Whisky Books

Scot-Talks

Scottish & Whisk(e)y events hosted

Hosting a whisk(e)y table - Sacramento, California

"We loved the humor intertwined within the presentation"

"Very entertaining and educational"

"What a Night"

"Very Funny"

Biography

I was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and raised in the village of Blackness on the River Forth. At the age of seventeen I embarked upon a twenty-three-year career in the British Royal Navy, which took me all over the world. I have lived and worked in seven different countries.

I have been a mountain guide; made and installed kilns in Australia; been an electronics instructor in Saudi Arabia; been a Documentation Manager for a software company in Taiwan; and in the USA, been a salesman for Sears, a firefighter, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a jewelry store manager, Senior Case Manager for the National Expert Witness Network and recently became an Independent Contractor for International Network in Advance-Gaming Inc., covering California

I have an in-depth knowledge of whisky, how it's made, it's history, traditions and yes, even whisky related humor. I have visited a number of distilleries in Scotland and spent a week at the Springbank Whisky School in Campbeltown, Scotland, working on all aspects of whisky making, from malting the barley to bottling and packaging the whisky. I have tasted and written about whisky from every distillery currently producing whisky in Scotland (around 140), as well as whiskies from around the world.

Outside of work, I officiate Scottish weddings, and I have hosted whisky tastings and Scottish presentations in California, Oregon, and Nevada.

I currently work at Leiper's Fork Distillery in Tennessee.

I also write;

Children’s books

Winter's Bite – (Book one in the series). A modern-day adventure set in Scotland based on Scottish mythology.

Destiny’s Bite - (Book two in the series). A modern-day adventure set in Scotland based on Scottish mythology.

Cigar Book

Cigar Traveler - A guide to Cigar lounges in the USA.

Travel Books

From Milngavie to Midges - Hiking the "West Highland Way, Scotland."

Hiking with Nessie - Hiking the "Great Glen Way, Scotland."

Touring Central Scotland – Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Stirling etc.

Touring Orkney, Shetland & the North Western Highlands - Including the North Coast 500.

Touring Scotland - A guide to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

Touring Southern Scotland - Galashiels, Selkirk, Melrose, Hawick, Kelso, Jedburgh & Ayr, Dumfries etc.

Touring the North East of Scotland - Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Royal Deeside, Speyside etc.

Touring the West Coast and the Western Isles of Scotland – Campbeltown, Fort William, Islay, Jura, Mallaig, Oban & Skye.

Whisk(e)y Books

A Whisky Might Not Fix Things, But It's Worth A Shot! - Whisk(e)y related: Anecdotes, Humor, Jokes, Memes, Quotes, Toasts & Trivia.

Scotland's Single Malt Whisky Distilleries. - Where they are, when they were founded, how to pronounce their names (and what those names mean). I have also included a review of a whisky from each distillery.

Whisky Timeline - Whisk(e)y distilleries around the world and when they were founded.

Whiskey Traveler - A guide to Whisk(e)y bars around the world.

Whiskey Traveler America – Whiskey bars in every state.

Whiskey Traveler Great Britain - Whisky bars in England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland & Wales.

See the "Books pages on this website" for a quick look at each book. My free whisky newsletters are available on this site (over 270).

I have been the Master of Ceremonies at many events all over the world, including the Las Vegas Celtic Games (twice).

Presenting "The Balvenie" at WhiskyFest San Francisco, California.

Radio & Television Interviews

Radio

British Forces Broadcasting Service - Gibraltar
KKXX - Discussing the Butte County Scottish Society - Chico, California - 2015
KKXX - Promoting "Taste for a Cause" - Charity Whisky & Wine Event - Chico, California - 2016
KKXX - Discussing my new book "From Milngavie to Midges" - Chico, California - 2018
KKXX - Discussing my books, including "Whisky Traveler" - Chico, California - 2019
KQMS - Promoting the Jefferson Pipe Band - Charity Whisky Event - Redding, California - 2016

"Chico Now" - Radio interview Discussing my book "From Milngavie to Midges"

Television

Action News Now - Celtic Celebration - Chico, California
BBC Television - Quiz Master - British Royal Navy, Scotland
BBC Television - Performer - Royal Albert Hall, London, England
British Royal Navy - Leadership training video - Bodmin Moor, England
WFSB - Hartford, Connecticut - 2001
KCLV - Celtic Games, Master of Ceremonies - Las Vegas, Nevada - 2011

Introducing the Mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman

Unknown Track - Unknown Artist

00:00 / 00:00

"It was everything I hoped it would be, learning about Whisky and it's many variations.

I thought the MC was absolutely top notch. Funny, instructive, and full of information made for a neophyte like me."

Master of Ceremonies (over 100 events)

Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - For eight years at all events including; Burns Night dinners and Tartan Night celebrations
Celtic Showcase - Redding, CA
Chamber of Commerce Ambassador - Paradise, CA - At a number of new business openings
Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - Scotland a light-hearted look
Las Vegas Celtic Games (2011) - Las Vegas, NV (two-day event)
Las Vegas Celtic Games (2011) - Las Vegas, NV - Fremont Street Experience "Ceilidh" (two-night event)
Las Vegas Celtic Games (2012) - Las Vegas, NV - Celtic Games (two-day event)
Las Vegas Celtic Games (2012) - Las Vegas, NV - Fremont Street Experience "Ceilidh" (two-night event)
Queen Vic Pub, Riviera Casino - Las Vegas, NV - Burns Night
Relay For Life - Paradise, CA - Various events, including local television
Shasta Celtic Society - Reading, CA - Parade of the Tartans
St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - Burns Night
"White Elephant club" - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - "Entertainments Manager", two events a month for eighteen months
Windchimes Assisted living - Chico, CA - Burns night, the bard of Scotland

at Pleasanton

Presenting Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch at Whisky Live at Pleasanton, California.

Presentations on Scotland

Alexander Dawson School - Las Vegas, NV - Scotland A to Z (Kindergarten)
Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - Hiking the West Highland Way, Scotland
Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - Hiking the Great Glen Way, Scotland
Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - Scotland a light-hearted look
Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - Robert Burns the Bard of Scotland
Caledonian club of Sacramento, CA - Scotland a light-hearted look (2017)
Caledonian club of Sacramento, CA - Robert Burns the bard of Scotland (January 2018)
Douglas Lodge - Genoa, NV- Scotland a light-hearted look (2019)
Enloe Hospital - Chico, CA - Hiking the Great Glen Way, Scotland
Feather River Assisted living - Paradise, CA - A trip around Scotland
Feather River Assisted living - Paradise, CA - Scotland a light-hearted look
First Presbyterian Church - Corning, CA - Scotland (2012)
First Presbyterian Church - Corning, CA - Scotland a light-hearted look (2013)
First Presbyterian Church - Corning, CA - Scotland A to Z (2014)
First Presbyterian Church - Oroville, CA - Scotland A to Z (2015)
Girl Scout Troop, Yuba City, CA - Scotland A to Z
Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - Scotland a light-hearted look (June 2016)
Lady Elks - Chico, CA - A trip around Scotland
Lady Elks - Paradise, CA - A trip around Scotland
Merryhill Elementary, Las Vegas, NV - Scotland A to Z
Nevada Society of Scottish Clans - Reno, NV - Scotland, a light-hearted look
Senior Center - Paradise, CA - A trip around Scotland
Shriners - Chico, CA - A trip around Scotland
SIRs - Paradise, CA - A trip around Scotland
St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - Hiking the West Highland Way, Scotland
St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - Scotland a light-hearted look
St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - Robert Burns the bard of Scotland
St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - Hiking the Great Glen Way
St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - William Wallace & Robert the Bruce
Windchimes Assisted living - Chico, CA - A trip around Scotland

Addressing the haggis - Grand Sierra Resort - Reno, Nevada

"Thanks for an original look at Robert Burns. You really held the audience and provided quite a few hearty laughs."

