Bladnoch appoints former Macallan master distiller
Bladnoch Distillery has appointed Dr Nick Savage as master distiller to replace Ian MacMillan who retired in January 2019.
Dr Savage has joined Bladnoch from The Macallan where he was master distiller and has previously worked at Diageo in cask maturation and with William Grant & Sons.
Australian businessman David Prior purchased the 200-year-old distillery in 2015 and Bladnoch is due to open a new visitor center later this year.
“The vision and ambition shown by David Prior and the team at Bladnoch Distillery, together with the phenomenal efforts since 2015 with the re-generation of the historical site, played a huge part in my decision to join the Bladnoch business,” said Dr Savage.
“The opportunity also allows me a new challenge in single malt Lowland scotch whisky from a 200 year old distillery. Combined with the passion and drive that the Bladnoch team have for the ultimate quality, I’m extremely excited to be a part of the amazing future of the brand.”
Prior added: “His (Dr Savage) youthful, positive and energetic approach will add great value to our team and business, as will his technical and operational skills. With the visitor centre opening in mid-June and Nick joining the business we are excited to undertake the final phase in bringing this amazing Lowland single malt distillery back to the whisky world.”
Dr Savage will join Bladnoch on 1 July 2019, working with newly appointed distillery manager Neil Bulloch and the rest of the Bladnoch team.
Bladnoch Distillery is Scotland’s southernmost distillery, and one of a handful that remain independently owned. Since being purchased by Prior Bladnoch has launched its line of Bladnoch single malt whiskies and its Pure Scot blend in more than 30 countries.