people ordered for example a Whisky as opposed to Vodka or a Stout to a Lager. I also revelled in the social aspect of having been able to speak to customers and ultimately make friends with a number of them.
You have a vast range of products to choose from in your stores. Do you have any tips for other retailers looking to broaden their offering?
From our perspective we wish to include an offering which is unique for our client base. Quality of liquid always comes first. If it’s not good and I would not drink it why sell to someone else. Product needs to look good and jump off a shelf, have a story, and have authenticity.
What are your top three whiskies, (excluding GlenWyvis)?
Bruichladdich Classic Laddie, Kilchoman Sanaig, Glengoyne Teapot Dram
Have you had a memorable tasting? If so, where was it and what made it memorable?
I have been lucky to visit a number of vineyards and distilleries in my time. The Tattinger experience with Hatch Mansfield was magnificent, NcNean and Ardnamurchan are worthy mentions for a wonderful tasting experience with the scenery on offer. I think though Raasay trumps it as the views across to Skye are some of the most dramatic in Scotland and this visit was with a group of customers and as you can imagine the craic and the drams were flowing.
The Scottish gantry do a superb job of shining a light on independent Scottish brands are there any Scottish (non-whisky or gin) brands you would like to shine a light on?
On the Rum front we have been impressed with the Copeland Distillery and their Rums along with Askival from the Isle of Rhum. Vodka from Ogilivy and the guys from Hills and Harbour with their 24/7 . We have just got in Isle of Coll Twisted Highlander Vodka so we will see how this goes as well.
The Scottish gantry offers regular tasting events. Do you think this is vital for building customer loyalty?
Our focus is to try and bring an experience and education to our customers when in the shops. Tastings are a way of giving customers a better insight to their passion be that Whisky, Wine or Gin. We have trips organised to Campbeltown and Barcelona with our tasting groups as I thank you for their support and for us it helps us bond they get to know us and vice versa.
Do you attend industry events or tastings? If so which two, would you recommend?
Getting time off for events is difficult but from a whisky perspective the meccas I suppose are the Feis Ile and Speyfest ( never been ) there are a number of festivals springing up now post covid and the more the merrier in terms of advocating independent brands.
You offer a bespoke hamper service on your website. If you were gifted a hamper, what would your ideal hamper include?
Good question, some chocolates to go with the whisky which if it’s a sweetie smoky I would be happy. Chuck in some good High ABV stout and I would be happy.
Do you think your profession changes how you drink whisky, or would you say it deepens your appreciation for it?
I have always enjoyed a dram and learning as you go with the customers is a great journey to be on. The more I learn about the whisky the more I realise how little I know about the intricacies of Uisge Beatha. Every day is a school day in this game.
Visit The Scottish Gantry this Friday and Saturday to sample Batch 02/18 instore with our UK Sales Representative Lindi.
The Scottish Gantry Stirling 23/09/22 from 12pm until 3pm
The Scottish Gantry Milngavie Glasgow 24/09/22 from 12pm until 3pm
To keep up with the latest from The Scottish Gantry visit their website, Facebook page and Instagram account.
