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Bacardi makes Stephanie Macleod director of blending
Dewar’s producer Bacardi has promoted Stephanie Macleod to the newly created position of director of blending for its Scotch whisky portfolio.
Macleod works as master blender for Bacardi’s Scotch portfolio, which includes William Lawson’s, Aberfeldy, Dewar’s, Aultmore, Craigellachie, The Deveron and Royal Brackla.
Her new, expanded role as director of blending will see her continue to look after the Scotch portfolio, with the aim of looking at processes to premiumise the range.
“It’s an exciting time for Scotch whisky right now as demand grows around the world for top quality, beautifully crafted blends and malts,” said Macleod.
“In my new role, I’ll be ensuring we are able to meet this increasing demand – both now and for many decades to come – while continuing to deliver new, exciting and curated Scotch whiskies, spanning our blended and single malt portfolios.”
Macleod joined Bacardi in Glasgow in 1998, after working as a sensory analyst at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland.
She became the first female master blender for Dewar’s in 2006, and the seventh person to hold the role in the brand’s 176-year history.
Macleod leads a team of blenders and assistant blenders, and is ‘passionate about nurturing the next generation of talent’.
“The consistent quality and flavour of every drop of our Scotch whiskies is thanks to Stephanie and her team,” added Dave Ingram, chief supply chain officer, Bacardi.
“As director of blending, she will bring her mastery of the entire whisky-making process – from barley to bottle – to play a pivotal role in delivering our bold growth ambitions for Scotch whisky.”