Whisky Scholar exists to chart the full map of whisky, from raw grain and vivid history to refined glass, with in-depth, accurate, and enthusiastic writing.
Our mission is to give you plenty of erudite grist for the conversational mill, whether your share it over a pint in the pub or ponder it quietly with a dram in hand.
It’s written and published by a PhD-trained researcher, and it’s fact-checked for accuracy by her mentor—a veteran of the Scottish whisky industry with 30+ years of experience in all parts of the production process.
We explore the science, history, and artistry behind the dram, offering a comprehensive education for enthusiasts and beginners alike.
From the intricacies of production to the cultural significance of whisky, Whisky Scholar is a trusted, well-researched resource for deepening your knowledge and appreciation of this timeless craft.
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The Sigma Theta Malt Society
Whisky Scholar subscribers who sign up for the publication through the founding member tier are celebrated members of the Sigma Theta Malt Society: a tight-knit group of whisky geeks who get access to exclusive content, a private Slack community, monthly live tastings, and a society pin badge. We’d love for you to join.
About the author
Dr. Shelly Sayer Lorts (PhD) is a professional writer and researcher, who also happens to be the Chairman of the King George V Malt Whisky Society. She is the first and only woman to be made a full member of the long-running, invitation-only society, where her nose is lauded as particularly precise.
Shelly’s a firm believer that whisky is as much an art as it is a science, and she is fascinated by the alchemical transformation of raw ingredients into a cultural artefact that is rich with history, meaning, and a unique power to create connection.
She holds a PhD from the University of Kent with research that focused on cultural and story history. She earned a nationally accredited diploma in single malt whisky from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, where Vic Cameron was her instructor.
Originally from Portland, Oregon (USA), Shelly now lives in and writes from a historic house in Kent, England.
Publication Advisor
The accuracy and scientific depth of this publication is guided by the expertise of Shelly’s mentor, Vic Cameron. Having worked in key roles at renowned distilleries and as a consultant for more than 30 years, Vic ensures that all content is rooted in the science, tradition, and craftsmanship of Scotch whisky.
Vic currently teaches the diploma course in Single Malt Whisky for Edinburgh Whisky Academy and is celebrated in the industry for his incredible hands-on and research-driven knowledge. This self-proclaimed ‘Old Scottish White Guy’ lives in Speyside.
(Shelly and Vic’s forthcoming book is about the land, science, and myth of Scotch whisky, combining narrative nonfiction from their travels through the five whisky regions of Scotland with textbook-level information on the craft and technicalities of whisky making.)
A note on AI
Whisky Scholar stays far away from AI.
All research and written content on this site it 100% human generated, not just because we believe in the craft of writing and the rigorous pursuit of knowledge, but also because AI just gets it wrong a lot.
Much whisky information you’ll find online is incorrect or incomplete…so, much of what AI will pull and compile is also incorrect or incomplete.
Here at Whisky Scholar, we combine thorough, doctoral-level research (Shelly) with 30+ years of industry experience (Vic).
AI can’t do that.
