Privacy Policy


Last updated: 10 Feb 2025

Welcome to First Phil Whisky. Your privacy matters, and this policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data across our main website firstphilwhisky.com (the "Site") and all associated services, including:

  • E-commerce (Shopify store) – shop.firstphilwhisky.com

  • Content & Community – YouTube channel, Discord, blog, newsletter, and social media (Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook)

  • Consulting & Collaborations – Brand partnerships, sponsorships, and whisky events

By using our Site and services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions, contact us at phil@firstphilwhisky.com.

1. Who This Policy Covers

This Privacy Policy applies to:

  • Visitors to firstphilwhisky.com

  • Customers who purchase products via our Shopify store

  • Subscribers to our Neat Notes newsletter

  • Members of our Discord community

  • Brands and businesses engaging in consulting, sponsorship, or collaborations with us

  • Anyone interacting with our content on YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms

For this policy, "we", "us", and "our" refer to First Phil Whisky, and "you" refers to any visitor, subscriber, customer, or user of our services.

2. What Data We Collect & Why

We only collect the personal data necessary to provide our services and improve your experience.

A. Information You Provide Directly

You may share information with us when you:

  • Make a purchase (e.g., name, email, billing/shipping address, order details)

  • Join our newsletter (e.g., email address)

  • Sign up for Discord (we do not control Discord’s own data policies)

  • Engage with content (e.g., leaving comments, submitting contact forms)

  • Apply for brand collaborations (e.g., business contact details)

B. Information We Collect Automatically

When you browse our Site or interact with our services, we may automatically collect:

  • Device & browser data (IP address, browser type, operating system)

  • Site usage (pages visited, time on site, referral source)

  • Cookies & tracking data (see Cookies & Tracking section below)

C. Information from Third-Party Services

We may receive data from:

  • Shopify (order processing, payment security)

  • YouTube & social media platforms (user engagement insights)

  • Marketing & analytics providers (website traffic insights)

We only use data to improve our services and do not sell your personal information.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your data to:

Process transactions – Handle purchases, payments, and order fulfilment
Improve content & engagement – Optimise blog posts, videos, and email newsletters
Communicate with you – Send updates, promotions, and support responses
Provide community services – Manage Discord membership and events
Comply with legal obligations – Maintain tax records and prevent fraud

4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Like most websites, we use Cookies to:

  • Keep the site running smoothly

  • Personalise your experience

  • Analyse traffic and performance

Your Cookie Preferences

You can manage your cookie settings through your browser: ✅ Accept all cookies (for a seamless experience)
✅ Block non-essential cookies (may affect site functionality)
✅ Adjust ad preferences on platforms like Google & Facebook

🔹 More details? See Shopify's Cookie Policy.

5. How We Share Your Data

We do not sell your personal data. However, we may share it in specific cases:

👥 With trusted partners – Payment providers, shipping companies, and marketing tools
📢 For advertising (with consent) – Targeted promotions and personalised recommendations
For legal reasons – If required by law or to prevent fraud

We always aim to limit data sharing and ensure partners use it responsibly.

6. Your Rights & Choices

You may have rights over your personal data, depending on where you live.

You Can Request to:

Access – See what data we hold about you
Correct – Fix any incorrect personal details
Delete – Request removal of your data (some exceptions apply)
Opt-out of marketing – Unsubscribe anytime via the link in our emails
Restrict processing – Ask us to stop using certain data

To exercise your rights, email phil@firstphilwhisky.com.

7. Data Security & Retention

🔒 Security First – We use encryption and secure payment gateways to protect your data.

📌 Retention Policy – We keep your data only as long as necessary for legal and business purposes.

8. Third-Party Platforms & Links

We may link to external sites (e.g., distillery websites, whisky events). We’re not responsible for their privacy policies, so review them before sharing personal information.

Additionally, if you engage with our content on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or Discord, your data use is subject to their privacy policies, not ours.

9. Content Disclaimer

The content provided on firstphilwhisky.com, including blog posts, videos, social media posts, and consulting insights, is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All opinions expressed are personal, subjective, and should not be interpreted as factual assertions.

Criticisms, reviews, and recommendations are based on personal viewpoints and publicly available information. We encourage readers and viewers to independently verify any information before making decisions.

Alcohol consumption should only be undertaken by individuals of legal drinking age in their jurisdiction and should be done responsibly. First Phil Whisky does not promote excessive drinking or irresponsible alcohol consumption.

No liability is accepted for any consequences arising from the use of this content, including any impact on the brands mentioned. By using this website and related content, you agree that First Phil Whisky is not responsible for any actions taken based on opinions or information shared here.

10. Updates & Contact Information

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted here, with the "Last Updated" date reflecting the most recent version.

Questions? Contact Us

📩 Email: phil@firstphilwhisky.com
📍 Address: 34 West End Road, Ohope, BOP, 3121, NZ

Thank you for being part of First Phil Whisky!