Whisky Voices: Dawn Davies

This interview is part of my ongoing “Whisky Voices” series, where I sit down with leading voices in the whisky world, from distillers and writers to ambassadors and innovators, to capture their unfiltered thoughts on heroes, villains, surprises, trends, and wishes.

During The Whisky Show in London recently, I spoke with Dawn Davies, Master of Wine, head buyer at The Whisky Exchange, and the driving force behind The Whisky Show. Few people are as influential in shaping what whisky lovers discover and drink. Her answers to my five quick questions were passionate, candid, and full of heart.

Whisky Hero

For Dawn, there was no hesitation. “It’s got to be Dave Broom,” she said. “That man has given me more of his time, his knowledge, and his passion than any other human being. I have so much love and respect for him. He’s become one of my best friends, and I’m so honoured to have him in my life.”

It’s a deeply personal tribute to one of whisky’s most respected voices, and a testament to the mentorship and generosity that keep the whisky community thriving.

Whisky Villain

Dawn’s answer here was delivered with trademark directness. “Oh, Macallan!” she laughed. “I’m known for my feelings about Macallan. I think they have ignored the consumer. They have not treated the consumer the way they deserve. So they are definitely my whisky villain.”

Whisky Surprise

When it comes to surprises, Dawn is most excited by what’s emerging from new distilleries around the world. “Some of these new distilleries that are coming online are just incredible,” she said. “Maison Lineti in France, amazing liquid. My friend is starting a distillery in the U.S. called Pottery Jane, and what’s coming out of there is absolutely stunning. I can’t wait to see what they’re all like once they’re in bottle.”

It’s a reminder that the next big whisky stories may well come from unexpected places.

Whisky Trend

The globalisation of whisky is the trend that excites Dawn most. “What I think is really interesting right now,” she said, “is that we’re seeing more and more up-and-coming whisky-producing countries. They’re creating incredible flavours, pushing boundaries, but still working within a traditional framework.

I’m so excited about what’s coming out of the Nordics, out of France, out of New Zealand. It’s really great to see these countries coming on board and creating absolutely amazing liquid.”

Whisky Wish

Dawn’s final wish looked beyond bottles and brands to the community itself. “I think my whisky wish would be for a community that comes together and is accepting of everyone, and that we see the next generation of whisky drinkers come through. I don’t care what they look like or where they come from, but I want them to join this amazing group of people we already have in whisky.”

It’s an inclusive and forward-looking vision, one that places people, not products, at the heart of whisky’s future.

It is always a joy to catch up with Dawn. Her enthusiasm and passion is truly infectious!

Sláinte
- Thomas