By Stefanie Collins, editor Bars&Clubs magazine
Australian-owned Bladnoch Distillery, which was acquired by Australian entrepreneur David Prior last month, has announced its appointment of Scotch whisky expert Ian Macmillan as master distiller and blender.
The former head of distilleries with Burn Stewart Distillers will join the Bladnoch team in early October and is expected to help inject new life into Bladnoch and its single malt Scotch whiskies, with his four decades of experience in the industry.
Macmillan has previously resuscitated Burn Stewart's three distilleries and has been brought on board to bring Bladnoch, in South West Scotland, back into production. The company is aiming to restore Bladnoch's reputation as one of the foremost lowland Scotch whiskies following acquisition of the distillery by Prior.
In announcing Ian Macmillan’s appointment, Prior says that he is delighted that such a well-known master distiller and blender is joining the Bladnoch team.
“His experience and expertise will ensure we create the finest Scotch whiskies as we re-start distilling at Bladnoch and develop our brand strategy and marketing,” he says.
Ian Macmillan that he is excited to be joining Bladnoch and eager to get started.
“I look forward to meeting the challenges of getting Bladnoch back into production,” he says. “There is a tremendous opportunity to create one of the very best single malt Scotch whiskies for passionate consumers of Scotch worldwide, and to develop the range of Bladnoch bottlings and other Scotch whisky brands.”