Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/221505
Bringing The Balvenie to America BRAND AMBASSADOR DAVID LAIRD PREACHES THE GOSPEL OF HANDCRAFTED SCOTCH by Scott Greenberg / photos by Mark Finkenstaedt P iercing blue eyes. Charming smile. Athletic build. David Laird seems to have everything it takes to grab and hold one's attention—which, it turns out, is overkill since his undertaking is to spread the word about the glories of the renowned handcrafted Scotch whiskies of The Balvenie. But it certainly doesn't hurt. From the lilting brogue to his charismatic enthusiasm, Mr. Laird delivers his one-man soliloquy about The Balvenie brand with conviction, passion and a wee bit of mischief. Born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland— an area steeped in whisky distilling and blending tradition—Laird came to the United States to attend college on a soccer scholarship. Between soccer matches and classes at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee, David tended bar at a local establishment and ended up falling in love with whiskies. The Balvenie Brand Ambassador David Laird leads a Master Class on The Balvenie Rare Collection in Washington, D.C. december 2013 / the tasting panel / 85 TP1213_064-103.indd 85 11/23/13 8:35 PM