Meet the Team: Dave Smillie, Brand Development Manager (West Scotland)

Next up in our Meet the Team series is Dave Smillie, our Brand Development Manager for the West of Scotland.

“I love hospitality, it’s the greatest industry in the world. The people, places and cultures you can learn about and experience from a bar stool or a dining room table drive my passion. It’s truly extraordinary. The industry has taken some hit in the last year globally, but my words above will be proven in the next decade, the re-bound will be something to experience. Buckle up, it’s gonna be a ride!

I still think of myself as a Bartender, despite not being employed as one for three years. I worked with some of the best bartenders in the world in some of the best bars, and with some of the worst! During that career I tried to become the most rounded hospitality professional I could be, working in cocktail bars, pubs, restaurants and hotels.

Since then I’ve been lucky enough to step into roles with spirits from all over the world, and now from right here in Scotland. We produce some of the best whisky and gin on the planet right here on our doorstep and it’s a real honour to work with brands like Kingsbarns on a daily basis. No two days are the same, which is so important for me, it keeps me stretched and on my toes, learning every day.

There is so much noise to cut through with Scotch Whisky, quite rightly too, it’s earned it! But at the end of the day it’s a humble drink in a glass and it's there to be enjoyed. Which is why I’m loving being part of the journey with Kingsbarns, it’s just delicious whisky. Simple.”

Follow Dave's whisky journey on Instagram at @wemyss_dave