McIntyre becomes distillery manager at Tamdhu

Sandy McIntyre is the new distillery manager for Tamdhu Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, replacing Sandy Coutts who steps down after over 40 years service.

Sandy joins Tamdhu Distillery from Diageo where he spent eight and a half years working across Burghead and Roseisle Maltings, Glenlossie and Mannochmore distilleries and Glen Spey Distillery in Rothes in various positions including malt operations and site operations, overseeing production, quality, process and energy efficiency.

Sandy will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Tamdhu Distillery including all aspects of production, warehousing, HR, health and safety, maintenance, spirit and cask quality as well as compliance for the site, and supporting brand development and promotion.

Robbie Hughes, group distillation manager for Ian Macleod Distillers who own the Tamdhu brand, says: “We’re really pleased to have Sandy McIntyre on board with us. His previous experience will contribute greatly to the distillery. Having been re-launched less than two years ago, it’s a very exciting time at Tamdhu and Sandy will play a key role in its future.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to send our best wishes to Sandy Coutts who will now retire from Tamdhu after more than 40 successful years. We hope he enjoys a very well deserved rest!”

Sandy McIntyre said: “I am really excited to be joining Tamdhu Distillery and I’m looking forward to the challenges the role will bring. The dedicated team at Tamdhu is committed and passionate about our brand and despite only being on site for less than a month that can-dhu-spirit is already felt by myself too.

“Taking over the reins from Sandy Coutts has been a delight and pleasure as he has historical and detailed knowledge of the site and the process, and being able to draw upon that knowledge as part of my hand over has been invaluable. Tamdhu is a quality spirit from a site that prides itself on tradition and nothing is more pleasurable than showing off our people, our process and our product.”

Tamdhu is owned by one of Scotland’s leading, independent family-owned distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers. 

Pictured above: Robbie Hughes (left) with Sandy McIntyre

9 December 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor