By Vernon Khelawan Thursday, September 2 2010

Most Trinidad and Tobago Scotch whisky lovers satisfy their alcohol appetites by simply ordering from any bartender the normal “Scotch ‘n coconut water” or “Scotch ‘n club (soda)” or even just a plain “Scotch ‘n water.”

Well! There is now a chance for Trinidad Scotch drinkers to learn the subtle art of whisky tasting and the complexities involved in the blending process with the arrival in Trinidad yesterday of whisky aficionado Ewan Gunn, Dewar’s Global Brand Ambassador.

An advertisement in last Sunday’s newspaper announced Alstons Marketing Company Ltd, together with its Global Partners, Bacardi International, will host Gunn in this country until September 4.

He will be accompanied by Bacardi’s marketing assistant Alberto Vasquez.

During his visit, Gunn will hold Bartenders’ Seminars as well as visit the trade, which the advertisement claimed would be “an enlightening and memorable experience”. He has given lectures and conducted tastings in English, French and German.

The “Scotch ambassador” has more than a decade of experience in the whisky industry, spending time working with a wide variety of Scottish distilleries, soaking in every step of whisky production first hand – from malting and mashing to distilling and bottling.

While gaining invaluable experience in the industry, he took products to fast expanding markets across Europe and the Middle East – all the while sharing his admiration for Scotch whisky. Gunn joined John Dewar & Sons in 2004 as the USA Brand Ambassador, becoming the Global Brand Ambassador three years later. Among his many roles were education programmes imparting knowledge to trainees as well as management.

He is responsible for Dewar’s full portfolio of brands, including Dewar’s White Label; Dewar’s 12; Dewar’s 18 and Dewar’s Signature.

In the course of his career Gunn has flown some three million miles while visiting 45 countries on six continents. His dedication to Scotland’s most famous export is shown through his continued dedication to imparting his knowledge to others.

Gunn’s work is most evident through Dewar’s Discovery, the company’s educational programme which is now being rolled out in neighbouring Venezuela, Spain, India and Russia.

The fact that Gunn has tasted more than 1000 whiskies is a true testament to his love and enthusiasm for the malt.