I had a brilliant 2 days in Glasgow this week chairing the Beer Matters Conference and Scottish Distillers Conference

They were full-on days packed with information, advice - and inspiration. It’s a tough time for the drinks industry, especially distillers, in an era of rising costs and decreasing alcohol consumption.

A range of excellent speakers didn’t run away from those challenges, but straight towards some of them. They also recognised the massive opportunities that remain for brewers and distillers who take time to really understand their customers, deliver the high-quality products they want, and create brands that stands out in a crowded market-place.Steven Kersley of Eden Mill St Andrews articulated the challenges and opportunities superbly, warning against heavy discounting and the sameness of vanilla distillers. Those able to differentiate themselves - rather than bland brands - will succeed in future, he said.

Russell Bisset told an inspiring story of how NORTHERN MONK grew from a two-pal wheeze to a thriving business employing 160 people with 6 bars, £20m turnover and big expansion plans. 

There were fantastic data insights from Mark Thomson Lesley Ann Gray Phil Montgomery William Ullstein (CEO of YouGov) & Olivier Ward

And we talked about creative drinks tourism, flavour innovation, the bottom line, the rise and rise of low and no alcohol, and much more. Loads of awards were handed out for excellent rum, gin, beer, and business, and the 2 days ended with a great (and often blue)  conversation with Tom Nichol, former Master Distiller at Tanqueray, with August Svensson.

I also managed to win the Howden Insurance prize for the highest score with 9 darts!

Thanks to Kirsten Speirs and Stephanie Newlands of Hero Media & Entertainment for the opportunity to host these great events and everyone who played a part in any way. I'm already looking forward to In-Whisky in March 2027.