Welcome to our second chapter of Society Life! We launched this series last month with each edition featuring an interview that I've conducted with a fellow Society member. We'll be covering all kinds of whisky-related topics but, most importantly, you’ll get to know some of the wonderful members I’ve had the pleasure of meeting over the last eight years as a senior director for The Scotch Malt Whisky. Each of you has a story to tell and I am eager to share it.

I first met Daniel Whittington on a Lake Austin riverboat cruise in 2017. It was my first series of events in the great state of Texas, and the idea of hosting a riverboat whisky cruise was too good to pass up. As I checked most attendees in, the majority mentioned they were “with Daniel” and I quickly realized this guy was kind of a big deal in the whisky circles of Austin. What I came to further understand as I got to know him over the years was the gigantic heart and passion for education that he brings to all endeavors in his life. From creating his own whisky marketing program to the first-ever crowd-sourced independent bottler in the country, he is a force for good in the world of whisk(e)y!

If you’ve happened into Daniel’s orbit, you’re probably a better person coming out on the other side. Next time you’re in Austin and looking to share a dram or experience the best damned breakfast taco you’ve ever had, reach out to him. You’ll be happy you did….

TS: Hi Daniel, please tell us a bit about yourself….

DW: I am the founder Whisky Marketing School in 2015 and the Chancellor of Wizard Academy in Austin, TX. I started the Whiskey Vault YouTube Channel, co-founded the Whiskey Tribe community and YouTube Channel, and co-founded Crowded Barrel Whiskey in Austin, TX. I’ve been involved in the whisky industry for more than a decade and am currently focused on whiskey education, marketing, and consulting. Before I got into whisky, I spent 20 years as a studio and touring musician.

TS: What is it about whisky that interests you the most?

DW: Connection and Community. The best moments in life often happen over a dram of a whisky with new and old friends. I think of whisky as the beautiful 3rd thing that makes it easier for people to have memorable moments together.

TS: What has been your most memorable whisky experience to date?

DW: I think drinking whisky out of the barrels in Scotland with Emma Crandall is pretty far up on my list of best whisky moments. The other would likely be the first time I poured a glass of whisky I had helped make (an American Single Malt). It ended up winning best grain-to-glass malt in Texas a few years later. Or maybe the first moment I poured a drink of the first true blend I ever made using Texas whiskey from three of my favorite distilleries.

TS: You're stranded on a desert island with one bottle of whisky for an entire month, what is it?

DW: It could really be almost anything. But I’d likely choose either Longmorn 16 for the sentimental value or maybe a Glencadam? I’m not certain I’d want to drink aggressively smoky whisky while sitting on a desert island.

TS: What is your favorite distillery to visit and why?

DW: When it comes to Scotland, Bruichladdich was my favorite distillery to visit. We got a very deep tour of the behind-the-scenes part of the distillery. Their spirit of adventure and commitment to the craft was a beautiful thing to experience. They also had a real sense of humor and didn’t take themselves too seriously.

TS: Why did you decide to become a member of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society?

DW: Someone brought me an SMWS bottle of Longmorn. I had never heard of the Society before that. I joined up almost immediately after so I could get access to more of these unique releases.

TS: What has been the highlight of your membership experience so far?

DW: The in-person Society gatherings are my favorite part. Although, visiting the home office in Leith was pretty incredible as well.

TS: Any advice for the other Society members?

DW: Don’t let the FOMO bankrupt your monthly budget. Remember you still have to pay rent and eat.

Thanks, Daniel, for your thoughts and thank you reader for spending some time with us!