Welcome to our Muse of the Month series! This series is celebrating women in the industry who are changing the conversation around whisk(e)y. From Master Distillers to Podcasters to Brand Ambassadors stay tuned as we feature the best and brightest females.
For the month of November, we are featuring my ‘whisky wifey’ Ainsleigh Christie aka the Maid of the Malt.
Put into her words, ‘life is like a melange of malts; sometimes you just never know what you’re gonna get!’
Ainsleigh and I first met in November 2019 at Hopscotch, Vancouver’s largest whisk(e)y festival. After inviting her to be a Judge for a Woodford Cocktail Competition (after all her palate is impeccable) that I organized, we have been friends since! Originally from Scotland, but living in Vancouver for the last 10+ years, Ainsleigh is an avid traveler through food, beverages, and countries. She’s self proclaimed ‘loyal AF’ and I can personally attest to her wittiness and amazing ability to create an amazing energy in social settings. This vibrant energy has helped her to grow her Maid of the Malt following to close to 10,000 followers in less than 2 years.
Check out the interview with Ainsleigh below as she talks about becoming an “influencer”, tips on how to become a better taster and her favourite trends in the industry.
PS – You can follower her over at @maidofthemalt
Quick Fire Questions
Early Bird or Night Owl: Early Bird, mostly
Pro-Peat or Anti-Peat: Pro-Peat…, shhh!
The Best Whisk(e)y + Snack Combination/Pairing: a Maritime Malt & Freshly Shucked Oysters
Favourite Cocktail: the Whisk(e)y Sour
Favourite Bar You’ve Been To:I’m a pub kinda gal — Keen’s Pub in NYC, outstanding whisky selection
Never Have I Ever: Conducted an Orchestra
Drinking Song of Choice: There are far too many!
What mantra do you live by/drink by: “Mind Over Matter.”
1) Describe yourself in the form of a haiku.
2) Tell us about your first (memorable) experience with whisk(e)y?
Well, the first time I remember tasting a sip of the Water of Life, was after pestering my Dad for a while as we watched Star Trek and asking “but, what does it taste like?” numerous times. Let’s just say I was ‘taken aback’, and I’ll never forget Tamdhu 10!
Fast forward a few years and I found myself on a tour of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands. Skye was memorable enough on its own, and I’d go back in a heartbeat just to take in the scenery, but Talisker definitely opened my eyes. Tasting the beloved classic, coastal and peppery 10 Year Old at the distillery, was a highlight of the trip!
3) When did you start MOTM and what inspired you to launch it?
I started Maid of the Malt at the end of 2018, shortly after returning to Vancouver, from a trip home to Scotland. During my holiday, I popped into the usual distilleries; Glengoyne and Auchentoshan, to purchase a special bottle for my Dad’s Christmas (Glengoyne’s Teapot Dram, and an Auchie Distillery Cask).
Whisky was always seen as a “Man’s Drink”, and as a matter of fact, I’d say it still is, today. Having personally tasted a variety of drams, each with their own unique qualities, I knew this was something I could introduce my friends to, especially the ladies!
I love using my platform to hopefully educate, entertain and engage with likeminded people. One of my favourite things to do is connect with others from around the world, especially those who are new to whisky, and help them find their choice of malt, based on their own unique palate and preferences.
4) What has been your biggest ‘aha’ moment to date?
I was always quite apprehensive when it came to the monstrous Islay drams. I’d heard of those heavy hitting brutes, such as Laphroaig, but I like to be open-minded and I’m always eager to try something new! Lagavulin 16 was my biggest ‘aha’ moment, as it was unlike any other whisky I would usually find myself leaning towards. The amazing complexity on both the nose and palate; iodine, mint, seabreeze, fresh milled wood, walnuts, and the famous Islay peat. I would definitely say this was the dram that had piqued my interest in peated Islay Whiskies.
5) In your opinion, what makes the perfect whisk(e)y?
Company! Malted barley, water, yeast…, a drinking vessel (I tend to go for the Glencairn) and a group of amazing people to share it with!
6) What’s the latest trend you’re excited about the industry at the moment?
I’m unsure if this would be considered a ‘trend’ per say, but I’ve really been enjoying some of the younger whiskies that have been released recently — Ardbeg’s Wee Beastie being one of them!
1770’s 2019 Release really took me by surprise. For such a youthful spirit it has great depth and complexity; rich and creamy mouthfeel with warming spices, an oaky pepperiness, fennel, demerara and Scottish Tablet.
Delightful!
7) What is your advice for someone who is just starting to get into drinking whisk(e)y?
Be open-minded, willing to try new things, and never listen to anyone who tells you you’re “drinking it the wrong way”! AND, always make sure you let it “open up”.
8) What are you doing to ensure you’re continuing to grow and develop your palate?
I am constantly jumping at the opportunity to try new spirits and experience different flavours and aromas. The broader spectrum of tastes, scents and indulgences, gives you a brighter kaleidoscope of superlatives and descriptives. In the last year or so, I have noticed a change in my palate, especially when it comes to the heavily peated, Islay whiskies. Speyside will always be my “comfort zone”, but these days I often find myself yearning for a touch of smoke, as opposed to a more fruit forward tipple.
9) What are 3 whiskies (choose any category) under $50 that you would recommend… after all the season of giving is coming!
Well, being Scottish myself, it should come as no surprise that all 3 of my recommendations are Single Malt Scotch Whiskies…
1. Glenlivet, Founder’s Reserve — Speyside Whisky
2. Macallan, 12 Year Old Double Cask — Speyside Whisky
3. Highland Park, Magnus — Orkney Island Whisky
Bonus: Bowmore, 12 Year Old (C$57.99) — Islay Whisky 11)
10) What’s next for you?
Conquering the World of Whisky, one post at a time!
