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[title]If you’re fun-loving and rebellious, Copper Dog, the latest edition of Scotch whiskey in the portfolio of Diageo Moët Hennessy (Thailand), could be your choice of tipple. The whiskey is a unique blend of eight Speyside single malts created by Stuart Morrison, a Master Blender of The Craigellachie Hotel. This distinctive, playful spirit holds the sweet notes of apple, pear, and punchy spice, in contrast to the tang of berry and citrus, with the aromatic notes of vanilla and warm wood lingering in the background.
We sit down with Piers Adam, the owner of Copper Dog and London’s nightlife mogul to talk whiskey, what it’s like to be a club owner in London, and his key to success.
Piers co-founded Mahiki, Whiskey Mist and Tini, three of London’s most notorious clubs where A-listed celebrities like Kate Moss, Rihanna and Prince Harry party. Piers’ latest investment several years back is the Craigellachie Hotel in Speyside, Scotland, where the Copper Dog Pub is located and also where Copper Dog whiskey is produced.
What makes Copper Dog different than any other blended whiskey?
There are two big reasons. Number one, we tested the recipe within the community where it came from, Speyside. We did 92 testings in total by taking the whiskies into our local pubs and asking [the pubgoers] if they like them. So, we really tested them in the community that would know their stuff. And then I think number two is we did a marrying process that traces back to the original way of doing it, and [the whiskey] sits there for 6 months. If you were to cook and you put everything there and serve it immediately, it won’t be as good as leaving it overnight.
What makes Speyside the best place to make Scotch whiskey?
The geology of Speyside and its environment are made for the perfect whiskey making condition. It’s the softness of the water, it’s the oats, and also there’s a microclimate in that part of the world. They have the most incredible fruits like strawberries, blueberries, plums, the figs. It’s almost like being in a tropical area. River Spey also benefits from the mineral from the sea, and it's also one of the finest fishing centers in the world. It’s a magical part of the world.
How do you like to take your drinks?
It depends on the time of the day. I really like [my drinks] on the rocks. Sometimes when I’m having a beer, I love it as a shot or what you would call it Mad Dog.
How is it to be a club owner in London?
It was fun when I was younger, but now that I’m married, it’s less fun. (Laughs). The nightclubs are amazing. When you do get in the clubs, you walk into the explosion of energy. It’s fantastic to see people partying. You see celebrities, actors, actresses, and models, just everyone coming together. They just have fun, dance and flirt. When you have thousands of clubs in London, going out means there’s a chance you’ll meet international celebrities because London is frequented a lot by global names.
You seem to be a successful entrepreneur and always on top of your game, what is your secret?
I think if you are an entrepreneur, you have highs and you have lows; successes and failures. Looking back, the advice I would give to any person wanting to do business is that you have to surround yourself with people who are far better than you, and lead a great team. I also think success is a team game, not about the individuals. There’s where a lot of people fail. I stumbled before because the ego wanted me to do it myself. As soon as it’s about youself, you’re [in trouble].