Richard Paterson

Third generation in a family which has long been associated with the Scotch Whisky Industry. In 1933, his grandfather established W. R. Paterson Ltd. in Glasgow and specialised in blending, bottling and broking. His bond, situated at Stockwell Place, was later taken over by Richard’s father in 1956. Ten years later Richard joined A Gillies & Company, Whisky Blenders & Brokers, as a General Production Assistant. He remained there for four years, during which time he learned every aspect of the company from stock records to distillation, with special emphasis being placed on the “art of blending”.

During the next six years he increased his knowledge in wine and spirits through The Wine & Spirit Education Trust, specializing in Bordeaux, Champagne, California, Cognac and Rum, including Cuban Cigars.

In 1970 he joined Whyte & Mackay Distillers and within five years he became their Master Blender; aged 26, he was reputed at that time to be Scotland’s youngest master blender.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

1973-Passed with “Distinction” The Wine & Spirit Education Trust Higher Certificate Course

1975-Passed the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma Course (2 years)

1976/80/86-Wins the House of Hallgarten Trophy (Blind Wine Tasting) – Glasgow / Edinburgh / Edinburgh

1980-Elected President of the 49 Wine & Spirits Club of Scotland

1982/84-Elected President of the Institute of Wine & Spirits of Scotland

1983-Elected Chairman of the Spirits Section of the International Wine & Spirit Competition Ltd in London

1987-Elected Visitor (Deacon) of the Incorporation of Maltmen of Glasgow

Elected Wine Writer for the National Guardian Magazine

1988-Invited to become a Lecturer for the Scotch Whisky Association

Passed The German Wine Shippers Association Scholarship

1989-Elected a "Keeper of the Quaich” and joined the Board of Wm Muir, Bond 9

1992-Invited to become the Diploma Spirit Lecturer for The Wine & Spirit Education Trust, London

1994-Won 'The Spirit of Scotland Trophy', International Wine & Spirit Competition, Guildhall, London - to celebrate the first reference to Scotch Whisky 1494 -1994

1994-Joined the Board of Whyte & Mackay Brands

1995-Produced the “Eternity” Blend and wins the trophy for the “Best Blended Scotch Whisky of 1997” at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London

1998-Produced the Denis Charpentier 16 Years Old Deluxe blend and wins the trophy for the “Best Blended Scotch Whisky of 1998” at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London

Visited Geyser Peak Winery, California to study viticulture and vinification methods

1999 -Elected Collector of the Incorporation of Coopers of Glasgow

Elected “Master Keeper” of The Keepers of the Quaich at Blair Castle

2000 -Produced the Denis Charpentier 21 Year Old Blend and takes trophy for “Best Blended Scotch Whisky of 2000” at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London

Also Dalmore 30 Years Old, Vladivar Ultimate, Bruichladdich 15 Years Old and Glayva take gold at same time. Glayva awarded “Best Liqueur” for both 1999 and 2000

Invited to Monaco to make a special whisky presentation to HSH Prince Rainier III and Crown Prince Albert

Elected “Certified Connoisseur” of the Scotch Single Malt Whisky Society of Holland

Presents the Baroness Philippine De Rothschild with a unique Dalmore 60 Years Old at Chateau Mouton Rothschild

2001-Wins International Wine & Spirit Competition “Distiller of the Year” Award

Elected Deacon of the Incorporation of Coopers

Successfully produces The Dalmore 62 Years Old on 12 August 2001. On 4 December 2002 it becomes the most expensive auctioned Scotch Whisky in the World - The “Kildermorie” bottle is sold at McTear’s Whisky auction for £25,877.50

2002 -Admitted to the Worshipful Company of Distillers of London

Admitted to the Worshipful Company of Coopers of London

Voted “Blender of the Year” by the Scotch Whisky Industry for Whisky Magazine’s Whisky Academy

Awarded “Industry Leader of the Year” by The Malt Advocate, New York, USA

Awarded the “Diageo Outstanding Achievement in the Scotch Whisky Industry” at the IWSC Banquet, Guildhall London

Organized the first “Andrew Usher Lunch” – attended by 24 blenders and dignitaries of the Scotch Whisky Industry.

Appointed to the Board of The Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society

2003 -Whyte and Mackay 21 Years Old and The Dalmore Cigar Malt win the top accolade at the Whisky Cigar Festival held in Havana, Cuba, presented by the Cuban Ambassador in London at Whisky Live

Voted “Blender of the Year” by the Scotch Whisky Industry for Whisky Magazine’s Whisky Academy for the second year running

Organized “The Distillers Walk” to raise funds to erect a memorial to Charles Doig, architect and inventor of the pagoda head 1855-1918

Elected an Honorary Member of the Brazilian Association of Whisky Collectors in recognition of his outstanding activities in the Scotch Whisky industry

2004-In South Africa, The Dalmore Cigar Malt was voted Best Cigar Malt to go with the best Cuban Cigar (Partagas No. 4 D Series)

Wins International Wine & Spirit Competition “Distiller of the Year” Award

2005-The Dalmore 30 Years Old Gonzalez Byass Sherry Finish takes the Trophy for the Most Outstanding Single Malt Whisky. A further 2 gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze medals completes this accolade

Joined the Board of The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre

2006-Whyte and Mackay 30 Years Old Rare Blended Scotch Whisky takes the Trophy for the Winning Combination paired along with Don Ramos Cigars at the 2006 World Whisky & Cigar Challenge

2007 -Whyte & Mackay Rare Reserve 30 Years Old Scotch Whisky wins the best Scotch Blended Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards 2007

2008-Elected a Trustee of The Whyte & Mackay Pension Scheme

Goodness Nose by Richard Paterson and Gavin D. Smith launched 30th October in Glasgow

International Wine & Spirit Competition – won 27 gold and silver medals plus shortlisted for “Global Distiller of the Year” Award