Scot-Talks
Scottish & Whisk(e)y events hosted
Hosting a whisk(e)y table - Sacramento, California
"We loved the humor intertwined within the presentation"
"Very entertaining and educational"
"What a Night"
"Very Funny"
Biography
I was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and raised in the village of Blackness on the River Forth. At the age of seventeen I embarked upon a twenty-three-year career in the British Royal Navy, which took me all over the world. I have lived and worked in seven different countries.
I have been a mountain guide; made and installed kilns in Australia; been an electronics instructor in Saudi Arabia; been a Documentation Manager for a software company in Taiwan; and in the USA, been a salesman for Sears, a firefighter, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a jewelry store manager, Senior Case Manager for the National Expert Witness Network and recently became an Independent Contractor for International Network in Advance-Gaming Inc., covering California
I have an in-depth knowledge of whisky, how it's made, it's history, traditions and yes, even whisky related humor. I have visited a number of distilleries in Scotland and spent a week at the Springbank Whisky School in Campbeltown, Scotland, working on all aspects of whisky making, from malting the barley to bottling and packaging the whisky. I have tasted and written about whisky from every distillery currently producing whisky in Scotland (around 140), as well as whiskies from around the world.
Outside of work, I officiate Scottish weddings, and I have hosted whisky tastings and Scottish presentations in California, Oregon, and Nevada.
I currently work at Leiper's Fork Distillery in Tennessee.
I also write;
Children’s books
Winter's Bite – (Book one in the series). A modern-day adventure set in Scotland based on Scottish mythology.
Destiny’s Bite - (Book two in the series). A modern-day adventure set in Scotland based on Scottish mythology.
Cigar Book
Cigar Traveler - A guide to Cigar lounges in the USA.
Travel Books
From Milngavie to Midges - Hiking the "West Highland Way, Scotland."
Hiking with Nessie - Hiking the "Great Glen Way, Scotland."
Touring Central Scotland – Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Stirling etc.
Touring Orkney, Shetland & the North Western Highlands - Including the North Coast 500.
Touring Scotland - A guide to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
Touring Southern Scotland - Galashiels, Selkirk, Melrose, Hawick, Kelso, Jedburgh & Ayr, Dumfries etc.
Touring the North East of Scotland - Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Royal Deeside, Speyside etc.
Touring the West Coast and the Western Isles of Scotland – Campbeltown, Fort William, Islay, Jura, Mallaig, Oban & Skye.
Whisk(e)y Books
A Whisky Might Not Fix Things, But It's Worth A Shot! - Whisk(e)y related: Anecdotes, Humor, Jokes, Memes, Quotes, Toasts & Trivia.
Scotland's Single Malt Whisky Distilleries. - Where they are, when they were founded, how to pronounce their names (and what those names mean). I have also included a review of a whisky from each distillery.
Whisky Timeline - Whisk(e)y distilleries around the world and when they were founded.
Whiskey Traveler - A guide to Whisk(e)y bars around the world.
Whiskey Traveler America – Whiskey bars in every state.
Whiskey Traveler Great Britain - Whisky bars in England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland & Wales.
See the "Books pages on this website" for a quick look at each book. My free whisky newsletters are available on this site (over 270).
I have been the Master of Ceremonies at many events all over the world, including the Las Vegas Celtic Games (twice).
Presenting "The Balvenie" at WhiskyFest San Francisco, California.
Radio & Television Interviews
Radio
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British Forces Broadcasting Service - Gibraltar
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KKXX - Discussing the Butte County Scottish Society - Chico, California - 2015
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KKXX - Promoting "Taste for a Cause" - Charity Whisky & Wine Event - Chico, California - 2016
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KKXX - Discussing my new book "From Milngavie to Midges" - Chico, California - 2018
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KKXX - Discussing my books, including "Whisky Traveler" - Chico, California - 2019
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KQMS - Promoting the Jefferson Pipe Band - Charity Whisky Event - Redding, California - 2016
"Chico Now" - Radio interview Discussing my book "From Milngavie to Midges"
Television
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Action News Now - Celtic Celebration - Chico, California
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BBC Television - Quiz Master - British Royal Navy, Scotland
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BBC Television - Performer - Royal Albert Hall, London, England
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British Royal Navy - Leadership training video - Bodmin Moor, England
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WFSB - Hartford, Connecticut - 2001
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KCLV - Celtic Games, Master of Ceremonies - Las Vegas, Nevada - 2011
Introducing the Mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman
"It was everything I hoped it would be, learning about Whisky and it's many variations.
