Infinite Layers of Flavour

Suntory Global Spirits Global Ambassador of Scotch & Irish Teddy Joseph shares there is more than meets the eye with Bowmore.

- Asaph Low

TEDDY, LET’S START WITH SOMETHING LIGHTHEARTED. YOUR INSTAGRAM HANDLE IS QUITE THE NAME: @TEDTALKSWHISKY. HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?

When I moved into this role as a global ambassador last November, I needed a handle that was more appropriate to what I was doing. So rather than set up a new account, I changed my handle, which previously was @SuperTed54 [laughs]. I was surprised @TedTalksWhisky wasn’t already taken.

YOU’VE BEEN WORKING WITH SPIRITS FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HOW DID YOU GET INTO WHISKY, AND DID YOU ENVISAGE MAKING A CAREER OUT OF IT?

I was working in bars and clubs 20 years ago. I started studying licensed retail and bar management primarily because I enjoyed socialising and having drinks with friends. It turned into a passion for making cocktails and mastering service and hospitality. As my interest in spirits grew, I naturally moved into learning about scotch whisky when I relocated to Scotland. My original goal was to open my bar, which I did for a time, but I realised my true passion was learning and teaching others. After bartending, I transitioned into brand representation, where I found success through education — sharing how products are made, produced, and enjoyed. That led me to focus on brand education full-time.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE OFFICE LIKE FOR YOU AS BEAM SUNTORY’S GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR OF SCOTCH & IRISH?

There’s no typical day. It’s a mix of administrative tasks, collaborating with the brand team to create training materials, serving suggestions, food pairings, and developing kits for brand ambassadors in different markets. It also involves presenting, hosting, and training; no two days are the same.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR JOB THAT CONTINUES TO EXCITE YOU?