Desert Island Drams With David Riddell
If you were to be marooned on a desert island with just three whiskies, three tunes, a luxury item and a book for company, what would you choose? We spoke to distillerytours.scot's Director, David Riddell, to find out more about his Desert Island Drams...
distillerytours.scot (DTS): Hi David, thank you for being a part of our first ever Desert Island Drams feature! As Director of DTS you must have had the opportunity to taste some amazing whiskies over the years. Hopefully now we can grill you down on just a few of your favourites! But first things first, tell us a little about yourself…
David Riddell (DR): Hi there, it is great to kick off our brand new feature. I love how we never sit still at DTS, we are always looking for new ways to provide extra value to our distilleries and extra entertainment for our fans. I am David Riddell and as you said, I am a Director of DTS. We work with over 70% of Scotland’s distilleries promoting whisky tourism and distillery tours. We use the website to promote our partner distilleries to a large and ever-growing audience.
DTS: So, you’ve just heard that you are to be marooned on a desert island. You know the drill – you can only take three whiskies and we may let you take a couple of other things (more on that later). Because we are a kind bunch we’re going to let you have a dinner party the night before – a send-off if you will. We know you love your family – so please don’t pick them! Who would you invite? Three names please…
DR: From an entertainment perspective I would have to ask Billy Connolly – can you imagine the chat? The air might turn a little blue – as we are both partial to the odd profanity! Hopefully that wouldn’t offend Albert Einstein too much, as he would be my second choice. I have always been interested in the cosmos and before I am cast off into obscurity with hours to ponder things it would be good to have him answer a few of my great unanswered questions. Completing the guest list would be the one and only Elvis. I would be hoping that after a few drams The King would be convinced to get up and treat us all to a song (or two).
DTS: Fantastic, sounds like quite the dinner party. But back to business, the day has come and you are to be cast away on a desert island with three whiskies for company. What are they going to be?
DR: I am going to start with Balvenie’s Caribbean Cask. Not only does this whisky taste great, but it also reminds me of a time when I was standing at a bar after spending a fantastic day playing golf with friends. We all decided to opt for the Caribbean Cask which was a whisky I had never tried before. The moment I tasted it, I fell in love and it is still one of my all-time favourites. What I love is that the moment I pour myself a glass, I am reminded of this very happy time in my life. I am transported back to that bar and that moment.
DTS: The way whisky can make you remember a place, a time, a person or a feeling is part of what makes it so special, you’re right. What about your next choice?
DR: So this one would be the anCnoc 18 Year Old. Earlier this year I took part in Inverurie Whisky Shop’s Highland Whisky Academy Ambassador Course, and while there we managed to get a behind the scenes tour at Knockdhu Distillery. We turned up at the distillery to be greeted at the door by five or six dogs along with Distillery Manager – Gordon Bruce and what followed was honestly one of the best tours I have been on. It was here that I got to try the 18 Year Old and what a delight it was to get to sample it on its home turf, as it is one of the nicest whiskies I have ever tasted. Drinking it now takes me back to that amazing part of the world, the beauty of the distillery and the craziness of those dogs. As the Gordon himself said: “If you don’t like being in a distillery surrounded by dogs then you can fuck off!” Well Gordon, I loved it!
DTS: Dogs and whisky, a match made in heaven for many! But come on, we are dying to know what your number one Desert Island Dram is…
DR: Well, it is an Islay malt - Lagavulin 16 Year Old Distillery Exclusive. Every time I take a sip of this malt it takes me back to Islay and there is no better place to be in my opinion. My wife and I travelled to Islay to do the three distilleries cycle route which includes Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. While we were there the weather was scorching and I remember tasting this particular whisky when we visited Lagavulin Distillery. It was (hands down) the best whisky I had ever tasted. There is something about drinking a whisky in its ‘natural habitat’ that makes it taste even more incredible. That said, even from the comfort of my own sofa, this is my favourite whisky.
DTS: Three cracking whiskies, sounds like you will have a blast on the island – even if you are all alone! You are allowed to take some music too – three tracks. What would they be?
DR: The first would be Radiohead’s Karma Police, they are one of my favourite bands with loads of songs that really resonate with me. I would also like to take The Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony which reminds me of my daughter; despite its morose tone, it makes us both happy! Lastly would be Nickelback’s Photograph which reminds me of my other daughter! Yes, bar the dog, I live in a house of females – you can see why my dinner party was so male-centred.
DTS: We will also let you take one luxury item, this could be edible, wearable, usable – you choose!
DR: This would be a good pair of boots. I am not the biggest fan of sand between my toes, so the boots would help with that and if do get rescued I won’t look like Tom Hanks in Castaway.
DTS: Last question, we’ll let you take a book too. So – what would it be?
DR: Without a doubt it would be the Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, my favourite books.