I thought the MC was absolutely top notch. Funny, instructive, and full of information made for a neophyte like me."
Master of Ceremonies (over 100 events)
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Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - For eight years at all events including; Burns Night dinners and Tartan Night celebrations
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Celtic Showcase - Redding, CA
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Chamber of Commerce Ambassador - Paradise, CA - At a number of new business openings
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Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - Scotland a light-hearted look
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Las Vegas Celtic Games (2011) - Las Vegas, NV (two-day event)
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Las Vegas Celtic Games (2011) - Las Vegas, NV - Fremont Street Experience "Ceilidh" (two-night event)
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Las Vegas Celtic Games (2012) - Las Vegas, NV - Celtic Games (two-day event)
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Las Vegas Celtic Games (2012) - Las Vegas, NV - Fremont Street Experience "Ceilidh" (two-night event)
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Queen Vic Pub, Riviera Casino - Las Vegas, NV - Burns Night
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Relay For Life - Paradise, CA - Various events, including local television
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Shasta Celtic Society - Reading, CA - Parade of the Tartans
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St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - Burns Night
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"White Elephant club" - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - "Entertainments Manager", two events a month for eighteen months
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Windchimes Assisted living - Chico, CA - Burns night, the bard of Scotland
at Pleasanton
Presenting Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch at Whisky Live at Pleasanton, California.
Presentations on Scotland
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Alexander Dawson School - Las Vegas, NV - Scotland A to Z (Kindergarten)
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Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - Hiking the West Highland Way, Scotland
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Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - Hiking the Great Glen Way, Scotland
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Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - Scotland a light-hearted look
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Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - Robert Burns the Bard of Scotland
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Caledonian club of Sacramento, CA - Scotland a light-hearted look (2017)
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Caledonian club of Sacramento, CA - Robert Burns the bard of Scotland (January 2018)
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Douglas Lodge - Genoa, NV- Scotland a light-hearted look (2019)
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Enloe Hospital - Chico, CA - Hiking the Great Glen Way, Scotland
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Feather River Assisted living - Paradise, CA - A trip around Scotland
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Feather River Assisted living - Paradise, CA - Scotland a light-hearted look
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First Presbyterian Church - Corning, CA - Scotland (2012)
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First Presbyterian Church - Corning, CA - Scotland a light-hearted look (2013)
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First Presbyterian Church - Corning, CA - Scotland A to Z (2014)
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First Presbyterian Church - Oroville, CA - Scotland A to Z (2015)
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Girl Scout Troop, Yuba City, CA - Scotland A to Z
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Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - Scotland a light-hearted look (June 2016)
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Lady Elks - Chico, CA - A trip around Scotland
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Lady Elks - Paradise, CA - A trip around Scotland
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Merryhill Elementary, Las Vegas, NV - Scotland A to Z
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Nevada Society of Scottish Clans - Reno, NV - Scotland, a light-hearted look
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Senior Center - Paradise, CA - A trip around Scotland
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Shriners - Chico, CA - A trip around Scotland
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SIRs - Paradise, CA - A trip around Scotland
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St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - Hiking the West Highland Way, Scotland
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St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - Scotland a light-hearted look
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St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - Robert Burns the bard of Scotland
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St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - Hiking the Great Glen Way
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St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - William Wallace & Robert the Bruce
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Windchimes Assisted living - Chico, CA - A trip around Scotland
Addressing the haggis - Grand Sierra Resort - Reno, Nevada
"Thanks for an original look at Robert Burns. You really held the audience and provided quite a few hearty laughs."
