Meet the Man Who Handles the World’s Most Valuable Whisky

As Sotheby’s global head of whisky, Jonny Fowle spends his days handling some of the most valuable spirits in the world – so I half expect him to turn up for our interview sporting a suit, tie and a pair of white gloves. But the 39-year-old arrives at Sotheby’s Mayfair HQ wearing a t-shirt, black corduroy shacket, and battered pair of Converse. He’s also notorious for accessorizing suits with his favorite Birkenstocks.

When I comment on his penchant for dressing down he laughs. “When I first joined Sotheby’s I wore a suit and tie every day but I found I was kind of overdressed most of the time. Whisky collectors and enthusiasts tend to be pretty laid back.”