David Stirk

David Stirk began working in the Scotch whisky industry in 1998 and has since worked across the sector, from distillation and independent bottling to hosting tastings around the world. His previous roles include positions with Whisky Magazine and Wm Cadenhead, as well as running The Creative Whisky Co., Ltd.

David holds a Master’s in History from the University of Glasgow and is currently working on the third book in his Scotch Whisky History series. The first two are Independent Scotch – The History of Independent Bottlers (2022) and Whiskyopolis – The Rise, Fall and Resurgence of Campbeltown’s Whisky Industry (2025). He is also the author of The Malt Whisky Guide (2002) and Pioneering Spirits – A Tour of Scotland’s 21st Century Whisky Distilleries (2024).