Robert Burns, the bard of Scotland

Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - "Address to the Haggis" (2005)
Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - "Address to the Haggis" (2006)
Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - "Address to the Haggis" (2007)
Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - "Address to the Haggis" (2019)
Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - "Toast to the Lassies" (2008)
Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - "Immortal memory" (2009)
Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - "Tam O' Shanter" (2011)
Grand Sierra Resort - Reno, NV - Reno, NV - "Address to the Haggis" (2012)
Grand Sierra Resort - Reno, NV - "Address to the Haggis" (2015)
Queen Vic Pub, Riviera Casino, Las Vegas, NV - "Address to the Haggis" (2010)
St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - "Address to the Haggis" (Something Scottish) (2010)
"White Elephant club" Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - "Toast to the Lassies" (1998)
Windchimes Assisted living - Chico, CA - "Toast to the Lassies" (2008)

Pouring The Macallan at the Sutter club in Sacramento, California.

Scottish Society work

President of the Butte County Scottish Society 2005 - Paradise, CA
President of the Butte County Scottish Society 2006 - Paradise, CA
President of the Butte County Scottish Society 2007 - Paradise, CA
President of the Butte County Scottish Society 2008 - Paradise, CA
President of the Butte County Scottish Society 2009 - Paradise, CA
Burns Night Committee - St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV 2010
Butte County Scottish Society 2011 - Committee member - Paradise, CA

Throwing out the first pitch at the Las Vegas "Area 51" Ball game.

Quiz Master (I have set & hosted hundreds of quizzes)

British Royal Navy - Various venues (including BBC television) over 23 years
"White Elephant club" - Saudi Arabia - Every month for 4 years
Queen Victoria Pub, Riviera Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada - St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Tartan Night "Scottish Quiz"

Back in my Navy days

"The whisky talk was a treat we absolutely didn't think we had coming."

Whisky Tastings & Whisky Dinners (over 100 events)

(Host or co-host)

