So, I’m now four weeks into my new role as Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador for the UK. It has been a relative blur of induction activity and travelling. The last week has been interesting, with volcanic ash forcing me to take a train from Southampton to Glasgow (7 hours instead of 1.5 by plane!). I’ve spent some time learning about fundamental admin/HR type stuff in our Southampton office, visiting customers with on-trade and off-trade Account Managers and spent some time with each of our Brand Ambassadors for other brands – The Balvenie, Hendrick’s gin, Remy Martin and Louis XIII cognac and, yesterday, Sailor Jerry spiced caribbean rum.
Perhaps best of all so far - I spent an evening in the company of Ian Murray as he hosted a Glenfiddich Taste The Future event at Boisdale of Bishopsgate in association with Whisky Magazine. Ian has been flying the flag for Glenfiddich in the UK (the unofficial Brand Ambassador, if you will) for many years and I learned a lot in one night about how to mingle facts and fun, education and entertainment. A true Masterclass in every sense. Thanks, Ian.
Next week sees me going “home” to Speyside, where I grew up. I’ll be spending the week at the Glenfiddich Distillery, along with our Global Ambassador, Ian Millar, and the entire team of Glenfiddich Ambassadors from around the world. We’ll be covering a whole host of topics relating to Glenfiddich and the wonderful world of malt whisky.
The following weekend, a few of us will be taking a trip to Islay (my first time) to gain a better understanding of how the peatier Cratur is made.
Then, in the first week of May, I’ll start to deliver my first training sessions – for hotel/restaurant staff. Currently planned in are a session at the Radisson in Edinburgh and Oloroso, also in Edinburgh. Then, perhaps, a trip to London to speak with the staff at China Tang in The Dorchester. Better look out my best suit for that… 
Slainte!
Jamie.
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