On March 31, Glenrothes, a Scotch whisky brand from Skyy Spirits portfolio, has announced the names of its ‘Whisky Maker’ competition winners. According to the rules of the contest run previously by the whisky brand, 4 winners from different countries will travel to Scotland and spend a week in May as The Glenrothes Whisky Makers, meaning they will participate in the process of whisky production, and of course, be able to nose and taste the drink of different sorts and age. 

Interestingly, the winners, whose essays were selected out of thousands of submitted works, come from the U.S, Taiwan and the U.K. In its winning work, the winner from Taiwan Sheng Hao Chen shares his impressions on the first time he tried the drink.

Two winners from the U.K. share their insights into what it takes to be a real whisky connoisseur.

Tony Francis believes that “a whisky maker loves not just the whisky itself but the process it has to undergo to achieve the perfect product. It’s the history, the buildings, the environment, the ingredients. To understand its birth and its maturing leads to true enjoyment.”

The second UK winner Danielle Ellis wrote, “Discovering and trying new tastes and experiences is my passion. I’d bring enthusiasm, a great palate, a way with words and a good nose and become a lifelong ambassador.”

According to the rules of the contest, aside from the hard work in Glenrothes distillery, the winners will be able to enjoy what Speyside has to offer: fishing, dining in the Highlands restaurants and staying in the Rothes House — a premium-class accomodations reserved by the brand owners for VIP-visitors.