Change of Direction: The People Who Pivoted into Whisky

When we talk about whisky, the conversation often revolves around flavour profiles, the architecture of the distillery, or the heritage of the brand. But the people behind the spirit are vital. We meet four whisky makers who pivoted from entirely different careers into the world of distillation.“Worst-case scenario? We drink it ourselves. And honestly, that’s not so bad.”

Dave Smith, head distiller at St George Spirits in Alameda, California, has never followed a traditional path. With a background in teaching, winemaking, and creative writing, his route to whisky wasn’t planned—it was discovered. Since joining St George in 2005, he has spent nearly 20 years distilling spirits that blur boundaries and embrace artistic expression.

Originally intending to spend just a year at the distillery before returning to writing and winemaking, Smith quickly became captivated by the distilling process. “I found a new language in distillation — a deep love for the craft and the creative potential to tell stories in a whole new way,” he says. That initial spark grew into a calling, fostered by mentorship from renowned distillers Lance Winters and Jörg Rupf.

Smith recalls his early days at St George as both exhilarating and daunting. “I was the rookie among masters, just trying to keep up,” he remembers. Watching Winters and Rupf taste and blend with such precision opened his eyes to the artistry behind the science. “They could break down aromas and flavors, then reassemble them into something greater. It was the most amazing — and intimidating — thing I’d ever seen.”

One of the key lessons he’s learned: patience is everything. “You can’t rush whisky,” he says. “Barrel aging isn’t just about letting time pass — it’s about respecting your ingredients and honoring the process.”

Smith’s diverse background continues to influence his philosophy. His training in creative writing shapes his belief that every spirit should tell its own story. “Like a novelist has a voice or a painter has a signature style, a spirit should carry the fingerprint of its maker,” he explains. At St George, this ethos drives experimentation — from innovative American single malts to gins that capture the essence of the Bay Area.

For those considering a career in distilling, Smith offers this advice: focus on purpose, not just technique. “Don’t only ask how to make something — ask why. Without a clear sense of purpose, you might be heading in the wrong direction.”

Looking ahead, Smith sees a future where authenticity and craftsmanship lead the way. “The things that come from the heart — those are the things that last,” he says.

“At St George, we’re not chasing trends. We’re crafting new classics — not for fast profits, but for something that will still matter decades from now.”