Our International Sales Executive Rachel Keane has had a busy few weeks attending various events. Here's what she's been up to:

First stop was Whisky World Spa, Belgium's biggest tasting event, in February. Rachel was an invaluable addition to our Belgian distributor's stand at the Centre Culturel Spa introducing visitors to our Black Bull, The Octave and The Big Smoke whiskies.

After a couple of weeks back in the office, Rachel was off again to attend ProWein in Düsseldorf, Germany. ProWein is the world's leading trade show for wines and spirits and Duncan Taylor has exhibited there for many years. With over 6,900 exhibitors registered for this year's ProWein, it's a very busy, tiring and challenging show. But it's THE place to meet people and Rachel caught up with many of our existing customers and met some new ones too.

She was checking in again the following week for another flight, this time to Luzern, to support our Swiss distributor at Whiskeyschiff, Switzerland's most exclusive whisky fair. Held over 3 days on board 3 ships anchored at No.1 jetty in the Luzern Lake Basin right in the heart of this beautiful city, who wouldn't be happy to swap their desk in Huntly for that?

Just when she thought she’d get a few weekends at home, Rachel was recently called on to speak at BrewDog’s AGM in Aberdeen to introduce Skeleton Key to its investors as part of the launch of its Boilermaker Series. As shows go, BrewDog's AGM (Annual General Meyhem) is a passionate and spectacular event.

"It’s been a hectic start to the year, but I’ve loved every minute!" says Rachel.

"From my desk in Huntly, I talk to people from all over Europe every day, but there really is no substitute for getting out into their markets to improve my understanding of our customers’ needs.

Whisky World, Spa and Whiskyschiff, Luzern were great as I was able to engage with the end consumers and explain them what Duncan Taylor is all about, while they had a dram of ours in hand! It’s a lovely, informal setting for them to get to know us.

ProWein was invaluable for me to be able to meet up with some of our existing importers and showcase our brands to new contacts – it just makes such a difference being able to talk to people face to face.

Finally, the BrewDog AGM was an experience like no other. I was delighted to be involved with the launch of Skeleton Key which I hope will encourage the craft beer community to explore the whisky world…and vice versa!"