The Ardbeg Committee has today welcomed its next generation of leaders. Committee chair Jackie Thomson passes the torch to master blender Gillian Macdonald and visitor centre planner Bryony McNiven. It marks the first pair of chairs in the 25-year history of the committee.
The Committee formed in 2000 to safeguard the future of Ardbeg, and now has more than 200,000 members, made up of dedicated fans across more than 130 countries. This year, Committee members are celebrating 25 years.
Thomson has been a mainstay at Ardbeg since its revival, serving as distillery centre manager for 27 years, and chair of the Committee for the last four. She was inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame at the 2024 Whisky Magazine Awards Scotland.
Reflecting on her time at Ardbeg, Thomson said: “My mind is a-buzz with so many fantastic memories. From the outlandish costumes I’ve donned for Ardbeg Day to the musical extravaganzas we have hosted. We’ve survived power cuts, madcap experiments and a global pandemic. We have welcomed wedding parties, film crews and many Committee Members who have made the pilgrimage to Islay. It’s been a peaty privilege to get to know them all.
“I couldn’t think of two better women to pass the baton to. Bryony has worked alongside me as Ardbeg’s visitor centre planner for the past seven years. And Gillian is Ardbeg’s master blender, no less. Together they have a shared knowledge of Ardbeg the whisky and Ardbeg the place, that is quite unique.”
Commenting on her new role with the Committee, Macdonald added: “It goes without saying that Jackie will be sorely missed by our Committee and by all at Ardbeg. Hers are big boots to fill, but Bryony and I will do our best as co-chairs — perhaps by wearing one each!
“In my role as Ardbeg’s master blender, some of my favourite moments have been creating Committee releases and letting them loose on the people whose opinion really matters. I’ve always loved meeting and talking to the Ardbeg faithful, then going back to the lab with their fiery passion ringing in my ears. As chair, I’m excited to bring the fans and the drams even closer together.”
Following the footsteps of her father, who worked at Ardbeg for 35 years, McNiven said: “I’ve lived and breathed Ardbeg all my life, being the daughter of a stillman. For a while I was based in Sweden as an Ardbeg brand ambassador, before working alongside Gillian in the whisky creation team. But the distillery is where my heart is, so now I’m back on Islay where my job in the visitor centre is to make Ardbeg the most welcoming distillery on Earth. As Committee chair, I can’t wait to pick up where Jackie has left off — sharing good drams, spreading the Ardbeg love and having fun!”
To join the Committee, visit ardbeg.com/en-gb/committee.
