In Conversation With… Paul Shand
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Award-winning whisky distiller and owner of Tria Prima, Paul Shand, gives Monty the lowdown on the best piece of advice he’s received, his favourite travel destination and the greatest whisky he’s ever tasted
How do you start your day?
That depends on what the work plan for the day is. Some days it’s up before dawn and straight to the distillery to set up production; other days I can relax, have breakfast and gather my thoughts about what I need to catch up on!
What’s the most interesting or enjoyable part of being in the spirits business?
This has to be sharing my whisky with others, simply because it always entails tall stories and sharing life experiences – especially after a few drams. You know the old Scottish saying: one whisky is just perfect, two is too many, and three isn’t enough! Sharing something you’ve created with old and new friends makes everything worthwhile.
I also love the variety – every day is different, encompassing the different processes such as milling barley, mashing, fermenting, distilling, filling casks, tasting (quality control) and of course the important job of cleaning up.
What are you currently reading and listening to?
The Nutmegs Curse – Parables for a Planet in Crisis by Amitav Ghosh. It was sent to me by an old friend and scientific colleague in London. As a former geologist and environmental scientist, I have a passion for the planet we live on and wish that we could look after it a bit better.
I’m currently listening to Christina Pluhar’s L’Arpeggiata, which I picked up from an OP shop, showcasing early baroque music influenced by music and dance of South America – you did ask!
Best piece of advice you’ve received?
From my mother: “If you can’t say anything good about someone, don’t say anything at all”. I do try, but sometimes it’s hard.
Favourite childhood memory?
Sticking my finger in a chocolate cake and blaming my older brother, followed by my hamster coming first in a pet competition (they ran out of prizes, so Hammy and I got nothing).
What’s your greatest fear?
Being the centre of attention.
How do you want to be remembered?
Hopefully, as a kind and helpful person.
Describe living in Adelaide in three words?
Best kept secret.
How do you relax?
I love nature and the outdoors, especially if the coast is within sight. If there were fewer Great white sharks, it would be sea kayaking. When at home, it’s strumming a few chords on the guitar, but the family don’t want to be near me when this happens.
What is your greatest guilty pleasure?
A Wee Deoch an Doris…as it never is!
Drink of choice?
Single Malt Whisky, but I also love big, bold red wines and am very partial to brandy and rum…anything alcoholic really.
Biggest lesson you’ve learnt over the journey?
The journey is what’s important; nothing can compete with the feeling of achievement along the way, as well as sharing it with friends. The product is a bonus.
What is your favourite time of day?
Late evening…that’s when I come alive, whether it’s thinking or socialising.
Greatest achievement in life so far?
My family – I didn’t have kids until I was 50 – so glad I got around to it. My research career and whisky come a distant second.
Favourite travel destination and why?
I would have to say Yellowstone National Park. This window into the earth’s interior with its hot springs and geysers blew my mind away; the waterfalls, scenery and wildlife were also awesome. A close second would be my favourite Greek Island – Kefalonia – I can still taste those char-grilled lamb chops along with some delightful local wines.
What is one thing you can’t leave the house without?
My watch – I’m a stickler for not being late and planning out my day.
What are you most grateful for?
The privilege of life and being brought up to respect all people.
Favourite place to eat and drink in Adelaide?
So spoilt for choice, and I’m guessing you don’t want me to say my own house! For eating, I will go Noi Vietnamese Restaurant – great food and close to our house, which gives it the edge for me. Drinking – really tough one. For its great variety of whiskies (including Tria Prima), I will opt for Bank Street Social.
If you could only take one album to a desert island, what would it be and why?
This question is impossible to answer! Okay, I’ll go back to one of my favourite albums from school: In Your Mind by Bryan Ferry. This would allow me to enjoy poetry in song, great guitar and saxophone, and of course, reminisce about a time when I was young, naive and optimistic about the future.
What is your most controversial opinion?
All people (and other life forms) born on this planet have a right to be here – that seems controversial in current times.
How would you spend your final day on earth?
Looking back on life with a few bottles of Tria Prima, thinking…jeez, at least I tried.
Greatest whiskey you’ve ever tasted?
It must be a single malt whisky from Mortlach distillery. It was a Saturday evening in a bar in Dollar, Fife, Scotland, during the 1980s, and the bar was chock-a-block with farmers. The barman told me that they had just taken over the bar but didn’t have a whisky list, so I would have to point out anything that I wanted. For $20, I managed to get a large 45-year-old Mortlach from 1938. My memory is that it had notes of Armagnac and was exquisite.
What’s the best thing about getting older?
Realising that you don’t have to please everyone.
What keeps you awake at night?
Apart from my wife? I try to be stoic about problems, as most never transpire, and I do love my sleep, so rarely a problem. However, I’d have to say that spending so much time chasing up late invoices sometimes drives me crazy!
What’s one thing you don’t mind splashing the cash on?
Whisky from demolished distilleries – history that won’t be repeated.
Which famous person’s death impacted you the most?
Princess Diana…taken too soon.
What is your favourite smell?
A good sherry-matured whisky like the Macallan 18-year-old from the early 1980s – totally sublime. The nose is so good, you don’t even need to drink it – but I always do.
What are your goals for 2026?
Taking Tria Prima to a wider audience nationally and internationally. This will mean less focus on production for me personally and more on marketing strategy. I would also like to maintain a robust work-life balance, something I am getting better at as I age gracefully.
Find out more about Tria Prima and Paul Shand’s journey at triaprima.com.au.
