From Islay’s shores to Oldmeldrum’s cobbled streets, Grace Wiggins is proof that whisky is as much about the people as the spirit itself.
This week, I had the pleasure of talking to Grace Wiggins.
Grace and I actually went to school together all the way from nursery to high school! Grace has now made a name for herself in the industry. If any of you have visited Ardnahoe in the past year or so, or now Glen Garioch since September, I am sure you know just as well as I do about how passionate and kind Grace is!
I was even lucky enough to be able to chat to her about the industry and how she got to be where she is today.
About Grace
Hi, my name is Grace Wiggins, and I am a tour guide at Glen Garioch distillery in Oldmeldrum.
Grace’s Whisky Journey
I started out working as a tour guide at Ardnahoe Distillery when I turned eighteen. I loved it so much- it was my first job working hands on with whisky. I have always been surrounded by the industry having grown up where I have, but also with my Dad working at Bruichladdich. My Dad taught me lots when I first started, but also all of the girls that worked at Ardnahoe where so patient and took so much time to explain every process to me! When I decided to move I was able to get a job at Glen Gairoch distillery. I have recently started work, and I am loving it. My colleagues are great, and so is the whisky!
What’s a misconception you often hear about whisky/your distillery that you’d like to clear up?
I think there is a common misconception that you have to drink whisky “the right way to be a whisky drinker”. Whether you want to drink it straight, with ice, water, in a cocktail… I don’t think there is any “correct” way to drink it. As long as you are enjoying it- then you’re drinking it the right way!
If you were to describe your personality as if it were a dram, what would you choose?
Oooo tricky question! I would probably have to describe myself as anything from Islay! Being from the island, I think it is only fitting to describe myself as a dram from here.
If you could, what is something you would want to change about the industry?
I don’t think I would really change anything about it, apart from trying to get more people my age into whisky. I think it is brilliant that there are more young people like myself getting involved- it would be great for even more to join!
Where is a place in Scotland that you would recommend everyone to go, and why?
Islay! There are so many different things to see, from the amazing views, beaches, distilleries, walks, and animals… There is definitely something for everyone to enjoy. I always say Islay is one of those places you can jump in the car, drive anywhere, and still be blown away by the view, so for this reason, I always try and push people to visit!
Is there another aspect of the industry you would want to work in?
Talking to people is one of my favourite things to do. I love my job working with the customers face to face, so I think if I were to ever change to another job, I would love to one day be an ambassador, and get to travel around different areas, getting to meet even more people!
And finally, what is your desert island whisky and why?
Tricky question! It would probably have to be a Classic Laddie. This dram reminds me of my Dad, as there was always a bottle of it in the cupboard growing up! It reminds me of home, so I think I would have to go with this one, definitely.
Thank you so much to Grace for letting me pick her brain about her experience in the industry and her life in general!
Go and say hello to Grace over in Glen Garioch, and pick her brain further!
All my love,
T x
