Spike McClure is the son of a Scottish Presbyterian minister and the grandson of a whisky-loving granny.  “There were always two holy spirits in our house. Every meal began with a grace and ended with a dram.” The inevitable consequence has been Spike’s life as a proselytizing whisky evangelist.

Today, a well-traveled missionary for whisky, Spike returns regularly to the Holy Lands (or the Highlands, anyway ,of Scotland, Ireland,  Kentucky and Tennessee ) to reconnect with his roots in the industry: malt men and coopers, master distillers and blenders who kindly share their knowledge with a man who spreads their good work to the wider world.  A proud Keeper of the Quaich, Spike holds a General Certificate in Distilling (Cereal Option) from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.

For the past fourteen years Spike has been happily employed by the Diageo whisky portfolio: guiding legions of benighted consumers and retailers from a dark fear of flavor to the warm glow of whisky.  With his style equally suited to the revival tent and the classroom, Spike is always in demand as a host and speaker, conducting whisky tastings, whisky dinners, and professional trainings throughout the year.