Glen Moray names Dr Kirstie McCallum head of whisky creation

Speyside distillery Glen Moray has appointed Dr Kirstie McCallum as its new head of whisky creation.

Dr Kirstie McCallum has been appointed as the new head of whisky creation at Glen Moray

McCallum succeeds Graham Coull, who departed Glen Moray to join Dingle Distillery in Ireland after 14 years at the Scottish distillery.

As head of whisky creation, McCallum will be tasked with continuing and developing the Glen Moray single malt Scotch whisky range, as well as other whiskies within parent company La Martiniquaise-Bardinet’s portfolio. This will include blended Scotch whiskies Cutty Sark, Sir Edward’s and Label 5.

Ian McLaren, Glen Turner general manager, said: “We are very much looking forward to this next chapter in the long history of Glen Moray and look forward to learning from Kirstie’s extensive knowledge and experience across a wide spectrum of the industry.”

McCallum, who has a PhD in analytical chemistry from Glasgow Caledonian University, joins Glen Moray from Distell International where she worked as senior blender for three years.

McCallum had been part of the business for 12 years and was responsible for single malts including Bunnahabhain, Deanston and Tobermory, as well as Distell’s blended whiskies.

“I am really excited about the opportunities this role will offer, working with world renowned brands such as Glen Moray, Label 5 and Cutty Sark and Sir Edward’s,” McCallum said.

“There is a great opportunity to experiment with new cask types and to develop new expressions, using the expansive knowledge of other wine and spirit experts within the La Martiniquaise-Bardinet group.”