TONIC TALKS - PETE ALLISON
Pete believes Woven is for everyone, and after spending time with Pete Allison, co-founder of Woven Whisky, it's easy to see why.
While in Edinburgh, Benita sat down with Pete for a conversation that quickly became a celebration of whisky, Leith, and the passion that has shaped Woven from the very beginning.
"We don't have borders on our blending." It's a simple idea that perfectly captures Woven's approach to whisky—and perhaps something the rest of the world could learn from too.
In this episode of Tonic Talks, we visit Leith, Edinburgh, to meet Pete Allison, co-founder and blender of Woven, an independent whisky blending house.
Pete shares the story behind Woven's journey, why blending whiskies from different regions creates something greater than the sum of its parts, and how Leith's rich history of trade and creativity continues to shape the company's identity.
We also dive into Woven's distinctive bottle design, the origins of its popular WXC Coffee Blend Whisky, why it makes an incredible Espresso Martini, and whether politicians could learn something from the art of whisky blending.
Whether you're a whisky enthusiast, a creative entrepreneur, or simply curious about the people shaping Scotland's modern food and drink culture, this conversation offers plenty of inspiration.
Conversation in chapters
00:00 – Introduction
02:35 – Pete's Background
04:38 – Trusting Yourself
07:38 – Making Woven Accessible
11:05 – The Creativity of Leith
11:56 – Blending Whiskies from Different Regions
14:05 – Why Being Based in Leith Matters
16:35 – Being a "Leither" & Leith's Complicated History
19:45 – The Story Behind WXC Coffee Blend Whisky
22:55 – Why WXC Makes an Amazing Espresso Martini
25:00 – The Meaning Behind the Name "Woven"
26:55 – The Story Behind Woven's Iconic Bottle Design
31:12 – Making a Pure Malt Whisky
32:00 – How Whisky Blending Really Works
36:25 – The Power of Always Learning
36:50 – What's Next for Woven?
39:00 – Where to Buy Woven Whisky
40:30 – Pete's Recommendations for Visiting Leith
Learn more about Woven Whisky: https://wovenwhisky.com