McCallum named lead blender for Scottish Leader

Kirstie McCallum has returned to whisky production after being appointed lead blender for Scottish Leader, marking a new “collaborative approach” for the brand.

Kirstie McCallum has been named lead blender for Distell’s Scottish Leader brand

McCallum previously worked as a blender across the Scotch whisky portfolio of Distell International, owner of Scottish Leader. A trained analytical chemist, she started her whisky career at Diageo’s Port Dundas Distillery, before moving to Chivas Brothers and later Allied Distillers.

Having worked as a blender for seven years at Burn Stewart, McCallum moved to a brand ambassadorial role for the group in 2014.

However, she has now been appointed lead blender for Scottish Leader, spearheading a team of 15 people as part of the brand’s new “collaborative approach” to blending.

“It’s an exciting breakaway from the more traditional, hierarchical approach to blending, and it’s an expression of Scottish Leader’s innovative, forward-thinking and progressive attitude, exemplified by the brand promise to offer new perspectives and richer possibilities,” said Lucindi Branfield, SA marketing manager at Distell.

“Collectively, the new team brings the equivalent of nearly 400 years’ experience. Their focus is on ensuring quality and consistency in Scottish Leader’s batch blending process.”