[2023] Stephen Notman

Stephen Notman has lived in Greater China for nine years. He is the founder of Whisky L! Taipei, Shanghai and Beijing. Since its launch in 2009, the Taipei event has become one of the world’s largest whisky festival. Stephen has also contributed to the rise of the whisky investment and collectors market in Hong Kong and holds the position of Chief Whisky Advisor to the Whisky Corporation Hong Kong.

Mentored by some of Scotland’s leading Master Blenders and Distillers, including Whyte and Mackay's Richard Paterson, Stephen is considered one of Greater China's leading independent voices on whisky. He works with the Scottish Government to promote Scotch whisky in Mainland China together with the Scotch Whisky Association and Scotch whisky leading brands, focusing on whisky mentorship, protection and training. He contributes to China’s trade drinks magazine, DRiNK, and represents Taiwan on the World Whisky Awards judging panel. He became the world's youngest serving Keeper of the Quaich in 2012 and received high commendations from Scotland’s first Minister Alex Salmond and the current incumbent, The Hon Nicola Sturgeon.