Richard Paterson

With over 40 years of experience under his ‘nose’ it’s no wonder Richard Paterson is regarded as one of the world’s best Master Blenders.

He is responsible for Whyte & Mackay’s flagship blended whisky, the commanding Dalmore highland malt and he was the man who re-created a piece of history when he brought to life the 100 year old  Mackinlay’s ‘Shackleton’ whisky.

Being a third generation Master Blender, Richard quickly learned that the complex art of producing the perfect whisky is not one to be taken lightly.

He began his career as a general production assistant at A. Giles & Company Whisky Blenders & Brokers where he learned the art of blending before joining Whyte & Mackay, one of Scotland’s leading makers and distributors of Scotch whisky, becoming their Master Blender at just 26 years old.

With a truly unique talent for ‘nosing whisky’, one of the main tasks of a Master Blender is often nosing hundreds of samples of whisky over the course of a day, and being able to distinguish each to maintain particular layers of flavour, aroma and depth. It is his skill that earned him the nickname ‘The Nose’ and so valuable is his nose that he has had it insured by Lloyds of London for £1.5 million!

When Richard isn’t in his sample room creating whiskies he is often out travelling the globe extensively as not just an ambassador for Whyte & Mackay but for the Scottish whisky industry as a whole.  His entertaining presenting style coupled with his passion and knowledge for whisky has earned him a legion of fans across the world.

He has been awarded The Spirit of Scotland Trophy at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, named Whisky Magazine Whisky Ambassador of the Year and has even had a series of Manga comic strips created in his honour!  When he isn’t receiving plaudits for his work, Richard likes to spend his time getting other’s involved in his passion as he is a Diploma Lecturer for Scotch Whisky for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust in London.  He also works extensively with the Benevolent Trust in Scotland, to raise money for those who have previously worked in the drinks industry and have fallen on harder times.   In 2008 Richard published his very own book, Goodness Nose.

Richard writes a regular column in Sweden’s leading whisky magazine, Whisky & Bourbon.  He has also contributed to the Huffington Post and Whisky Magazine, as well as brining his inimitable presenting style to life on programmes such as CNBC (US), Style TV (Russia).and STV (UK) to name but a few.