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Chivas Brothers restructures blending team
Pernod Ricard-owned Chivas Brothers has announced a new structure for its blending team, including new roles for master blenders Colin Scott and Sandy Hyslop.
Colin Scott, has been named Chivas Regal custodian master blender as part of a major blending team revamp
The new team structure represents the “most significant development” for the blending team in recent years, and is a “clear signal” of the company’s commitment to “excellence in blended Scotch”, Chivas Brothers says.
As part of the restructure, Colin Scott has been named Chivas Regal custodian master blender. In his new role, Scott will act as a mentor to the wider Chivas Regal blending team, passing on his knowledge acquired over his 43-year career.
Sandy Hyslop will lead the team in a newly created role as director of blending across the entire Chivas Brothers portfolio. Hyslop has served as one of just five Ballantine’s master blenders in the history of the Ballantine’s brand, and will now oversee the blending of all Chivas Brothers blended Scotch.
Kevin Balmforth and Dr. Calum Fraser have been named Chivas Regal blenders. In addition, from 2017 they will also travel with Scott in a consumer education capacity for the Chivas Regal brand.
Ashley Smith, an apprentice blender who joined the team in last year, will continue in her role with a focus on Chivas Regal.
Building on a 37-year career in the whisky industry, Willie Henderson will work across the entire Chivas Brothers Scotch portfolio supported by Adam Ritchie, who has worked with the team for almost a year.
Finally Alan Galloway has joined the team to work across the entire portfolio while supporting Hyslop exclusively on the Ballantine’s range.
“The Chivas Brothers blending team brings together an enviable wealth of talent that is set to reinforce the craftsmanship and quality of our whisky-making and continue to drive our business forward,” said Laurent Lacassagne, Chivas Brothers CEO and chairman.
“Excellence is at the heart of Chivas Brothers, and nowhere is this more evident than with industry leaders Colin Scott and Sandy Hyslop, whose new roles will ensure the safeguarding of Chivas Brothers’ iconic and historic brands for the next generation.”
Last year Chivas Brothers upped its investment in Scotch with the opening of its new £25 million Dalmunach Distillery.