In conversation with Mississauga’s Chris Gormley, drummer for Canadian rock band, The Trews, and a whisky aficionado who goes by “The Whisky Hunter.”

Before we get into it, here’s a quick note from Chris on the spelling of whisky/whiskey:
There is a debate in the whisk(e)y world about the spelling. (with an e or without). Most Canadian Whisky and Scottish Whisky (Scotch) spell it without the e, so i went with that in my name (The Whisky Hunter) and in most of my reviews and tasting notes.

What inspired you to become interested in whisky?
In my mid 20's I got interested in buying bottles, collecting them, sampling and comparing all the different whiskies. I've always been into collecting things so I just excited about growing my collection. There are just so many bottles and styles of whisky that I just wanted to try everything. Here I am 20 years later and i'm still 'whisky hunting'!

What's a common misconception about whisky?
The common misconception about whisky is that it's too strong and too powerful a drink for the average drinker. I think this has a lot to do with the smell of whisky. To the inexperienced drinker, the smell can be too much and right away people want nothing to do with. I believe it's all about how you approach whisky. First, I tell all new whisky drinkers, before they take a sip (or a chug), to always take a few small sniffs of what you're drinking. While doing this, you don't want to stick your nose too far into the glass as you can blow your senses. Just take a few small sniffs followed by a very small sip. You almost want to just let it touch your lips. This way you can get a sense of the strength of the whisky and pick up a few of the tasting notes. After this type of set up you'll be fully prepped to take a proper sip and enjoy your whisky.

What's been the most rewarding part about your Whisky Hunter journey?
The most rewarding part of The Whisky Hunter journey so far is the close to home (my basement) outlet that it gave me durning the craziest two years of my life. I started The Whisky Hunter at the end of March in 2020, a few weeks after the Pandemic began. I just did it for something to do as the band (The Trews) was grounded and all touring was put on hold. I started reviewing whisky every Friday and I would accompany myself musically (on piano or guitar), really just to entertain myself. Fast forward a few months later and my wife gave birth to TWINS!!!! So, I had twin covid babies, no work, limited money but a nice little whisky collection and some time on my hands (if and when the babies slept). What started out as a fun little hobby has now actually turned into something. Two years later I have a Youtube channel, a few albums of whisky ditties up on Spotify and a VERY big collection of whiskies from all over the world.

What's your advice for someone who's starting off in the whisky world?
Best thing to do if you want to get into whisky is to talk to people who know a lot about ALL the different types of whisky. Ask their recommendations for the best beginner bottle of Single Malt Scotch (Scottish Whisky), a Blended Scotch (also Scottish Whisky), Bourbon (American Whiskey), and an Irish Whiskey. Then, go out and buy these bottles and start sampling, sharing a few drinks with friends, read up on what you're drinking and get the full experience. I guarantee after doing this for a few months, you'll be hooked! I fully believe that whisky IS for EVERYONE, if you give it the time and respect it deserves.

When you start touring again with The Trews, will you continue the Whisky Hunter videos?
I'm on tour with The Trews right now as I respond to your questions! We're currently heading down to New York for a show! Yes, my whisky huntin' days are far from over. I have two new whisky songs coming out this Spring. The first song 'Is It True What They Say?' comes out on May 2nd. I'm also teaming up with a company to be part of a big campaign to help celebrate International Bourbon Day (June 14th) where they will be using my song 'Lord, I Need a Bourbon'. I also just graded for and passed (with distinction) my WSET Level Two Award in Spirits which is an Internationally excepted spirits curriculum that is quickly becoming industry standard. Finally, I have a few other top secret projects that are in the works.

What are three of your favourite songs to listen to while sipping whisky?
I do have a few playlists on my Spotify page of great whisky sippin' music. I don't really have top songs that I always listen to while having a few drinks but there are a few artists that I tend to go to regularly that pair nicely with a wee drinking session. Try throwing on some Son House, The Mills Brothers or any old blues/jazz and I bet the whisky starts flowing pretty smoothly.

What whisky is on your "I definitely want to try that next" list?
I work with a lot of Brands and Distilleries and I team up with them to promote particular expressions of whisky. The brands/distilleries that I enjoy working with, I usually end up really liking their whiskies. When you connect with good people about a good product, it's hard not to become kinda smittin' by their whisky. As a result, I feel strongly about The Balvenie (Scotch Whisky), Jim Beam (Bourbon), Jack Daniel's (Tennessee Whiskey), Signal Hill (Canadian Whisky) and Okanaga Spirits (also Canadian Whisky). Because I get kind of emotionally attached to these brands, I'm always excited about what kind of new expressions they have coming down the line!

My favourite thing about drinking whisky is the sophisticated whisky culture that goes along with it. I've always been attracted to the mystery and mystic behind whisky, the classiness of it and the experiences that seem to always go along with whisky drinking sessions. Whether you are sampling whisky alone, with a close friend, your partner or a small group of people, it's the experiences of that particular session which I enjoy most. Maybe it's the music you are listening to, the conversations that the spirts stir up, the food you are pairing with the whisky or the cigar that you are smoking while drinking. There seems to always be magical things that happen when a whisky bottle gets opened. (and it's drank responsibly) I encourage everyone to grab a bottle, sit back, relax and enjoy life.