Welcome to another episode of Whiskey Angels, where we explore the intersection of whisky and creativity. In this episode, we’re joined by Natalie Jayne Clark, a neurodivergent author and whisky enthusiast whose debut novel, The Malt Whisky Murders, has already garnered significant acclaim. Join us as we delve into her journey of blending whisky lore with compelling storytelling.
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This is more than just a podcast. It’s a whisky-fuelled adventure through the scandals, myths, feuds, and forgotten tales that make whisky the most legendary drink on the planet. Whether it’s whiskey with an ‘e’ or otherwise there’s no snobbery, no nonsense—just great drams and even better stories.
Welcome back to WhiskyAngelz, where we pour a dram of knowledge and a splash of irreverence into your day!
In this episode of WhiskyAngelz, host Max welcomes Natalie Jayne Clark, author of The Malt Whisky Murders.
Natalie shares her journey from a whisky novice to a whisky ambassador and author. The conversation explores her debut novel, set in Campbelltown, where two women take on the whisky industry, only to uncover a dark secret. Natalie discusses her experiences in the whisky world, the role of women in the industry, and the importance of whisky pairings. The episode offers a blend of humour, insight, and a deep dive into the world of whisky, making it a must-listen for whisky enthusiasts and crime fiction fans alike. A huge thank you to Lindores Abbey Distillery for letting us film there on location. Featuring dram: Dalwhinnies Winter’s Gold!
00:00:00 Introduction to WhiskyAngelz
00:01:00 Meet Natalie Jayne Clark
00:03:00 Natalie’s First Whisky Experience
00:05:00 The Malt Whisky Murders
00:08:00 Women in the Whisky Industry
00:11:00 Natalie’s Journey to Authorship
00:14:00 Whisky Tasting and Pairing
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Key Takeaways
Natalie’s first whisky experience was at a pub instead of university.
The Malt Whisky Murders is set in Campbelltown, a former whisky capital.
Natalie became a whisky ambassador through a UK accredited course.
Whisky tasting is more freelance compared to wine tasting.
Natalie believes whisky should be paired with experiences.
The novel features a female-led distillery disrupting the industry.
Natalie discusses the role of women in the whisky industry.
Whisky is often seen as masculine, but women are significant consumers.
Natalie shares her journey from English teacher to author.
The book was pitched at Bloody Scotland festival and quickly secured a deal.
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to WhiskyAngelz
01:00 Meet Natalie Jayne Clark
03:00 Natalie’s First Whisky Experience
05:00 The Malt Whisky Murders
08:00 Women in the Whisky Industry
11:00 Natalie’s Journey to Authorship
14:00 Whisky Tasting and Pairing
The Spark: How Whisky Ignited Natalie’s Writing Journey
Natalie’s fascination with whisky began at a young age, sparked by a pivotal moment that mirrors a scene from her book featuring protagonist Ailey. Like her character, Natalie once chose a whisky pub visit over waiting for a bus—a decision that would shape her future in unexpected ways.
She reminisces about her first proper encounter with whisky at 19, when a single tasting transformed her understanding of the spirit entirely. “I thought I was just drinking something strong, but that experience opened my eyes to the complexities of whisky,” she shares. This revelation ignited a passion that led her to explore the world of whisky more deeply, participating in tastings and learning about different malts and distillation methods.
Becoming a Whisky Ambassador
As her love for whisky deepened, Natalie took the significant step of becoming a Whisky Ambassador. She describes this role as one that blends practical knowledge with theoretical understanding of whisky production, marketing and culture. “I wanted to know more about the industry behind the scenes—from the statistics to the sensory experience of tasting,” she explains.
This role not only enhanced her appreciation for whisky but also enriched her writing, enabling her to weave authentic whisky experiences and industry insights into her novel with confidence and precision.
The Journey to Becoming an Author
Natalie’s path to publication is as compelling as her whisky journey. Despite harbouring childhood dreams of becoming a writer, she initially found herself teaching English. However, lockdown reignited her passion for creative writing through an online workshop, awakening her dormant poetic instincts.
Her participation in the Bloody Scotland crime writing festival’s “Pitch Perfect” event proved pivotal. “I pitched my idea for The Malt Whisky Murders, and within a week, I had a book deal,” she recalls, her voice still tinged with wonder at the serendipitous nature of the publishing world.
A Glimpse into The Malt Whisky Murders
In her novel, whisky culture and crime intertwine through Ailey’s adventures as she navigates the complexities of inheriting a distillery. The plot thickens when Ailey discovers dead bodies in barrels of maturing whisky—a discovery that launches her into a world of secrets, danger and deception.
This gripping narrative entertains whilst challenging the traditionally male-dominated whisky industry. “It’s not just about whisky; it’s about disrupting norms and carving out a space for women in this world,” Natalie emphasises. Through Ailey’s journey, she explores themes of belonging, expertise and the right to claim space in industries where women have historically been marginalised.
Key Takeaways
Natalie Jayne Clark’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Her journey from whisky enthusiast to award-nominated author illustrates how personal experiences and deep interests can fuel extraordinary creative endeavours.
The Malt Whisky Murders is more than a crime novel—it’s a celebration of whisky culture intertwined with a narrative that champions diversity in the industry. As Natalie reflects, every bottle of whisky tells a story. In her case, that story has sparked a remarkable tale of her own, one that promises to resonate with whisky lovers and crime fiction enthusiasts alike.
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