It’s not everyday that we have the pleasure to speak with Doug Kragel, the Ambassador and Whisky Educator for Diageo.
So tell me Doug, what is your role as a whisky educator?
D: My Primary role is to maintain a high standard of category education within the Diageo reserve portfolio, (I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, George Dickel Tennessee Whisky, The Orphan Barrel Collection, The Hilhaven Lodge, Crown Royal Canadian Whisky, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey) as well as, provide the trade with an in depth level of history and knowledge about our brands and how they fit into the larger whiskey landscape.
What are your day activities?
D: My daily activities are split into three categories: Traveling outside of Kentucky to educate folks on our portfolio, In Market Support in Kentucky- such as conducting Training’s for trade or Host Brand events, and Research and Development – I am constantly reading source materials or brushing up on trends in the industry.
So tell us, how long have you been working with Orphan Barrel?
D: I have been working with Orphan Barrel and the rest of Diageo’s American whiskey portfolio for 2 years.
What is your favorite dram by Orphan Barrel?
D: Forged Oak and Barterhouse
You have a new whisky Hilhaven Lodge being release soon in partnership with a Hollywood celebrity. How did that come about? Will it be a limited release? Can you tell us about the mash bill and aging process? Cask Finish?
D: The Hilhaven Lodge was released in the spring of 2016 in partnership with Hollywood director, Brett Ratner, and off the bat was recognized with a Double Gold medal at the 2016 San Francisco Spirits Competition. The Hilhaven Lodge features a blend of whiskeys from three different decades, bringing together aged Bourbon, Rye and Tennessee Whiskeys, which combined offer an unbelievably smooth and unique taste. The mash bill of The Hilhaven Lodge is 26% rye, 68% corn and 6% barley.
We picked the component whiskeys we did because each brings a unique flavor to The Hilhaven Lodge, and they represent three different decades – an ode to the timeless nature of Hilhaven Lodge. The bourbon contributes candied fruit notes, the Tennessee Whiskey offers dark brown caramel notes, and the aged rye contributes light spice notes of clove.
Do you believe whisky is the new wine?
D: Right now, I’d say that in the U,S American Whiskey is the new Single Malt Scotch.
Countries like Japan, Taiwan, South Africa are beginning to join in the whisky endeavor. Do you believe that whisky is becoming a truly global phenomenon?
D: 100%, although trends will always change, the global market demands a higher level of quantity and variety.
What is the best part about your job?
D: The Whiskey. I love the liquid, history and heritage.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the Tastethedram readers?
D: Enjoy Diageo Whiskey Responsibly!
