Whisky scholar chosen
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A YOUNG Dufftown woman is in high spirits after being selected for a whisky giant's special scholarship.
William Grant & Sons chose Kat Keough-Jack (22) as the recipient of the sixth annual Ian Murray Spirited Solutions Scholarship.
Kat will take part in the 12-month programme designed to further her knowledge in the spirits industry, with a focus on malt whisky. The scholarship supports young people working in an off-trade spirits retail environment.
William Grant & Sons launched the scholarship in 2014 in memory of Ian Murray, the distiller’s former prestige retail manager.
As 2019 scholarship winner, Kat, who works at The Whisky Shop in Dufftown, will take part in a 12-month programme of training, an educational visit to a William Grant & Sons distillery and a presentation skills course.
The scholarship is open to off-trade spirits retailers in the UK between 18-30. It offers the winner the chance to further their knowledge of the spirits industry, with particular focus on malt whisky.
Kat began her career as a sales assistant, joining the Whisky Shop at just 18. Five years later she is now also the company social media manager, sharing her passion and knowledge with whisky novices and experts alike.
Kat said: "William Grant & Sons contacted us with the news and I burst out crying – I was so happy to have been selected. I am really excited to get started with the scholarship and can’t wait to expand my knowledge and gain more valuable experience in the drinks industry, something I have been passionate about for the last five years.
"I hope to use the award to host whisky tastings in and around Dufftown."
Mike Lord, owner of The Whisky Shop Dufftown, said: "Kat is comfortable giving advice to new whisky drinkers and as well as to connoisseurs, both online and in person. We’re all very proud and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her."
The scholarship is awarded annually, with 10 shortlisted applicants selected by Mr Murray’s colleagues and members of the Grant family. The final winner is then selected by Mr Murray’s own family.
Great-great-granddaughter of founder William Grant, Kirsten Grant Meikle, said: "We are delighted to award the 2019 Ian Murray Scholarship to Kat Keough-Jack. There were a number of applicants who were well-deserving, but in the end, Kat was the stand-out candidate. We congratulate her and wish Kat the best of luck in her continued career in whisky."
