Who are you and what do you do at High Spirits?
Hey, I'm Jos van Duin and I do all kinds of different things within High Spirits, "The jack-of-all-trades."
Listening to the customer and serving them in the best possible way is one of the very important and fun tasks I have. I also enjoy being involved in the creative and informative side of the industry.
I photograph and make videos of both whiskies and whisky events.
Tasting and letting people taste is a "must" within this industry and after ten years in the hospitality industry, I can do this like the best, haha!
How long have you been working at High Spirits?
Since September 2022, I have been part of High Spirits. It started with a few days a week. After a few weeks, I got the opportunity to expand this to a full-time job.
Why Whiskey?
Why not?
During my time working in the hospitality industry, I have always had a soft spot for products created out of a lot of love. Think of beautiful cuts of meat, fish, spirits or wines. Products with a story.
So I find this again in the world of whiskey. Each bottle has had its own story, its own origins and influences in different ways. I love this and want to taste more of it.
What is the first bottle of whiskey you ever bought?
After tasting quite a few heavily-turfed whiskies from my father, I came to the moment to purchase my first whisky. In Egmond aan Zee, helped by Klaas Jan Meijer, where I came as a little boy for me grandfather's bottle of Harteveld. I asked him to sell me a smoky soft whisky. One to sip on. I went home with the bottle of "Spey Fumare." A wonderful whiskey to continue my journey with as a novice whiskey drinker.
What is the funniest story you've heard about whiskey?
After getting a drink at The Butler in Harderwijk. I was asked what I thought of it. A surprisingly good glass, special in taste, really something for me. We were chatting and I emptied my glass.
Okay Levi, tell me. What did you pour for me?
Well Jos, This is a whiskey where they used Elephant Dung in the process.
WHAT - elephant poop?
What do you hope to drink someday?
For me, it's not so much that I want to drink something. I want to keep tasting and discovering, to be surprised! Whether it's a €45 euro bottle or more expensive. The taste experience is most important to me and only then will I ask about a price. After this, of course, we have to ask the lady of the house for approval. (She is reading along).
What is the tastiest whiskey you have ever drunk?
The tastiest whiskey I have not yet tasted. When I have tasted a good glass I go back to looking for the next one. I don't stick to one style or brand. Broaden your horizons! There is an infinite amount to discover.
However, I can tell you that the style of whiskey I like must be full-bodied. Preferably mouth-filling with a very long finish. Smoky, ripe fruit, sweet or nutty.
Do you have a tip for the novice drinker?
Go to festivals. Here you will learn a lot about the different brands and their methods, in addition to tasting fantastic whiskies. This way you will experience the differences in barrel maturities and distillates.
Why am I giving this as a tip? Well, when you are in the liquor store around the corner again, you read the labels and this time you will understand what they are describing. Haha!
What is your whiskey motto?
Keep tasting!
