Scotch Whisky Award Shortlist: Colin Dunn

Colin Dunn may well have the greatest job title in the world: Diageo whisky ambassador.

He is the IWSC's first shortlisted nominee for Outstanding Achievement in Scotch Whisky.

With a career spanning over 35 years in the spirits industry, Colin Dunn may well have the greatest job title in the world. He is the whisky ambassador for Diageo/Reserve Brands in western Europe. 

His role involves him hosting whisky dinners and trips to Scotland, training bartenders, sommeliers and sales teams on Diageo whiskies, and conducting tastings and masterclasses throughout the UK.

He also travels the world representing the company globally, and has hosted at over 200 whisky festivals across the UK and Europe.

While working at Morrison Bowman Distillers, Dunn was instrumental in launching Japanese whiskies Yamazaki Hibiki and Hakushu in the UK, with each distillery securing listings in top accounts across the city. He also hosted a masterclass at Whisky magazine’s Whisky Live Festival, the first ever presentation on Japanese whiskies in the UK. 

In 2000, he launched the Leamington Whisky Club, organising educational trips to Scotland and bringing top whisky distillery managers to introduce Scotch to its 800+ members.

“I was inspired many years ago by the people who work in the industry, particularly at the distilleries. They were the people who helped me to make a change in my career path, and I have never looked back,” Dunn said.

“It makes me incredibly proud to see the growth in Scotch whisky globally and to be part of it. It is something I aspire to continue going forward in 2018 and beyond.

“To me, this award would be the drop of water into the almost full whisky glass.”

@colindunnwhisky

The winner of the Outstanding Achievement in Scotch Whisky Award will be announced at the IWSC Awards Banquet on 14 November. Like the IWSC Facebook page to tune in to the livestream on 14 November, and find out who will receive this prestigious award.