408: How Are Modern Whisky Makers Using Blending To Capture Emotions and Experiences?

How does smoking whisky grains with elephant dung translate into flavours like raspberry and sandalwood? What does the saying "you can't turn a donkey into a racehorse" reveal about making great whisky? How are modern whisky makers using blending to capture emotions and experiences? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Kristiane Westray. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.

Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Kristiane Westray's terrific book, Savour: A Guide To Tasting and Exploring Whiskies of the World. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at [email protected]. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!

Highlights How are modern whisky makers using blending to capture emotions and experiences rather than simply create consistency? Why are smaller distilleries more likely to experiment with different grains, yeasts, and production methods? How can something as simple as changing yeast dramatically influence the flavour of a whisky? What does the saying "you can't turn a donkey into a racehorse" reveal about making great whisky? How can a whisky maker's background and philosophy become almost like another ingredient in the final spirit? What does ageing whisky in former Japanese shochu casks add that more familiar bourbon or Sherry casks cannot? How do unconventional materials create entirely new flavours in whisky? Why does Kristiane think whisky drinkers should focus on enjoying what's in the glass? How do altitude and atmospheric pressure affect the way whisky is distilled and matured? What makes Canada's craft whisky scene so exciting? Why is whisky and ginger ale Kristiane's go-to pub drink, even when she's using single malt? What are Kristiane's three essential tips for anyone who wants to enjoy whisky more?

About Kristiane Westray Kristiane Westray is a whisky communicator and author. Her first book Savour was published by Bloomsbury in October 2025. She has written about spirits since 2012, and her work has appeared in Whisky Magazine, The Malt Whisky Yearbook, The Times, Club Oenologique and many more. She is the former editor at The Spirits Business and led the content team at Master of Malt, where she trained as a WSET Spirits Educator. As a judge in the UK and US, she has tasted and assessed thousands of whiskies from around the world. An accomplished presenter, Kristiane has hosted numerous tastings, co-hosted live broadcasts, and appeared as a whisky expert on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch. A passionate advocate for equity in whisky, her work on social media drives education and inclusivity with the vision that whisky is for everyone. Kristiane is based in Brighton, UK, where she lives with her girlfriend and a tiny ginger cat.

To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/408.