With over 15 years’ experience at Willow Park Wines & Spirits, there is no other way to describe David Michiels other than our Resident Scotch Expert. During his time with Willow Park Wines & Spirits, David has been buying and selling exclusive single malts for the store, conducting tastings, as well as teaching classes about the fine art of Scotch Whisky. He has brought many guest Distiller Masters such as; Alex Bruce of Adelphi, Ronnie Cox of Glenrothes, Joanne Brown of Bruichladdich and George Grant of Glenfarclas to Willow Park to teach his scotch customers even more about these famous brands. During a recent trip to Scotland, David was inducted into the Keepers of the Quaich. The Keepers of the Quaich are a society formed by Scotland's whisky distillers in October 1988 to advance the industry and raise funds for charitable causes in Scotland. Membership is by invitation only and is reserved for individuals judged to have made a significant contribution to the Scotch whisky industry. The Keepers currently boast over 1,900 members hailing from 84 countries around the globe.

During his spare time, he likes to spend much of his time outdoors and is an avid mountain biker and snowboarder. David has lately become a collector of local artwork and has recently purchased a few pieces during our charity events in association with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Cork & Canvas events.

Best scotch whisky experience? Being presented the Keeper of the Quaich with the owner of Willow Park Wines and Spirits, Wayne Henuset, at the Blair Castle, near the village of Blair Atholl in Perthshire Scotland, during a recent trip to Scotland in October of 2011.

Best scotch whisky advice? Never go with price or age.

What made you fall in love with scotch whisky? The fun of being able to discover new and unique items, and getting to share them with customers.