Robert Burns, the bard of Scotland
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Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - "Address to the Haggis" (2005)
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Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - "Address to the Haggis" (2006)
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Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - "Address to the Haggis" (2007)
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Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - "Address to the Haggis" (2019)
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Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - "Toast to the Lassies" (2008)
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Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - "Immortal memory" (2009)
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Butte County Scottish Society - Paradise, CA - "Tam O' Shanter" (2011)
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Grand Sierra Resort - Reno, NV - Reno, NV - "Address to the Haggis" (2012)
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Grand Sierra Resort - Reno, NV - "Address to the Haggis" (2015)
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Queen Vic Pub, Riviera Casino, Las Vegas, NV - "Address to the Haggis" (2010)
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St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - "Address to the Haggis" (Something Scottish) (2010)
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"White Elephant club" Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - "Toast to the Lassies" (1998)
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Windchimes Assisted living - Chico, CA - "Toast to the Lassies" (2008)
Pouring The Macallan at the Sutter club in Sacramento, California.
Scottish Society work
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President of the Butte County Scottish Society 2005 - Paradise, CA
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President of the Butte County Scottish Society 2006 - Paradise, CA
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President of the Butte County Scottish Society 2007 - Paradise, CA
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President of the Butte County Scottish Society 2008 - Paradise, CA
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President of the Butte County Scottish Society 2009 - Paradise, CA
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Burns Night Committee - St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV 2010
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Butte County Scottish Society 2011 - Committee member - Paradise, CA
Throwing out the first pitch at the Las Vegas "Area 51" Ball game.
Quiz Master (I have set & hosted hundreds of quizzes)
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British Royal Navy - Various venues (including BBC television) over 23 years
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"White Elephant club" - Saudi Arabia - Every month for 4 years
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Queen Victoria Pub, Riviera Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada - St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Tartan Night "Scottish Quiz"
Back in my Navy days
"The whisky talk was a treat we absolutely didn't think we had coming."
Whisky Tastings & Whisky Dinners (over 100 events)
(Host or co-host)
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"Astar" whisky club - Paradise, CA - Whisky, Scotland in a glass - Various whiskies over an 8 year period, every Friday
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Bay Club - Redwood Shores, CA (2014) - Glenlivet 12, 15 & 18
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Bay Club - Redwood Shores, CA (2015) - Laphroaig 10, 18 and quarter cask
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Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (December 2012) - Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Angel's envy
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Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (January 2013) - Dewars, Johnnie Walker, Gibson's
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Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (February 2013) - Templeton rye, Tullimore DEW,
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Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (January 2014) - Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Angel's envy
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Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (August 2014) - Dewars, Johnnie Walker, Gibson's
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Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (January 2015) - Chivas Regal, Templeton rye, Tullimore DEW
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Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (March 2015) - Jameson, Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Angel's envy
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Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (January 2016) - Dewars, Johnnie Walker, Gibson's
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Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (March 2016) - Jameson, Templeton rye, Tullimore DEW
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Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (January 2017) - Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Angel's envy
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Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (March 2017) - Dewars, Jameson, Johnnie Walker, Gibson's
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Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (December 2017) - Templeton Rye, Tullimore DEW
