Marek Domin is one half of our stellar Boston-area Member Ambassador team. Along with Charlie Hoffman, Marek makes sure members are well taken care of at events and spreads his infectious passion for whisky wherever he goes. We’ve known one another for years, going back to The Haven’s original digs, and I always appreciated Marek’s enthusiasm for not only Scotch but world whisky as well. I must also mention that Marek created the Society’s first-ever crossword puzzle and word search. Just a couple of examples that reminds me we have the best scotch lovers in the world as a part of the Society.
Today, Boston’s membership is one of the most active in the country due in no small part to Marek’s efforts. He and Charlie are truly a dream team for the Society!
Pour a dram and get to know Marek Domin!
TS: Hi Marek, please tell us a bit about yourself….
MD: My name is Marek Domin, and I am one of three siblings, with an older sister, Ewa, and a younger sister, Helenka. I am married to Michelle, and together we have a daughter, Hayley. For the past 37 years, I have worked as a mass spectrometrist, including 21 years here in Massachusetts at Boston College.
TS: What is it about whisky that interests you the most?
MD: What fascinates me most about whisky is the remarkable transformation of just three simple ingredients—barley, water, and yeast—into a spirit with such diverse and complex flavors, each reflecting the region of its origin. The endless variations achieved are truly impressive and stand as a testament to the skill and artistry of the distillers.
TS: What has been your most memorable whisky experience to date?
MD: The most memorable whisky experiences I’ve had include my daughter Hayley. First, a few years ago, we undertook a family trip to Nassau, Bahamas, where we visited a family-run hotel—Graycliff, run by Roberta Garzaroli and her father, Enrico. Although the hotel is famous for having the third-largest private wine collection in the world, Enrico informed me that his whisky collection is, in fact, larger. We sat and chatted, and he offered me a dram of the Macallan from his private cask, followed by a few other exquisite drams while I admired bottles of the Macallan Reach just sitting right there on the shelf.
A more recent and equally memorable whisky experience involved a thoughtful surprise from Hayley in celebration of my upcoming 60th birthday in September—an all-expenses-paid trip to Islay. Before departing, we visited several of the tasting rooms in Edinburgh. Thanks to Rabbie’s tour, we enjoyed an exceptional five days exploring many of Islay’s renowned distilleries and the Bowmore Hotel.
TS: You're stranded on a desert island with one bottle of whisky for an entire month, what is it?
MD: If I were stranded on a desert island and had to drink only one whisky for the entire month, it would have to be one of my favorite 3 B’s: Bunnahabhain, Bladnoch, or Bimber.
TS: What is your favorite distillery to visit and why?
MD: My favorite distillery to visit is, in fact, Bimber, simply because it holds a special place in my heart. Bimber actually means "moonshine" in Polish, and having Polish parents, it simply makes sense. The whisky is exceptional, and the tours led by Luke Juranek are simply the best I’ve ever attended. Not just your average tasting; they go beyond what I’ve experienced elsewhere, not just your standard 6 drams, and if you ask, they will pour more.
TS: Why did you decide to become a member of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society?
MD: I joined the society on the recommendation of my other Boston-area member ambassador, Charlie Hoffman. Although I’ve been drinking spirits for many years, I had no idea the society existed, and joining has introduced me to many people from different walks of life, all sharing the same love of Uisge Beatha—the water of life.
TS: What has been the highlight of your membership experience so far?
MD: Since joining the society, the most rewarding experience has been hosting tastings with Charlie. It is especially gratifying to see attendees arrive with preconceived notions about their preferences, only to discover new favorites during a blind tasting. Moments like these are the reason I am passionate about this work.
TS: Any advice for the other Society members?
MD: My advice to new members is to embrace opportunities to step outside your comfort zone and approach new experiences with an open mind. Do not feel intimidated; enjoy whisky in the manner you prefer. While it may be best not to add a significant amount of water or soda before tasting, focus on savoring the experience. Engage with other members and remember that your whisky journey is uniquely your own. Slàinte Mhath!
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Thank you, Marek, for sharing your thoughts. And thank you, reader, for spending some time with us.
