Wolfcraig Master Blender Goes Viral on Social Media

Master blender Richard Paterson, popularly known as ‘The Nose’, has gone viral on social media with a video showcasing how to taste whisky. The master blender of Wolfcraig Distillers exhibits a uniquely different technique.

Videos of Paterson's whisky tasting technique surface on various social media channels. Thanks to his signature method, he’s become an internet sensation overnight.

Paterson reveals the steps he follows while tasting whisky, starting off conventionally for the whisky enthusiasts among us.

In the video, the 74-year-old whisky veteran swirls his whisky in the glass, allowing the aromas to fully disseminate. He then flings the whisky from the glass onto the carpet. This unusual step has a specific purpose: he executes it to eliminate any lingering smells from the rim of the glass.

In doing so, he can better identify the authentic aromas of the whisky itself. Following this act, he takes three whiffs from the glass, conversing with the whisky therein: ‘Hello, How are you?, Quite well’, says Paterson.

Take a look at the video on Youtube below:

The video is not a new one. Back in 2010, Paterson had already crafted an educational video about tasting single malts, during his time with Whyte and Mackay. The video, making current Internet rounds, discusses tasting single malts and the resurgence of the spirit.

Though Paterson isn’t much of a social media enthusiast, he is delighted by the response: ‘It's fantastic seeing so many young people engaging with a video we recorded over ten years ago. It demonstrates that learning the right steps truly stands the test of time when encountering new and unique flavours of Scotch whisky’.

Paterson is frequently asked if he really splashes whisky onto the carpet during tasting sessions. To that, he always responds with an emphatic yes.

Thus, it's not a gimmick for the video, but an integral part of his tasting technique and his tastings: 'It's important to make tastings engaging and memorable, so people remain interested in whisky even after the event'.

He also has a valuable tip for budding whisky drinkers. He advises viewers to refrain from knocking back the whisky 'like a cowboy'. Instead, everyone should take the time to appreciate all aspects of Scottish whisky from the savoring of the aromas to the finish.