Ardbeg Appoints First Female Distillery Manager of Modern Era
Ardbeg has announced that Bryony McNiven will become the brand's first female Distillery Manager of the modern era, overseeing production affairs starting on New Year's Day 2026. This historic appointment not only marks a new chapter for Ardbeg but also connects the brand's past and future. McNiven's father, Ruaraidh MacIntyre, served as a distiller at Ardbeg for 35 years, and she herself grew up near the distillery, possessing a deep emotional connection and bond with Ardbeg.
McNiven's career is closely tied to Ardbeg. She previously worked summer jobs at Ardbeg before studying chemistry at Glasgow University. Afterward, she served as Ardbeg's Brand Ambassador in Sweden and worked for six years with the Ardbeg whisky creation team in Edinburgh, collaborating with Dr. Bill Lumsden and Gillian Macdonald. Since returning to Islay in 2018 to serve as Visitor Centre Manager, she has actively participated in tours, tastings, and became a member of the distillery's sensory panel, safeguarding the future flavor profiles of the whiskies. Earlier this year, she was appointed as co-chair of the Ardbeg Committee, an organization with over 200,000 members worldwide.
This appointment comes as Ardbeg actively expands its hospitality operations on Islay, having recently opened Ardbeg House, offering world-class whisky and accommodation experiences. Ardbeg President and CEO Caspar MacRae highly praised McNiven's appointment, considering her the ideal candidate to lead the Ardbeg Distillery, with an unparalleled understanding of the brand. McNiven also expressed her enthusiastic anticipation for the role, mentioning her respect for significant historical female figures at the brand, Flora and Margaret Macdougall, and looking forward to creating more exceptional whiskies for global Ardbeg fans alongside the team.
Founded in 1815, Ardbeg is renowned for its peaty single malt whiskies. After navigating turbulent times in the 1980s and 1990s, it was acquired by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997, allowing its brand life to continue. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world's most awarded peaty single malt whisky brands. With her unique background and profound understanding of the brand, Bryony McNiven is poised to lead Ardbeg's production towards new heights of excellence.
2025-09-29
Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/ardbeg-announces-first-female-distillery-manager-of-the-modern-era/