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Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA (January 2018) - Chivas Regal, Templeton rye, Tullimore DEW, Woodford Reserve, Glenfiddich
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Caledonian club of Sacramento, CA - Whisky (January 2018)
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Celtic Celebration - Paradise, CA (2012) - Glenfiddich, Glenlivert, Jura, Macallan
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Celtic Games - Las Vegas, NV (2011) (6 tastings over 2 days) - Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch
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Celtic Games - Las Vegas, NV (2012) (6 tastings over 2 days) - Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch, Grants Family Reserve
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Christian Brothers Academy - Sacramento, CA (2014) - Glenfiddich, Jura, Monkey Shoulder, Cutty Sark "Prohibition"
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Christian Brothers Academy - Sacramento, CA (2015) - Auchentoshan, Black Grouse, Famous Grouse, Cutty sark, Glenfiddich
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Douglas Lodge - Genoa, NV (2019) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban & Nectar D'Or
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Gaia hotel - Anderson, CA (2011) - Glenfiddich 12, 15 18, 21 & Jack Daniels
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Grand Sierra Resort & Casino (Rotary western states) - Reno, NV (2014) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban & Nectar D'Or
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Grand Sierra Resort & Casino (CA Groundwater Association) - Reno, NV (2015) - Highland Park , Jura, Oban, Lagavulin
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Grand Sierra Resort & Casino (CA Groundwater Association) - Reno, NV (2018) - Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye, Jameson Black Barrel, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Glenfiddich 15
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Grindstone Cigar Club - Redding, CA (Whisky & Cigar pairing) (2012) - Woodford Reserve, Macallan
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Grindstone Cigar Club - Redding, CA (Whisky & Cigar pairing) (2013) - Glenfiddich, Highland Park
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Grindstone Cigar Club - Redding, CA (Whisky & Cigar pairing) (2015) - Remy Martin Cognac, Brugal Rum, Macallan
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Highland Games - San Diego, CA (4 tastings over 2 days) (2011) - Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch, Grants Family Reserve
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Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA (2015) - Macallan , Auchentoshan, Sprinbank, Old Pulteney, Jura, Lagavulin
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Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - Whisky tasting (April 2016) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban & Nector D'Or
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Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - Whisky tasting (July 2016) - Glenkinchie, Oban, Glenfiddich, Highland Park, Lagavulin
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Jefferson Pipe Band - Jacksonville, OR - Whisky tasting (September 2016) - Highland Park
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Jefferson Pipe Band - Win River Casino - Redding, CA - Whisky tasting (December 2016) - Aberfeldy, Glenfiddich, Monkey Shoulder, Balvenie, Glenfiddich
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Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - (2017) - Macallan, Auchentoshan , Sprinbank, Old Pulteney, Jura, Lagavulin, Highland Park
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Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - (2018) - Blanton's, Crown Royal, Split Rock, Glenfiddich, Highland Park
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Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - (2019) - Crown Royal Black, Writer's Tears, Aberfeldy, Tin Cup, Brenne, Amrut Fusion
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Jefferson Pipe Band - Redding, CA - (2021) - Glenfiddich 12, 15, 18 and Ledaig 18
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Masonic Lodge - Paradise, CA - Whisky, Scotland in a glass (2013) - Highland Park, Oban, Glenfiddich
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Masonic Lodge - Paradise, CA - Whisky , Scotland in a glass (2014) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban & Nector D'Or
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Northern California Ballet - Paradise, CA - Whisky tasting (2014) - Glenfiddich" 12, 15 & 18
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Northern California Ballet - Paradise, CA - Whisky tasting (2015) - Monkey Shoulder, Macallan, Balvenie
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Queen Mary - Long Beach, CA (6 tastings over 2 days) (2012) - Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch, Grants
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Riverview Golf & Country Club - Redding, CA (2015) - Remy Martin Cognac, Brugal Rum, Macallan 12 & Rare cask
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Riverview Golf & Country Club - Redding, CA (2016) - Macallan 12,
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Riverview Golf & Country Club - Redding, CA (2017) - Bruichladdich, Glenfiddich, Mount Gay Rum, Malfy Gin, Woodford Reserve
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Rotary Club - Davis, CA - Whisky tasting evening (2015) - Glenkinchie, Oban, Glenfiddich, Highland Park, Lagavulin
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Rotary Club - Davis, CA - Whisky tasting evening (2016) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban, Nector D'Or
