The Einstein of Whisky
He was known by many names including "Einstein of Whisky", "The Single Malt Whisperer", "The Flying Whisky Doctor", „the Whisky Magician” and "The Ultimate Whisky Troubleshooter". His real name was James Sneddon (Jim) Swan. He was born on December 25th, 1941, in East Lothian, Scotland and died suddenly on 14th February 2017. And his work changed the whisky world forever. Basically, he is the man who worked out how to produce whisky in such a way that it reaches maturity and complexity much earlier than usual.
Back in the 1980’s and early 90’s, the whisky business in Scotland was not having a great time. Several distilleries closed, or were mothballed, due to falling demand of this, then, un-fashionable drink. By the end of the 80s, the 1988 Whisky Act and other limitations were set in place to secure the integrity of the industry. With the new millennia approaching, whisky was about to make a spectacular comeback.
But with that comeback, came a few industry challenges:
- Whisky stocks were low. With the closure of several distilleries, production had dropped and keeping up with the new and growing demand was tough.
- New distilleries started to open, and old distilleries started to re-open. Demand for casks rose dramatically, and a shortage soon set in.
- The industry was used to ten-plus years of maturation. Meaning that new production capacity was ten years away from meeting the increasing demand. The 1988 whisky act, among other things, dictated that whisky must mature for 3 years in oak casks. But even a 3-year old whisky was considered too young to be any good.
Enter James Sneddon Swan
Jim Swan acheived his bachelor’s degree in applied chemistry at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh in 1965. Three years later he achieved a doctorate in Chemistry and Biological Sciences with a thesis on "wood extractives in relation to the maturation of Scotch whisky". He went on to become a whisky legend.
Ultimately, he was able to put credibility into single malt whiskies with shorter maturity times, and he opened up cask availability by experimenting with ex-wine, rum, and other cask types. His early work on the chemistry of wood helped decipher how different parts of the oak contribute to the flavor of the whiskies. In particular, he was a pioneer and advocate of the STR method (short for shaved, toasted and recharred) for processing red wine barrels.
In 1979, Dr. Swan and his respected colleague researcher Sheila Burtles designed and published the first whisky flavor wheel, which is still used as an industry standard to identify and evaluate the character of the whisky.
In 2002, Dr. Swan founded the Dr. James Swan Food & Drink Consultancy. With his knowledge, insight, and a growing reputation as a man of a deeper understanding of whisky, Swan's time and expertise became highly sought after. During his consultancy career, he also served as a blender and a master distiller in multiple inspiring distilleries around the world.
During his career, Dr. Swan created a formula for producing young whiskies that had the characteristics of much older counterparts. Therefore he is also often credited with making young whiskies fashionable and desirable. Some whisky companies have not publicized their relationship and possible hire of Dr. Swan due to non-disclosure agreements. But it is known that he contributed his expertise in the following distilleries: Amrut, Annandale, Clydeside, Cotswold, Dublin, Whiskey, Kavalan, Kilchoman, Lindores Abbey, Milk & Honey, Nc'nean, Penderyn, The London Distillery, St George's Distillery, Macaloney's Island, and the Virginia Distillery Company.
Hiring Dr. Swan meant mentoring for life. He was known not only for his ability to come in and identify the exact problem points quickly but also for frequently checking back in case new issues were raised. The nickname "The Ultimate Whisky Troubleshooter" was right on the nose since his understanding of variants within whisky production was remarkable.
His Legacy
Dr. Jim Swan inspired a whole new generation of whisky makers who will go on to inspire the next. He might be gone, but his legacy - and whisky - live on. He died during his term helping Lindores Abbey getting started. Sadly, he never witnessed the result. There is a Dr Jim Swan shrine in the Lindores Abbey distillery in a quiet corner by a window looking over the abbey ruins. Sad, but fitting, that he died while working at the spiritual home of whisky.