MGP Ingredients appoints new distillers and blenders

Third-party spirits producer MGP Ingredients has certified three new master distillers and appointed two new master blenders.

The title of ‘master’ is awarded following a “robust” certification process that comprises education, experience, specialised training, oral examinations by other masters and a dissertation.

Internal candidates Matthew Greeno, Josh Slawski and Mike Templin have all been appointed master distillers.

RJ Laws and Sam Schmeltzer have been named master blenders.

Gus Griffin, president and CEO of MGP Ingredients, said: “Because of the size and scope of our business, we need a very deep and broad pool of talent to operate successfully.

“Our development of masters-level experts provides additional assurance of our ability to consistently deliver unique and high quality whiskies, vodkas and gins.”

In February this year, MGP Ingredients unveiled a blend of Bourbon and American whiskeys, called Eight and Sand Blended Bourbon Whiskey, which was inspired by the American railroad.

Last month, the company announced that its former CEO, Cloud L ‘Bud’ Cray Jr, had died aged 96.