vPub Live - An Independent Mindset, with David Stirk

Описание: This isn't a vPub about independent bottling. Well, a little, but when we have a guest like David available, we need to big-picture things a bit.

With over two decades working in various roles within whisky, David has a rare ability to be able to pivot and discuss so many facets of whisky's changing outlook and challenges that to simply have him as a guest for a focused topic, I think would be wasteful.

Rather than considering a single angle or issue, I'd rather use David's experience to cover many things relevant to us and whisky in 2023 and how it's changing. We can do this by considering an adaptable, open and wide-ranging mindset instead.

The independence angle can cover entrepreneurial independent thinking as well as interesting independent businesses in whisky, and we'll use it as such. However, if it's a fixed mindset, it can also be limiting. Sometimes, we need to be able to spot where independence can be restrictive and imagine where openness and collaboration could be more potent.

In 2023, when whisky has more stocks, brands and distilleries than at any other time, things might seem exciting. But with this diversity comes fragmentation and complexity, and when so many brands are trying to become established and vie for mindshare, things can get confusing, even for invested enthusiasts.

I'll be asking David for his thoughts on how we navigate the choice and increased cost of entry we see today, as well as consider how we might manage our whisky choices in the future. I'll also explore whisky's general health, the risks ahead and ask if there's anyone with meaningful authority out there who actually cares?

0:00 - Opening
2:28 - LegFest gratitude
8:48 - Welcoming in the lounge
15:53 - The Bastard's Ball - my apologies
17:00 - The OSWAs - time to vote
21:21 - Welcoming in David Stirk
25:15 - Does David even like whisky?
26:30 - That first dram
28:33 - David's whisky life to date
34:10 - Whisky is the world's best spirit?
41:25 - Book - Independent Scotch
46:15 - The end of independent bottling?
1:00:00 - Too many brands!
1:13:00 - Premiumisation is the way to go?
1:31:00 - Is collaboration the answer?
1:54:28 - Quiz at the End

David's Book: https://www.thegoodspiritsco.com/book...
Vote in the OSWAS: https://www.oswa.co.uk/publicpoll2023