Kia Ora, I’m Phil
Whisky shouldn’t feel intimidating,
it should feel like an adventure.
I’m Phil Gow, the creator of First Phil Whisky.
My mission is simple: I help curious people feel confident exploring, sharing and enjoying whisky through approachable quality content.
Whisky can feel intimidating, full of jargon, tradition, and exclusivity. I translate that complexity into clarity with a touch of Kiwi humour.
Whether you’re new to whisky or already deep down the rabbit hole, my goal is to make learning feel like discovery, not study.
Why My Approach is Different
I’ve spent over 15 years crafting visual stories for global brands like Red Bull, BMW, and Air New Zealand.
That background in high-end advertising and filmmaking taught me that complexity doesn’t need to be complicated.
Now, I bring that same craft to whisky, using film, design, and storytelling to make the world’s most complex spirit feel approachable, beautiful, and worth exploring.
Every video is built with the same attention to rhythm, lighting, and narrative that goes into a great commercial or documentary, because education should look as good as it feels to learn.
Beautiful enough to watch.
Simple enough to understand.
Deep enough to explore.
What You’ll Find Here
At First Phil Whisky, I simplify whisky without watering it down.
YouTube: Cinematic deep dives into whisky history, science, and storytelling, watched by over 63,000+ subscribers around the world.
Live Tastings: Events that bring people together over great drams, from casual nights to premium masterclasses.
Community: A vibrant online whisky hub with one of the largest Scotch Discords globally, connecting enthusiasts, collectors, and curious newcomers.
Merch & Education Tools: Including the fan-favourite Whisky Flavour Tree, a visual guide that helps whisky lovers explore flavour with ease.
Whisky Industry Recognition
In 2024, I was nominated for IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year, One of the highest honours in the industry, recognising my passion for making whisky education engaging and accessible. My articles have been featured in Forbes and The Whisky Wash, providing insights into the whisky world from a fresh, independent perspective.
A Fresh Perspective on Whisky
As a Kiwi whisky lover, I bring a fresh, global view, exploring Scotch, bourbon, Japanese, and emerging distilleries from New Zealand to Scotland.
Whether it’s a deep dive into sherry casks, the art of oak, or discovering what makes each dram unique, I’m here to help you explore whisky’s world with clarity and curiosity.
Because whisky isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about the joy of discovery.
So pour a dram, get comfortable, and dive in.
Whisky belongs to the curious.
📌 Wikidata: First Phil Whisky on Wikidata
