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| Born | Richard Paterson (1949-01-31) January 31, 1949 (age 75) Glasgow, Scotland |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Occupation | Master Blender |
| Years active | 1966–present |
| Known for | Master Blender at The Dalmore; nicknamed "The Nose" |
Richard Paterson (born 31 January 1949) is a renowned Scottish master blender with over five decades of experience in the whisky industry. He is best known for his role at The Dalmore distillery and is affectionately nicknamed "The Nose" due to his exceptional olfactory abilities.
Early Life and Education
Richard Paterson was born in Glasgow, Scotland, into a family deeply rooted in the whisky industry. He is a third-generation master blender, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. His father, Gus Paterson, managed the family whisky broker firm, W. R. Paterson & Co., which significantly influenced Richard's career path.
Career
Paterson began his career in 1966 at A. Gillies & Co., a whisky blending firm, where he started as an office junior. He quickly advanced, gaining extensive knowledge in whisky blending and production. In 1970, he joined Whyte & Mackay, becoming their master blender in 1975. During his tenure, he was instrumental in developing and maintaining the quality of their whisky brands, including The Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn, and Tamnavulin malts, as well as the Whyte & Mackay blend.
In 2020, after celebrating his 50th anniversary with Whyte & Mackay, Paterson took on the role of master blender at Wolfcraig Distillery, a new venture aimed at creating a Highland single malt Scotch whisky. He continues to serve as master blender for The Dalmore while contributing his expertise to Wolfcraig.
Contributions and Style
Paterson is renowned for his innovative approach to whisky maturation, particularly his pioneering use of various cask finishes, including sherry, port, and wine casks, to enhance the complexity of whiskies. His dynamic and theatrical presentation style has made him a prominent figure in whisky education and promotion worldwide.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Paterson has received numerous accolades, including:
- Icon of Whisky Lifetime Achievement Award
- Spirit of Scotland Trophy
- Induction into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame
Publications
In 2008, Paterson authored Goodness Nose, a book that delves into the art of whisky blending and his experiences in the industry.
Personal Life
Beyond his professional endeavors, Paterson is involved in charitable activities, particularly with the Benevolent Trust in Scotland, supporting individuals in the drinks industry facing hardships.