Dr. Bill Lumsden, the acclaimed Master Distiller at Glenmorangie, is a name synonymous with groundbreaking whisky. However, beyond his pioneering work in whisky creation, Lumsden is also a passionate wine enthusiast. His journey into the world of wine began humbly, with a single bottle of Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon that would spark a lifelong passion for wine collecting and exploration.
The Humble Beginnings of a Wine Collector
Lumsden’s introduction to wine occurred in 1984 when, as a student, he visited a wine merchant in Edinburgh. With just £2 in his pocket, he purchased a bottle of the Chilean red, Concha y Toro. “I remember thinking, ‘bloody hell, this is quite good for that sort of money,'” Lumsden recalls. Little did he know, this moment would set him on the path to becoming a revered wine connoisseur.
His early days in wine collecting were modest, but over time, Lumsden’s passion for wine evolved, and he began to accumulate bottles from around the world. His journey to becoming a wine collector paralleled his rise in the whisky world, where his experimental approach would change the way people thought about whisky.
A Distiller with a Passion for Wine
Despite his remarkable success at Glenmorangie, where he has pioneered various whisky expressions, Lumsden’s enthusiasm for wine remains unwavering. In fact, it was a wine-cask finished whisky from Glenmorangie that led him to join the company back in 1995. Lumsden was drawn to the idea of aging whisky in wine casks, a progressive idea that aligned with his desire to experiment and innovate.
Last fall, Glenmorangie released a trio of wine cask-finished whiskies under the name “Pursuit of Passion,” featuring casks sourced from prestigious wine regions like Barbaresco, Margaux, and Corton-Charlemagne. This innovative collection reflects Lumsden’s ability to blend the best of both worlds—whisky and wine.
Wine and Whisky: A Shared Passion
Lumsden’s passion for wine doesn’t just end with collecting bottles. When he’s not busy working on his latest whisky creations, he can often be found in his wine cellar, curating the perfect bottle to pair with a meal. Lumsden’s approach to wine is more than just drinking; it’s about the experience.
“I plan dinner parties based on what wines I want to open, not so much on who I’m getting together with,” he says. His deep affection for his wine collection has led him to become quite possessive over his bottles. “I pull them out, dust them off, stroke them—I might even kiss them—but I need my friends to come over and give me an excuse to open these bottles,” he jokes.
Lumsden’s Wine Tips for Every Occasion
Throughout his years of collecting and enjoying wine, Lumsden has developed some go-to recommendations for different occasions. Here are a few of his expert tips:
- Big Celebration: For a special occasion, Lumsden suggests opening a Magnum of 2011 Château Cheval Blanc, decanted for five hours before dinner. “It was just perfect,” he says.
- Rainy Monday: When the weather calls for comfort food, Lumsden turns to a Cote du Rhône or Cote Rôtie, pairing it with a pot of Scotch broth or a hearty stew.
- Under the Radar Discovery: One of Lumsden’s hidden gems is A.P. Birks Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia’s Clare Valley. “It’s about $200 a bottle but hard to find,” he shares.
- Day Drinking: For a light afternoon drink, Lumsden recommends trying a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from the Cheverny appellation in the Loire Valley. He also enjoys Albariño and Grüner Veltliner.
- Bubbly: Lumsden admits he’s spoiled when it comes to champagne, often opting for Krug. However, he also has a fondness for Salon, a rare and exclusive champagne.
- Bucket List Wine Region: For those looking to explore wine regions, Lumsden suggests Ribera del Duero in Spain, known for its exceptional reds.
- Everyday Wine: When looking for an affordable yet high-quality bottle, Lumsden recommends Bodega Tinto Pesquera and Condado de Haza, a bold Tempranillo from the Ribera del Duero region.
Bill Lumsden’s love for both whisky and wine exemplifies his deep commitment to the art of crafting exceptional beverages. His journey from a humble wine purchase to becoming a renowned figure in both whisky and wine circles demonstrates his relentless curiosity and passion. For those looking to explore the world of wine, Lumsden’s tips and personal discoveries offer a gateway to a richer, more enjoyable experience.
