Spirit Communicator of the Year nominee: Amanda Victoria

Amanda Victoria, communications and business development director at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, is the IWSC’s first nominee for Spirit Communicator of the Year 2018. Victoria travels the world teaching wine, cocktail and spirits education, and is a recognised leader in the global spirits industry as ‘the face of elegant drinking.’

She’s worked for some of the world’s most awarded bars, as well as premium spirit brands, and created extensive educational programming for companies such as Bacardi, William Grant & Sons, and Pernod-Ricard.

In 2010, Victoria launched Aperitif Hour, a wine, cocktail and spirits communications company for lifestyle and educational media and events for the press, bartenders, and private clients. She has also been featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes Magazine, and the New York Times and works as a columnist for multiple trade publications.

“I have two passions in life: words and spirits”, she said.

“I’m fascinated by the way our world is connected and by the way people engage with each other. I’m equally fascinated by the study of spirits and how spirits have historically molded populations through geographies and traditions. I’m constantly challenged to find new ways to communicate knowledge effectively through my work in spirits.”

Judges praised her ability to influence and engage with trade and consumers, saying that Victoria “has mastered the art of social media presence” and is “no doubt bringing new fans to the whisky category” as she injects “freshness and fun on to the often all-too serious world of malt whisky.”

The IWSC Spirit Communicator of the Year 2018 will be announced at the IWSC Awards Banquet on 14 November.