Daniel Atteh and Adeyinka Adepetun: Tales of Taste Masters

Suave and sophisticated, Adeyinka Adepetun and Daniel Atteh are more than just ambassadors of The Macallan. Whether hosting exclusive tasting events or engaging with whisky enthusiasts, they expertly guide guests through the brand’s storied production process and collection. Vanessa Obioha recently encountered the gentlemen whose

elegant  fashion also mirrors the brand’s sophistication and craftsmanship 

They are unmissable – not just for their elegant style, which sets them apart in any gathering, but for their charisma. A smile here, a handshake there, a toast somewhere; Adeyinka Adepetun and Daniel Atteh are the affable hosts you’ll always find at The Macallan events. But their real charm lies in the way they guide whisky lovers through The Macallan journey, from barrel to glass, deepening their appreciation of the brand.

For instance, at the recent 200th-anniversary celebration of The Macallan in Lagos, Adepetun and Atteh led guests through the fascinating story of the brand’s founder, Alexander Reid. Taking turns, they captivated the audience with Reid’s life story – from his early years and marriage to the tragic loss of his beloved wife. But their storytelling didn’t end there. They guided guests through the nosing and tasting of the evening’s highlight, Tales of The Macallan II, helping attendees savour the rich flavours and craftsmanship behind the brand’s prestigious offerings.

Before becoming ambassadors and educators for The Macallan in Abuja and Lagos, Adepetun and Atteh were already known figures. Atteh, an actor and a former Big Brother Naija contestant, had a background in banking, while Adepetun’s career began at Nigerian Breweries, where he excelled as a sales executive. He later joined AB InBev as the High-End Business Development Lead before taking on his role with The Macallan in 2020.

“I remember my first taste of whisky,” recounted Adepetun. “It was odd and unfamiliar at the time. Since then, my appreciation has evolved significantly. I’ve come to understand the complexities of flavours, the influence of ageing, and the craftsmanship behind each bottle. Now, it’s not just about the taste but the entire experience, from nosing the aromas to savouring the finish.”

While Atteh does not recall his first taste of whisky, he vividly remembers the first time he tasted The Macallan.

“It was a 12-year-old Triple cask and I remember being blown away by the flavours and aromas. It was the first time I could clearly pick out flavours and taste and I have been hooked ever since.”

Stepping into their respective roles requires them to have a better understanding and appreciation of the whisky business. Both have taken trips to The Macallan distilleries in Scotland, immersing themselves in the production process to appreciate the craftsmanship embedded in The Macallan whisky.

“The whisky industry is an ever-growing one with frequent new releases from different distillers,” shared Atteh. “One thing I have found very insightful is how the oak cask used in aging the spirit is largely responsible for the taste and aromas we get from whisky.”

“One of the most insightful things I’ve learned about the whisky industry as a brand ambassador is the intricate relationship between heritage and innovation,” added Adepetun.

Armed with this knowledge, Adepetun and Atteh now guide guests through The Macallan’s unique tasting experiences, showing them how to fully appreciate whisky through sight, smell, and taste.

By sharing this knowledge, the ambassadors have also learnt to distinguish The Macallan’s whisky from others.

“The Macallan uniqueness lies in its unwavering commitment to mastery, particularly its use of exceptional sherry-seasoned oak casks, which significantly shape its rich flavour profile. And a balance between tradition and innovation also sets it apart,” Adepetun pointed out.

“To communicate this to diverse audiences, I highlight its craftsmanship and heritage to whisky enthusiasts. Tailoring the message to what resonates with each group helps The Macallan’s unique qualities connect across different preferences.”

For Atteh, it’s the blend of art and science that makes The Macallan stand out.

“Distillation of spirit is a science,” he began,  “but the curation of everything else before and after is an art, and I think it is one that The Macallan has been able to master. Craftsmanship, innovation and mastery are at the forefront of everything The Macallan do and this can be seen in the incomparable spirits they produce, whisky when aged expresses itself in different ways, and this is something The Macallan understands and celebrates hence why we have so many options in our huge range of expressions from age statements to our none age statement, and this is one thing I believe audiences love to learn about.”

Having been the brand ambassador of Scotch whisky for four years, Adepetun found that his role has naturally shaped his lifestyle and public image.

“Representing a prestigious whisky brand like The Macallan means being closely associated with values such as quality, sophistication, and authenticity. This alignment extends beyond professional duties into personal interactions, where I’m often seen as a reflection of the brand’s ethos. I do feel a certain responsibility to maintain a polished and professional demeanour, not just at events but in everyday life, ensuring I live up to the standards of the brand I represent.”

Atteh, who described himself as a gentleman, said the role has also deepened his sense of responsibility.

“Representing a brand as big as The Macallan is an incredible honour and I’m conscious not to take that chance.”

But it’s not all work for these spirited gentlemen. Their journey with The Macallan comes with rich rewards. Atteh reflected on his growth, calling it one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.

“Looking back, I would say my growth would be the most rewarding, The Macallan has opened me up to so much knowledge and experiences, and getting my Certification from The Edrington Academy was definitely a proud moment.

Perhaps the most rewarding element for both is the legacy of the founder Alexander Reid, whose resilience continues to inspire them.

“Like Alexander, I come from a small town in the north of Nigeria, and I’ve also moved around different careers, it can be challenging pursuing a career and one’s passion, but Alexander’s life has taught me that I can be all I want, he was a distiller whose true passion was teaching, and in pursuing his career, he created a legacy that will teach millions for years to come. His legacy as a teacher lives on,” remarked Atteh.

“For me, the Macallan Legacy represents the pursuit of perfection – maintaining a rich history while embracing modern advancements to create something timeless and exceptional. It’s not just about the whisky; it’s about a culture of quality, authenticity, and the unique storytelling behind every bottle,” Adepetun added in conclusion.