CHAIR

Richard Paterson OBE

Richard Paterson is third generation in a family which has had a long association with the Scotch Whisky Industry. Richard started the art of “nosing” whisky at the tender age of 8 years old with his father so it is not surprising whisky runs in his blood. In 2016 Richard celebrated 50 years in the Industry having spent the last 46 years with Whyte & Mackay Distillers, since 1970 as their Master Blender.

Richard has produced countless award-winning whiskies however one of his greatest achievements was replicating The Mackinlays Malt Whisky which had been preserved under Sir Ernest Shackleton’s hut in the South Pole for a staggering 103 years!  He is a past President of The Institute of Wines & Spirits, Visitor of the Incorporation of Maltmen, Deacon of the Incorporation of Coopers, The Benevolent Society of the Licensed Trade of Scotland and in 1999 was made a “Master” Keeper of the Quaich at Blair Castle. In 2013 Richard was inducted into the “Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame.” In 2015 Whyte & Mackay Distillers was awarded the “UK Spirits Producer of the Year”.

JUDGES FROM 2026

LEFT TO RIGHT: Richard Paterson, Whyte & Mackay; David Stewart, formerly William Grant & Sons; Jota Tanaka, Kirin Brewery; Julia Nourney, Freelance Spirits Writer; Sam Simmons, Atom Brands; Angela d'Orazio, Compass Box; Bill Lumsden, The Glenmorangie Company; Margaret Nicol, Whyte & Mackay; Shinji Fukuyo, Suntory Limited; Lora Hemy, Consulting Master Distiller and Whiskymaker; Dave McCabe, Irish Distillers; Frances Jack, Scotch Whisky Research Institution; Hiromi Ozaki, The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co; Randy Hudson, Triple Eight Distillery on Nantucket; Jane Bowie, Potter Jane Distilling Co.