Stephanie macleod appointed director of blending by bacardi
Bacardi has promoted master blender Stephanie Macleod into the newly created role for its Scotch whisky portfolio.
As director of blending, Macleod - who has spent 25 years in the Scotch whisky industry - will develop the people and processes needed to continue the company’s premium ranges while also continuing to lead the likes of Dewar’s, Aberfeldy, Craigellachie and Royal Brackla as malt master.
“It’s an exciting time for Scotch whisky right now as demand grows around the world for top quality, beautifully crafted blends and malts,” commented 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’s career began as a sensory analyst at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, before joining Bacardi in Glasgow in 1998. She went on to become the first female master blender for Dewar’s in 2006 and is the seventh in the brand’s 176-year old history. In 2022, she was crowned Master Blender of the Year for the fourth year in a row by the International Whisky Competition.
Commenting on her appointment, Bacardi’s chief supply chain officer Dave Ingram said: “The consistent quality and flavour of every drop of our Scotch whiskies is thanks to Stephanie and her team. 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.”
Stephanie is passionate about nurturing the next generation of talent within Bacardi and the whisky industry. As well as leading a team of blenders and assistant blenders, she is also an OurWhisky Foundation mentor. Find out more here.
