Martin Markvardsen is the senior brand ambassador of the internationally acclaimed Highland Park whisky distillery. He has worked in the industry for more than a quarter of a century—half of which has been with Highland Park, traveling the globe to lead training, education and tasting sessions. In that time, he gained firsthand experience in every step of whisky production, from overseeing the peat burning process to storing the casks in warehouses. At one point in his career, Martin also held the enviable position of whisky manager at the world-famous Craigellachie Hotel’s Quaich bar, home to 900-plus different single malts.

Now a highly recognized expert on whisky, Martin has contributed to numerous articles and books on the subject of single malts. And in 2009, he was given the honor of joining the Keepers of the Quaich, an exclusive society of individuals recognized for their commitment to the Scotch whisky industry.