Max McFarlane joins Lancaster Spirits Co
Edrington’s former whisky maker, Max McFarlane, has joined Lancaster Spirits Co to help shape its inaugural English single malt.
In his new position at Lancaster Spirits Co, McFarlane will play a key role in determining the flavour, character, and identity of the English distillery’s future whiskies.
He will lead the development and execution of the Lancaster-based distillery’s short- and long-term lay-down strategy, assess and monitor the quality of maturing stocks, and craft new whiskies.
McFarlane will also oversee the execution of a cask management policy to ensure the company’s existing casks meet their full potential and that future acquisitions are of the highest standards.
McFarlane has worked in the Scotch whisky industry for more than 45 years, with the majority of his time spent at The Macallan maker Edrington. He was the lead whisky maker for brands including Glengoyne, Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark, Bunnahabhain and Tamdhu.
After retiring from Edrington in 2018, McFarlane returned home to Inverkip in Scotland to join the founding team at the recently opened Ardgowan Distillery.
Lancaster Spirits Co said McFarlane’s appointment was fitting due to its commitment to traditional whisky-making practices and processes. The company produces a ‘complex, flavoursome’ wash through its sister brewery, alongside daily freshly milled barley and water from its well. It also makes its own live brewer’s yeast, which is 200 years old.
McFarlane said: “The moment I met the team at Lancaster Spirits Company and tried their new make spirit, I knew I wanted to be involved in this exciting new distillery.
“A distillery built upon refined brewing and distilling principles, all underpinned by flavour enhancement. Focusing on creating an exceptional spirit built upon these principles is the priority; my job is to find casks that can harness this unique distillery character.
“Lancaster Spirits Co will one day be renowned for its ester-rich, complex, and fruity spirit, matured in hand-selected first-fill Bourbon, Sherry, and wine casks. Look out for our first Founders Reserve release in the coming months.”
Phil Simpson, managing director of Lancaster Spirits Co, said McFarlane brings “unparalleled experience and deep understanding of wood maturation and flavour development” to the company.
He added: “With Max’s input, we are confident that our single malt will not only reflect the unique character of Lancaster but also stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best.
“As we look ahead to the release of our inaugural English single malt whisky in 2027, we are proud to say that every element – from grain to glass – has been shaped by passion, expertise, and a relentless pursuit of quality.”
McFarlane will work alongside a team that includes distillery manager Joan Casals.
Christopher Pateman, commercial manager at Lancaster Spirits Co, added: “As we approach the launch of our inaugural single malt whisky in 2027, we are assembling a team with the vision and skill to produce outstanding whisky.”
Over the past 12 months, Lancaster Spirits Co has laid down more than 200 casks and secured additional warehousing for future stock.
“Full details of this development will be announced later in the year, underscoring the company’s long-term ambitions,” Pateman noted.
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