The Contour of Luxury Spring/Summer 2018 | Page 154

Mitch Bechard Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador United States H ailing originally from Edinburgh,­ Glenfiddich brand ambassador Mitch Bechard fell in love with the Scotch ­Whisky industry at a young, albeit legal, age and has been pursuing that passion ever since. Born in Scotland, Mitch was fortunate enough to spend his youth traveling the globe with his family, during which time he developed the kind of ­wanderlust that would become a central part of his career. Beginning in 1990, he started to take his first steps into the world of food and drink, cutting his teeth in hotel manage- ment, as well as running restaurants and cocktail bars in places as f ­ ar-flung as Portugal, England, Scotland and Australia, as he traveled the globe chasing his passion for the spirits industry. The passion for whisky ultimately won out, when he landed a job as the whisky ambassador in the UK for the Diageo portfolio of whiskies. Able to focus his attentions on his love of ­Single Malt ­Scotches, his move took him to the US, to join ­ William Grant & Sons as the Glenfiddich Ambassador; the world’s most awarded Single Malt Scotch whisky. During his 4 years in this position he works within the on- and off-premise to i ­ ntroduce new marques to whisky enthusiasts, and continues to share his love for single malts with consumers, whether they are new to the spirit or loyal Scotch drinkers. In addition to being a self proclaimed whisky geek, Mitch enjoys golf, tennis, snowboarding, paddleboarding and most importantly spending time with his wife and 7 year old daughter.