Lochlea, the farm-to-cask whisky distillery based in Ayrshire, has appointed Jill Boyd as its master blender.
Boyd joins Lochlea from her role as master blender for Halewood Artisanal Spirits, the company behind whisky brands Aber Falls and Bonnington. Prior to moving to Halewood Artisanal Spirits, Boyd was whiskymaker and brand ambassador for blending house Compass Box, a role for which she was named an Icon of Whisky in 2020.
Boyd commented: “I am so thrilled to become part of the incredible team at Lochlea. With passion and enthusiasm at the heart of everything they do, I cannot wait to contribute to their journey and help to shape the future of their exceptional whisky.
Lochlea owner Neil McGeoch added: “I am very excited that the opportunity arose for Jill to join the Lochlea team as our Master Blender. Her breadth, depth of experience, and her success in blending at Compass Box in particular, gives me great confidence that Lochlea whisky is in very good hands.”
Earlier this year, Lochlea released its first age-statement whisky, a five-year-old single malt released on Burns Night, marking a major milestone for the distillery.
