California Dramming with Chris Cusiter

Nine years ago, former Scotland rugby international Chris Cusiter retired from the professional game and moved out west.Way out west... California west.He bought a specialist liquor store in Los Angeles to follow his newfound dream, building bridges between Scotland and California with whisky.A few years later, after selling his store, Chris became a partner in Alexander Murray & Co importers of Scotch whisky into the United States.In this episode he talks to John about his love of whisky; the challenges facing the global whisky market; the dangers of "premiumisation" in a market where anything over US$25 is "ultra-premium"; how his sweet tooth draws him to big, heavily sherried whiskies like Glendronach or Glenfarclas; how a thief with "custom-designed trousers" stole thousands of dollars worth of stock from under his nose; the most commonly mispronounced Scotch names; and the best place in the world to drink whisky...So pour yourself a wee dram and listen in.Slàinte!-------Socials:@C2GWhisky@JohnRossBeattie Creator & producer: David HolmesArt work & design: Jess Robertson Music: Water of Life (Never Going Home)Vocals: Andrea CunninghamGuitars: John BeattieBass: Alasdair VannDrums: Alan HamiltonBagpipes: Calum McCollAccordion: Gary InnesMusic & Lyrics: Andrea Cunningham & John BeattieRecorded & mixed by Murray Collier at La Chunky Studios, Glasgow, ScotlandSpecial thanks: The Piper Whisky Bar, 57 Cochrane Street, Glasgow, ScotlandFollow The Piper on Facebook to keep up to date about tastings and other events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.