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Tobermory Distillery names new manager

Cara Gilbert has been appointed manager of Scotch whisky and gin producer Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull in Scotland.

Cara Gilbert Tobermory
Gilbert previously held the role of assistant manager at Tobermory Distillery

The 27-year-old is one of the youngest distillery managers and will be responsible for overseeing production at the whisky and gin facility.

Tobermory produces more than one million litres of whisky and gin annually.

Gilbert said: “It’s an honour to be given the opportunity [to] take on this role, helping to etch the next chapter for such a historic distillery.

“In my head I always knew I wanted to be in a managerial position before I was 30 and a combination of hard work, seizing every opportunity thrown my way and learning from the best has made this vision a reality.

“I’ve worked with so many inspirational people over the last five years and have joined an incredible team. Being able to create unbelievable malts, a range of island-inspired gin and our more peated Ledaig brand means no two days will ever be the same – with the added benefits of living and working on this gorgeous island. It’s been an incredible journey but I know the best is yet to come.”

Gilbert graduated from Heriot-Watt University in 2017 with a degree in biological science. After completing a diploma and a Master’s degree in brewing and distilling, Gilbert worked in a distillery just outside of Dublin in Ireland in a process support lab-based position.

The role saw Gilbert look at improving processes in the lab and upscaling from there.

Gilbert then moved to Bunnahabhain distillery on Islay, Scotland, to work as a process lead.

She relocated to the Isle of Mull in February this year as process lead at Tobermory. Gilbert was promoted to assistant manager in March, before her most recent ascent to distillery manager.

Gilbert will report to master distiller Brendan McCarron.

McCarron said: “Cara’s absolutely bursting with talent, passion and knowledge about distilling so it’s incredible to watch her tick off another career milestone.

“Whether it’s peated or unpeated malts, limited editions or an enticing range of gin, it’s the dream job for anyone and she’s going to do amazing things.”

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