Boy o boy are yall in for a treat. I got to sit down with Andy Westley, Director of Whiskey Sales for Foley Wine and Spirits (importer of Loch Lomond). And lets just say it was fantastic. This is a 2 part show so stay tuned for the second part. We chatted all things whiskey and business. Hope you enjoy.

Unlike many distilleries, who take a particular view of the style of whisky they produce, we have a unique, remarkable distilling ability unlike any other in Scotch.

Both Swan Neck & Straight Neck Stills

Loch Lomond Whiskies distill using 2 styles of malt still. The Straight Neck Pot Still and a more traditional Swan Neck Pot Still, more commonly used in malt whisky production.

By using two types of still, different cut points, peated and unpeated malted barley, we are able to distill eight different single malt styles, providing an uniquely wide range of taste profiles for a single malt distillery.

Our distillation techniques across all of our stills allow us to maintain the underlying fruity character developed during our 92 hour, extra long fermentation process; ensuring all single malts across the Loch Lomond ranges carry the underlying fruity distillery character.

The Council of Whiskey Masters was established to define and uphold a new set of education standards among sommeliers and spirits professionals, offering credentials in the field of whiskey that are equivalent to the well-established designations in the world of wine.

The certification program consists of 4 levels, with Levels I and II conducted remotely / online. Levels III and IV are delivered in-person.

Prior to the founding of the Council, there had been no worldwide education and certification body or program dedicated to the wider beverage category of whiskey—the finest of all spirits.

Learn more, and start with one of our Level I credentials: Certified Scotch Professional (CSP) and Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP).

Upon passing Level I, candidates can move to the Level II credential, covering the whole world of whiskey, beyond Scotland and America: Certified Whiskey Specialist (CWS).

Our Master-level exams are: Level III, Master of Scotch or Master of Bourbon, and finally Level IV, Master of Whiskey.

The Council also maintains a vibrant Membership Program, offering benefits to all whiskey lovers.

Learn about Whiskey: The Leading Education Programs for Scotch, Bourbon, and the other Global Whiskeys.

Available for aspiring and established spirits professionals located anywhere in the world, through online testing.

Designed, guided and endorsed by the most respected whisk(e)y and spirits authorities from 4 continents.

Today, the most widely recommended and trusted certification program on whiskey, globally.

Helping aspiring as well as seasoned whiskey specialists to reach the highest possible knowledge & competence levels.

Certification candidates are located in more than 40 countries. The Council is 100% independent, with the sole focus to deliver the most relevant and accepted study program in the industry, based on a rigorous study curriculum that requires intensive study and dedication. Our Advisory Board consists of 30+ of the most respected individuals in all of whiskey, making the Council certifications a globally recognized set of spirits qualifications. Our remote-friendly learning options allow for effective whiskey education online.

The world of whiskey is rich in the potential for knowledge and ability, and has long needed a legitimate training and career path that a formal study & exam program can best help establish. Interested individuals from around the globe should have access to a viable path that allows starting and building out a career in whiskey. Our tiered study & examination program aims to fill this gap.