Laphroaig has announced the appointment of its new distillery manager, Barry MacAffer. After a career at the distillery that’s spanned a decade, MacAffer will move into his new role immediately after most recently serving as acting distillery manager.

MacAffer joined the distillery team in 2011, initially taking up a role covering the malt floors and the warehousing of the distillery, before becoming assistant manager in 2016, and then acting distillery manager in late 2021. He worked closely with former distillery manager, John Campbell, who worked at the distillery for over 25 years until late 2021.

Making the announcement, Laphroaig highlighted MacAffer's consistent striving to improve standards and systems within the distillery and his dedication to supporting his team and creating an inclusive environment. Having spent his childhood years on Islay, MacAffer has now become the latest in a line of distillery managers going back to 1815.

Francois Bazini, managing director for House of Scotch, Gin & Irish Brands at Beam Suntory, said, “Barry MacAffer was the stand-out candidate to become Laphroaig’s distillery manager and is uniquely suited to carry forward the legacy of Laphroaig and continue to build the future for our skilled and passionate distillery team.

“An Islay native, Barry has worked at the distillery for over a decade and spent the last five years working closely with his predecessor giving him a deep knowledge of our history, operations, partners and local community. We’re proud to have an Ileach in charge and are confident in the future of our iconic whisky.”