"Astar" whisky club - Paradise, CA - Whisky, Scotland in a glass - Various whiskies over an 8 year period, every Friday
Bay Club - Redwood Shores, CA (2014) - Glenlivet 12, 15 & 18
Bay Club - Redwood Shores, CA (2015) - Laphroaig 10, 18 and quarter cask
Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (December 2012) - Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Angel's envy
Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (January 2013) - Dewars, Johnnie Walker, Gibson's
Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (February 2013) - Templeton rye, Tullimore DEW,
Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (January 2014) - Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Angel's envy
Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (August 2014) - Dewars, Johnnie Walker, Gibson's
Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (January 2015) - Chivas Regal, Templeton rye, Tullimore DEW
Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (March 2015) - Jameson, Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Angel's envy
Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (January 2016) - Dewars, Johnnie Walker, Gibson's
Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (March 2016) - Jameson, Templeton rye, Tullimore DEW
Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (January 2017) - Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Angel's envy
Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (March 2017) - Dewars, Jameson, Johnnie Walker, Gibson's
Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (December 2017) - Templeton Rye, Tullimore DEW
Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (January 2018) - Chivas Regal, Templeton rye, Tullimore DEW, Woodford Reserve, Glenfiddich
Caledonian club of Sacramento, CA - Whisky (January 2018)
Celtic Celebration - Paradise, CA (2012) - Glenfiddich, Glenlivert, Jura, Macallan
Celtic Games - Las Vegas, NV (2011) (6 tastings over 2 days) - Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch
Celtic Games - Las Vegas, NV (2012) (6 tastings over 2 days) - Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch, Grants Family Reserve
Christian Brothers Academy - Sacramento, CA (2014) - Glenfiddich, Jura, Monkey Shoulder, Cutty Sark "Prohibition"
Christian Brothers Academy - Sacramento, CA (2015) - Auchentoshan, Black Grouse, Famous Grouse, Cutty sark, Glenfiddich
Douglas Lodge - Genoa, NV (2019) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban & Nectar D'Or
Gaia hotel - Anderson, CA (2011) - Glenfiddich 12, 15 18, 21 & Jack Daniels
Grand Sierra Resort & Casino (Rotary western states) - Reno, NV (2014) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban & Nectar D'Or
Grand Sierra Resort & Casino (CA Groundwater Association) - Reno, NV (2015) - Highland Park , Jura, Oban, Lagavulin
Grand Sierra Resort & Casino (CA Groundwater Association) - Reno, NV (2018) - Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye, Jameson Black Barrel, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Glenfiddich 15
Grindstone Cigar Club - Redding, CA (Whisky & Cigar pairing) (2012) - Woodford Reserve, Macallan
Grindstone Cigar Club - Redding, CA (Whisky & Cigar pairing) (2013) - Glenfiddich, Highland Park
Grindstone Cigar Club - Redding, CA (Whisky & Cigar pairing) (2015) - Remy Martin Cognac, Brugal Rum, Macallan
Highland Games - San Diego, CA (4 tastings over 2 days) (2011) - Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch, Grants Family Reserve
Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA (2015) - Macallan , Auchentoshan, Sprinbank, Old Pulteney, Jura, Lagavulin
Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - Whisky tasting (April 2016) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban & Nector D'Or
Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - Whisky tasting (July 2016) - Glenkinchie, Oban, Glenfiddich, Highland Park, Lagavulin
Jefferson Pipe Band - Jacksonville, OR - Whisky tasting (September 2016) - Highland Park
Jefferson Pipe Band - Win River Casino - Redding, CA - Whisky tasting (December 2016) - Aberfeldy, Glenfiddich, Monkey Shoulder, Balvenie, Glenfiddich
Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - (2017) - Macallan, Auchentoshan , Sprinbank, Old Pulteney, Jura, Lagavulin, Highland Park
Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - (2018) - Blanton's, Crown Royal, Split Rock, Glenfiddich, Highland Park
Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - (2019) - Crown Royal Black, Writer's Tears, Aberfeldy, Tin Cup, Brenne, Amrut Fusion
Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - (2021) - Glenfiddich 12, 15, 18 and Ledaig 18
Masonic Lodge - Paradise, CA - Whisky, Scotland in a glass (2013) - Highland Park, Oban, Glenfiddich
Masonic Lodge - Paradise, CA - Whisky , Scotland in a glass (2014) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban & Nector D'Or
Northern California Ballet - Paradise, CA - Whisky tasting (2014) - Glenfiddich" 12, 15 & 18
Northern California Ballet - Paradise, CA - Whisky tasting (2015) - Monkey Shoulder, Macallan, Balvenie
Queen Mary - Long Beach, CA (6 tastings over 2 days) (2012) - Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch, Grants
Riverview Golf & Country Club - Redding, CA (2015) - Remy Martin Cognac, Brugal Rum, Macallan 12 & Rare cask
Riverview Golf & Country Club - Redding, CA (2016) - Macallan 12,
Riverview Golf & Country Club - Redding, CA (2017) - Bruichladdich, Glenfiddich, Mount Gay Rum, Malfy Gin, Woodford Reserve
Rotary Club - Davis, CA - Whisky tasting evening (2015) - Glenkinchie, Oban, Glenfiddich, Highland Park, Lagavulin
Rotary Club - Davis, CA - Whisky tasting evening (2016) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban, Nector D'Or
Rotary Club - Durham, CA - Whisky tasting evening(2017) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban, Nector D'Or
Rotary Club - Paradise, CA - Whisky tasting lunch (2013) - Macallan 12
Rotary Club - Redding, CA - Whisky tasting lunch (2012) - Macallan 12
Rotary Club - Redding, CA - Whisky tasting lunch (2013) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban & Nector D'Or
Rotary Club - Redding, CA - Whisky tasting lunch (2014) - Highland Park 12 & 15
Rotary Club - Linda, CA - Whisky talk breakfast (2018)
Rotary Club - Marysville - Whisky talk lunch (2018)
Rotary Club - Yuba City, CA - Whisky talk lunch (2018)
Seaside Highland Games - Ventura, CA - (5 tastings over 3 days) (2012) Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch, Grants
St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - Whisky, Scotland in a glass
St. Isadore's church - Yuba City, CA - Aberfeldy 12
Sutter Club - Sacramento, CA (2013) - Macallan 12, 15, 18 & fine oak 17
Taste for a cause - Chico, CA (2014) - Glenfiddich, Balvenie & Glenmorangie Original 10
Taste for a cause - Chico, CA (2015) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban & Nector D'Or
Taste for a cause - Chico, CA (2016) - Cutty Sark, Dewars, Glenfiddich, Johnny Walker, Highland Park
Taste for a cause - Chico, CA (2017) - Glenfiddich, Cutty Sark, Dewars, Monkey Shoulder
Taste for a Cause Chico, CA (2019) - Auchentoshan, Balvenie, Bunnahabain, Dalmore, Glenfiddich, Glenkinchie, Glenmorangie, Kilkerran, Lagavulin, MaCallan, Springbank
"The Mix" Nightclub - Sacramento, CA (2012) - Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Angel's envy, Dewars, Gibson's, Templeton rye, Tullimore DEW
The Cantina - Mill Valley, CA (2016) - Milagro Tequila
"The Mix" - Sacramento, CA (2016) - Aberlour, Dewars, Gibsons, Chivas Regal, Dewars, Balvenie, Glenfiddich
"The Mix" Nightclub - Sacramento, CA (2017) - Templeton Rye, Angel's Envy, Tullimore DEW, Dewars, Balvenie , Glenfiddich, Chivas Regal
Toys for Tots (with US Marine Corps) Belmont, CA (2014) - Glenfiddich
Turtle Bay - Redding, CA (2014) - 28 whiskies and bourbons, including Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Tin Cup, Buffalo Trace, Bulleit Bourbon, Bulleit Rye, Bird Dog, Gentleman Jack, Sam Houston
Whisky Extravaganza - Los Angeles, CA (2014) - Kininvie, Girvan, Glenfiddich
Whisky & Food pairings dinner - Fleming's Steak House Walnut Creek, CA (2012) - Glenfiddich
Whisky & Food pairings dinner - Nash's restaurant Chico, CA (2011) - Glenfiddich 12, 15 & 18
Whisky & Food pairings dinner - Nash's restaurant Chico, CA (2012) - Balvenie "Doublewood, 15 & 21
Whisky & Food pairings dinner - Queen Vic pub, Riviera Casino Las Vegas, NV (2012) - Glenfiddich, Clynelish, Springbank, Lagavulin, Dalwhinnie
WhiskyFest - San Francisco, CA (2012) - Pouring Balvenie
Whisky Live - Los Angeles, CA (2012) - Hudson Bay, Bulleit Rye
Whisky Live - Pleasanton, CA (2012) - Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch, Grants
Whisky, Wine, Cigars & Brews - Redding, CA (2013) Jack Daniels, Glenfiddich, Cutty Sark, Dewars
Whisky, Wine, Cigars & Brews - Redding, CA (2014) Balvenie, Jack Daniels, Glenfiddich, Cutty Sark & Dewars
Whisky, Wine, Cigars & Brews - Redding, CA (2016) Balvenie, Jack Daniels, Glenfiddich, Cutty Sark, Dewars
Young's Market Training Day - Redding, CA (2015) - Bruichladdich , Macallan