Episode 66 - The Cask Whisperer with Jim McEwan

My guest today is one of the best known distillers in the world.

Beginning as an apprentice cooper in 1963, Jim McEwan eventually came to manage the Bowmore distillery and then travel the world for another 33 years, as a judge, ambassador and distiller for Bruichladdich and The Botanist as well.

He was inducted into Whisky Magazine’s ‘Hall of Fame’ in 2014 and in the same year, founded Cape Byron Distillery with Eddie Brook (who you might recall from way back on Episode 16).

They’ve been known best for their award-winning ‘Brookie’s Gin’ but are now beginning to produce whisky. I was invited to the distillery to taste the first drop, straight from the still.

This interview takes place on the balcony overlooking the famous Brook Farm and regenerated rainforest, so there’s a bit of ambient noise to note, but it worked as inspiration for the last interview Jim will have in Australia.