Dr. Bill Lumsden, the acclaimed Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation and Whisky Stocks at Glenmorangie, is no stranger to innovation in the world of Scotch whisky. With a career spanning nearly four decades, he has earned a reputation as one of the most influential figures in the industry, often pushing the boundaries of what’s possible while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. We had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Bill during his recent visit to South Africa to discuss his philosophy, career, groundbreaking techniques and the latest Glenmorangie releases.
Pushing Boundaries in Scotch Whisky
When asked about what inspires him to innovate within the strict confines of Scotch whisky production, Dr. Bill was quick to attribute his drive to his scientific background and an innate curiosity. “I’m a scientist by training,” he began, “and I’ve always had an inquisitive mind. I like to try things that are different.” For Dr. Bill, conformity is the antithesis of creativity. “I don’t follow trends; I actively push back against them,” he stated. This mindset has led him to experiment with new methods while still respecting the stringent guidelines that define Scotch whisky.
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Mastering the Art of Wood Management
Dr. Bill’s fascination with oak barrels has become a cornerstone of his career. Despite his initial lack of knowledge in this area, his dedication to understanding the intricacies of wood management has transformed Glenmorangie’s approach to whisky maturation. “The maturation part of the Scotch whisky process is possibly one of the most important areas in determining the flavour and quality of your final product,” he explained. Dr. Bill’s relentless experimentation with different types of barrels—from American oak to those sourced from Spain, France and beyond—has resulted in a diverse range of flavour profiles that set Glenmorangie apart.
Creative Process and Inspirations
The creative process behind Dr. Bill’s whisky innovations is anything but conventional. “My ideas can come from anywhere,” he shared. “It can come from a conversation, from eating different food when I visit another country.” Rather than following a rigid formula, Dr. Bill envisions the end result first, whether it be a specific flavour, colour or texture and then reverse engineers the production process to achieve it. This unorthodox approach has led to the creation of some of the most unique whiskies in Glenmorangie’s portfolio.
Balancing Art and Science
Despite his extensive scientific knowledge, Dr. Bill believes that whisky creation is primarily an art form. “It’s 80 percent art and 20 percent science,” he emphasised. While his scientific background helps him navigate potential pitfalls in the production process, Dr. Bill is careful not to let it dictate his creative decisions. “I see it as an artisanal process and I like it to be done by humans,” he added, highlighting his preference for a hands-on approach to whisky making.
Recognition and Legacy
Dr. Bill’s contributions to the whisky industry have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards, including multiple Master Distiller of the Year titles at the International Whiskey Competition. However, Dr. Bill remains humble about his achievements. “I’m not in this for fame; I’m in it to try and make the best whisky I can,” he remarked. For him, the accolades are secondary to the success of the Glenmorangie brand. “The awards are good, but it’s all about the whisky and the brand, not about me,” he said.
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What If? The Philosophy Behind Innovation
Dr. Bill’s favourite phrase, “What if?” reflects his relentless pursuit of innovation. “I like to use my imagination,” he said. This mindset has driven him to explore uncharted territory in whisky creation, often testing the limits of what is legally permissible under Scotch whisky regulations. “If you don’t have that inquisitive mindset, I don’t think you’ll ever really achieve your full potential,” he asserted.
Preserving Tradition While Embracing Modernity
In an era where automation is becoming increasingly common in whisky production, Dr. Bill remains committed to preserving the artisanal nature of the craft. “I hate that and I have totally refused to allow the engineers to modernise or automate Glenmorangie or Ardbeg distilleries,” he stated. For Dr. Bill, whisky is a luxury product that should be crafted by human hands, not machines. However, he is not opposed to using technology to enhance the flavour profiles of his whiskies, as long as the process remains true to the tradition.
A Master Distiller’s Favourite Cocktails
When it comes to his personal preferences, Dr. Bill has a few go-to whisky cocktails. His absolute favourite is a whisky sour, made with beaten egg white and lemon juice. Interestingly, he prefers this classic cocktail with Ardbeg’s smokey whisky rather than Glenmorangie. He also enjoys an Old Fashioned made with Glenmorangie’s 12-year-old La Santa and a Blood and Sand using the 14-year-old Quinta Ruban.
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New Beginnings: Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve and 12YO
During his visit to South Africa, Dr. Bill introduced the new Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve and the reimagined Glenmorangie 12YO. The Triple Cask Reserve, inspired by the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, is a rich, subtly spiced single malt that combines ex-bourbon casks, newly charred virgin oak casks and ex-rye whisky casks. This new addition to the Glenmorangie range is a harmonious blend of classic fruity sweetness and the savoury notes of rye whisky.
