EWA Alumni: Arnaud Nihoul

Arnaud Nihoul is an architect working at the University of Louvain-la-Neuve in Belgium. He devotes his spare time to writing novels (with a whisky twist). He attended the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky and the Diploma in the Art of Tasting Whisky in March 2020. We caught up with him to find out more…

What attracted you to the EWA Diploma?

The opportunity to get in depth information about whisky creation.

What aspects of the Diploma did you find most enjoyable?

Meeting other enthusiasts and being taught by masters. Also, the venue was fantastic and provided perfect conditions for learning.

How did the Diploma help with your novel writing?

The novels I write involve a master blender working in a remote distillery in Scotland. I need to understand how whisky is processed, from the beginning to the end. Having the documentation available in an accessible format is extremely helpful. From the countryside of Namur, I never stop looking towards the Scottish islands, imagining my next novels.

What advice would you give someone looking to get into the whisky industry?

Be patient!

Whisky wisdom: quick fire questions

First whisky you ever tasted? 
Glen Ord 12 year old.

Best whisky you have ever tasted?
Octomore.

Who is your ‘whisky hero’?
Mark Reynier.

Who would you most like to conduct a whisky tasting for, dead or alive?
Jim McEwan.

Favourite distillery to visit?
Kilchoman, recent and already brilliant.

Ultimate bottling for your collection?
Bruichladdich X4 Black art.

Favourite non-whisky drink?
Armagnac.

Favourite whisky and food pairing?
Scallops and Port Charlotte.