Renowned master blender Stephanie Macleod is stepping into a new role with Bacardi to recognise her 25 years' experience in the world of Scotch whisky.
Macleod is being promoted from master blender for its portfolio of Scotch whiskies to a newly created role: director of blending for Scotch whisky.
In her new position, she will continue to lead the production of Bacardi's Scotch portfolio, which includes five single malts – Aberfeldy, Autlmore, Craigellachie, The Deveron, and Royal Brackla – alongside the Dewar's and William Lawson blends. Her remit will also expand to include supporting the continued premiumisation of the family-owned spirits company's range and its innovation pipeline.
Macleod said: "It’s an exciting time for Scotch whisky right now as demand grows around the world for top quality, beautifully crafted blends and malts. In my new role, I’ll be ensuring we are able to meet this increasing demand – both now and for many decades to come – while continuing to deliver new, exciting and curated Scotch whiskies, spanning our blended and single malt portfolios."
After beginning her career as a sensory analyst at the University of Strathclyde, Macleod joined Glasgow-based Bacardi in 1998. She became master blender for Dewar's in 2006 – the seventh master blender in the brand's 176-year history, and the first woman to hold the role.
Dave Ingram, chief supply chain officer at Bacardi, said: "The consistent quality and flavour of every drop of our Scotch whiskies is thanks to Stephanie and her team. As director of blending, she will bring her mastery of the entire whisky-making process – from barley to bottle – to play a pivotal role in delivering our bold growth ambitions for Scotch whisky."
Macleod is being promoted from master blender for its portfolio of Scotch whiskies to a newly created role: director of blending for Scotch whisky.
In her new position, she will continue to lead the production of Bacardi's Scotch portfolio, which includes five single malts – Aberfeldy, Autlmore, Craigellachie, The Deveron, and Royal Brackla – alongside the Dewar's and William Lawson blends. Her remit will also expand to include supporting the continued premiumisation of the family-owned spirits company's range and its innovation pipeline.
Macleod said: "It’s an exciting time for Scotch whisky right now as demand grows around the world for top quality, beautifully crafted blends and malts. In my new role, I’ll be ensuring we are able to meet this increasing demand – both now and for many decades to come – while continuing to deliver new, exciting and curated Scotch whiskies, spanning our blended and single malt portfolios."
After beginning her career as a sensory analyst at the University of Strathclyde, Macleod joined Glasgow-based Bacardi in 1998. She became master blender for Dewar's in 2006 – the seventh master blender in the brand's 176-year history, and the first woman to hold the role.
Dave Ingram, chief supply chain officer at Bacardi, said: "The consistent quality and flavour of every drop of our Scotch whiskies is thanks to Stephanie and her team. As director of blending, she will bring her mastery of the entire whisky-making process – from barley to bottle – to play a pivotal role in delivering our bold growth ambitions for Scotch whisky."