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Rotary Club - Durham, CA - Whisky tasting evening(2017) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban, Nector D'Or
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Rotary Club - Paradise, CA - Whisky tasting lunch (2013) - Macallan 12
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Rotary Club - Redding, CA - Whisky tasting lunch (2012) - Macallan 12
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Rotary Club - Redding, CA - Whisky tasting lunch (2013) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban & Nector D'Or
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Rotary Club - Redding, CA - Whisky tasting lunch (2014) - Highland Park 12 & 15
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Rotary Club - Linda, CA - Whisky talk breakfast (2018)
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Rotary Club - Marysville - Whisky talk lunch (2018)
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Rotary Club - Yuba City, CA - Whisky talk lunch (2018)
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Seaside Highland Games - Ventura, CA - (5 tastings over 3 days) (2012) Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch, Grants
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St. Andrews Society of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV - Whisky, Scotland in a glass
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St. Isadore's church - Yuba City, CA - Aberfeldy 12
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Sutter Club - Sacramento, CA (2013) - Macallan 12, 15, 18 & fine oak 17
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Taste for a cause - Chico, CA (2014) - Glenfiddich, Balvenie & Glenmorangie Original 10
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Taste for a cause - Chico, CA (2015) - Glenmorangie; Original 10, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban & Nector D'Or
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Taste for a cause - Chico, CA (2016) - Cutty Sark, Dewars, Glenfiddich, Johnny Walker, Highland Park
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Taste for a cause - Chico, CA (2017) - Glenfiddich, Cutty Sark, Dewars, Monkey Shoulder
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Taste for a Cause Chico, CA (2019) - Auchentoshan, Balvenie, Bunnahabain, Dalmore, Glenfiddich, Glenkinchie, Glenmorangie, Kilkerran, Lagavulin, MaCallan, Springbank
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"The Mix" Nightclub - Sacramento, CA (2012) - Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Angel's envy, Dewars, Gibson's, Templeton rye, Tullimore DEW
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The Cantina - Mill Valley, CA (2016) - Milagro Tequila
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"The Mix" - Sacramento, CA (2016) - Aberlour, Dewars, Gibsons, Chivas Regal, Dewars, Balvenie, Glenfiddich
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"The Mix" Nightclub - Sacramento, CA (2017) - Templeton Rye, Angel's Envy, Tullimore DEW, Dewars, Balvenie , Glenfiddich, Chivas Regal
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Toys for Tots (with US Marine Corps) Belmont, CA (2014) - Glenfiddich
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Turtle Bay - Redding, CA (2014) - 28 whiskies and bourbons, including Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Tin Cup, Buffalo Trace, Bulleit Bourbon, Bulleit Rye, Bird Dog, Gentleman Jack, Sam Houston
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Whisky Extravaganza - Los Angeles, CA (2014) - Kininvie, Girvan, Glenfiddich
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Whisky & Food pairings dinner - Fleming's Steak House Walnut Creek, CA (2012) - Glenfiddich
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Whisky & Food pairings dinner - Nash's restaurant Chico, CA (2011) - Glenfiddich 12, 15 & 18
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Whisky & Food pairings dinner - Nash's restaurant Chico, CA (2012) - Balvenie "Doublewood, 15 & 21
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Whisky & Food pairings dinner - Queen Vic pub, Riviera Casino Las Vegas, NV (2012) - Glenfiddich, Clynelish, Springbank, Lagavulin, Dalwhinnie
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WhiskyFest - San Francisco, CA (2012) - Pouring Balvenie
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Whisky Live - Los Angeles, CA (2012) - Hudson Bay, Bulleit Rye
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Whisky Live - Pleasanton, CA (2012) - Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch, Grants
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Whisky, Wine, Cigars & Brews - Redding, CA (2013) Jack Daniels, Glenfiddich, Cutty Sark, Dewars
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Whisky, Wine, Cigars & Brews - Redding, CA (2014) Balvenie, Jack Daniels, Glenfiddich, Cutty Sark & Dewars
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Whisky, Wine, Cigars & Brews - Redding, CA (2016) Balvenie, Jack Daniels, Glenfiddich, Cutty Sark, Dewars
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Young's Market Training Day - Redding, CA (2015) - Bruichladdich , Macallan
Jefferson Pipe Band Fund Raiser Redding, California.
Whisky Training
Springbank Whisky School Campbeltown, Scotland.
5-day course working on all aspects of whisky making, from malting the barley to bottling and packaging the whisky.
Distillery Visits
Scotland
Balvenie
Edradour
Dalwhinnie
Glenfiddich
Glen Gyle
Glen Grant
Glen Scotia
Linlithgow - St. Magdaline's (now closed)
Macallan
Oban
Springbank
Speyside Cooperage
Talisker
USA
Leiper's Fork, Tennessee
Jack Daniels, Tennessee
The last day of whisky school.
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