This month we talk to Hamish Malcolm, The Drum Caddy.

How would you describe your business in one sentence?

I combine golf caddying with whisky tastings.

How did you get started?

I ‘retired’ from a 38 year career in banking and finance in Feb 2024; initially for what I thought would be a ‘quiet’ life of caddying and working in a whisky shop.  After a couple of months, I found I was more suited to running the whisky tastings in the shop, as opposed to hunting for barcodes and up-selling merch. This lead on to me developing several different whisky tasting line ups where all the drams have a connection and a story to golf – especially for courses in the Highlands and Moray.

Initially, I found it very difficult to find ‘test pilots’ for me to try the tastings out on; even when I was offering the whisky for free!  Perhaps my contacts still had me pigeon-holed as the ‘finance guy’. Fortunately, I was able to host a couple of tastings at Castle Stuart, then Royal Dornoch (for some high profile golfing visitors), and things took off from there….

…and how are things going currently?

Coming into my second ‘full’ season, while I’ve a lot of doors still to open, the concept has come a long way.

I love being able to offer visitors the flexibility of being able to come to them, (within reason!) at whatever time suits them.

I think they appreciate getting a varied range of whiskies, from different distilleries; while not feeling under pressure to buy bottles.

What are the small, super-niche things that you love about your business?

I always describe my business as a ‘niche within a niche’ – but it’s regularly the case that early in the tasting someone will make a throwaway remark about either a golf course or a distillery, which I know is going to come up later in the tasting.

On one occasion in the Vault room at the Dornoch Castle Hotel, I was hosting an all lady golfing group , and we were discussing Royal Brackla distillery (one of my favourites); which led us on to reference Shakespeares Macbeth (i.e., Thane of Cawdor).  Out of nowhere, one of the ladies proceeded to give us a 2 minute recital from the play!  Brought the house down….

What is the biggest challenge about operating a small business in the Highlands?

Geography is the main factor for me; in terms of getting the various courses I run the tastings at; from Brora in the north, Grantown on Spey in the south; across to Moray Golf Club in Lossiemouth in the East.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since starting your business?

Really just trying to break into what is a ‘mature’ market when it comes to golfers seeking a whisky experience during their trip.  

I have tried to carve out a distinctive niche in between the main alternatives i.e., a night in the pub, and a distillery tour. A lot of the tour operators have built up strong links with the distilleries – I am seeking to be more flexible with my availability and also being able to keep the golf chat going throughout the whisky tasting.  I also enjoy giving an independent opinion on the different whisky brands; as opposed to being a ‘brand rep’ who obviously has to be ‘on message’.

Why do you think the Highlands is the BEST place to run a small business?

Obviously, our geography and connectivity are challenging, but the overall quality of life makes up for it. Many of the  visitors I meet from all round the world hold our area, golf courses and distilleries in very high esteem.

What’s something you and your business have done that you’re really proud of?

I like to think that my ‘after sales’ service sets me apart.  When I leave my business card with someone after a tasting, I tell them that they can get in touch with me anytime for questions on either whisky or golf – whether it’s to get a bottle for a friend/relative; or to put them in touch with someone else in the golfing world, even though there is nothing ‘in it’ for me.

Especially with the whiskies; I do not make a profit from sourcing bottles for people  – if I get a discount from a distillery then I’ll pass it on the client. Some of the feedback from me taking this approach has been very positive.

What’s your most popular product/service – and why do you think it is?

I’d say the most positive feedback comes from overseas visitors when they are enjoying whiskies they have never had before; or presented in a way (i.e., connected to the golfing world) which they have not heard before.

What’s playing in the background while you work?

Usually podcasts – of a varied nature!

What’s your customer round-trip record?

I’ve done tastings for visitors as far apart as Canada and Tasmania!  

Any “oops” moments you can laugh about now?

Drove down to do a tasting in the Cairngorms last year for seven guests (so technically, I needed 35 whisky glasses); to receive a call en-route from the venue telling me they now had 21 booked!  I had about just under 100 in the boot.

What’s your favourite way to unwind after a long day?

In the summer months, I’ll say it’s sitting out the back garden – maybe after cutting the grass – with music/podcast on, and either a beer/cider or a wee dram. 

Tell us one industry secret that we probably won’t know (bonus point if knowing will improve our lives!)

Putting ice into whisky kills some of the aroma of the dram (and smelling it is definitely part of the overall pleasure).

What’s next for you or your business?

I’m in touch with two people in central Scotland about collaborations with them re a new whisky tasting celebrating one of the foremost figures in Scottish golf history – as well as a chap in Italy, who would like to roll out the ‘DramCaddy’ concept over there.

Any upcoming events, launches or plans we should keep an eye on?

The final 3 episodes of my YouTube series @ScotlandsBeautifulBlend, filmed and produced by John Baikie of Cinematiq will be out soon – featuring Moray Golf Club/ Glen Moray Distillery …. Cabot Highlands/Tomatin Distillery… and Nairn Golf Club/Royal Brackla distillery. 

The last episode, released in December, was the first online to feature the amazing new clubhouse at Royal Dornoch Golf Club.

Where can people find you?

www.dramcaddy.com 
@TheDramCaddy on X and Instagram

Favourite local spot

Chanonry Point, Fortrose.

Best advice you’ve ever received

Measure twice, cut once

Best business book you’ve ever read

Start with Why – Simon Sinek

Current obsession

TRYING to get fit for the new golf season!

One thing you never leave home without

Not very original; but mobile phone.

One word to describe your business

Authentic

Favourite biscuit

As a whisky lover… it has to be a bourbon!