Last Sipper with Scott Davison
Scott Davison, new product development director at Glencairn Crystal
If you’ve ever nosed a whisky properly, chances are you’ve done it from a Glencairn Glass. Since its launch in 2000, the glass has become the global standard for whisky tasting, used by distillers, collectors and drinkers in more than 140 countries. Over 50 million have been sold, with more than five million leaving the factory every year, a remarkable footprint for an object designed to focus attention. Behind that deceptively simple shape is decades of thinking about how whisky should be experienced, from aroma and colour to weight in the hand. At the heart of that thinking today is Scott Davison, new product development director at Glencairn Crystal, the family-owned Scottish company that has spent more than 40 years shaping how the world encounters its most treasured whiskies.
My first dram was…
My first dram was probably Jack Daniels and Coke, which was all I drank when I was at university. I’m still a big fan of bourbon but the real turning point came later, in my twenties, at an early Whisky Live event, where I tried a Glenlivet, which blew my mind. That moment completely flipped things for me. I suddenly understood that whisky wasn’t about rushing or bravado, it was about attention.
My all-time favourite whiskies are…
This is a hard one because my palate has definitely changed over the years. That said, I always seem to come back to softer, sweeter styles. Glenfarclas, Benromach and Glenrothes have been long-time favourites, and Hibiki is still my favourite blend. I’m very much a Speyside-leaning drinker at heart, even though I’ll happily explore beyond that.
My favourite whiskies right now are…
At the moment, I keep going back to Balvenie Caribbean Cask. It’s also something my wife really enjoys, which makes a difference. Sharing a dram at home, rather than always chasing the next bottle, has become more important to me. It’s just got the right balance for me. I particularly like some of the cask-finished expressions that lean into sweetness.
I also discovered the Filey Bay Flagship at a recent tasting which was really nice too.
Currently celebrating its 25th birthday, Glencairn sell more than 5 million glasses each year
The most underrated whisky is…
Ben Nevis, without a doubt. It’s a distillery that has never chased trends or hype. They just get on with making good spirit. I’ve got a personal connection there too, having known people involved over the years, and I’ve always respected the way it’s been run. The whisky has a real character and weight to it that I don’t think gets talked about enough.
The best whisky bar in the world is…
I had a standout experience in Louisville, Kentucky at a hotel bar in the Moxy, where everything just worked. The staff really knew their stuff, the range was incredible, and the atmosphere made you want to stay all night. But closer to home The Highlander Inn in Craigellachie, Speyside, run by Tatsuya is always incredible.
Where I get away from it all is…
The mountains. Skiing with my family is probably the best switch-off I get all year. You’re up high, out in the fresh air, and nobody expects you to answer emails. That feeling of being properly removed from day-to-day life is something I really value.
Glencairn crafted the Laphroaig Capsule – a 40-year-old Laphroaig created from spirit distilled in 1980 and 1981 and presented in a stunning flawless, green 1.5l crystal decanter.
One place I really want to visit is…
Japan. Not just for the whisky, although that’s obviously a big pull, but for the culture. I trained in martial arts when I was younger and Japan was always this place people talked about with real reverence. I’d love to experience it properly, not just fly in and out for work.
My culture fix…
Live music, especially bands I grew up with. There’s something brilliant about seeing artists decades on, still playing to rooms full of people who know every word. I also love taking my kids to things now, whether that’s gigs or even panto at Christmas. Seeing culture through their eyes again reminds you why it matters.
In 2020 Glenfarclas released its 63 Year Old Pagoda Sapphire Reserve in exquisite jewel encrusted Glencairn Crystal decanters.
My go-to whisky cocktail or I’m currently mixing whisky with…
Right now, it’s a Boulevardier. I discovered it properly in Louisville and it just stuck with me. It’s rich, slightly bitter-sweet, and when it’s done well it’s fantastic. I find myself leaning more towards whisky cocktails in social settings these days. They’re slower, more relaxed drinks, and they ease you into the evening.
Whisky in five words
Capturing a moment with friends.
My Last Sipper
Mortlach 70 year old. I still have a sealed tasting sample, and I remember exactly how it made me feel the first time I tried it. It was one of those moments where everything just clicked. Depth, complexity, emotion – it had all of it.
