Image: John MacDonald (left) with David Rogerson

 

John MacDonald has retired from Balblair Distillery after 18 years as distillery manager. MacDonald first joined the whisky industry 35 years ago at Glenmorangie, before moving to Balblair in 2006. 

 

Under the MacDonald’s leadership, Balblair has seen the expansion of its distillery team, the opening of its visitor experience, and the growth of its sustainability programme.

 

MacDonald reflected: “My time as Distillery Manager at Balblair has been a huge honour and a job that I have thoroughly enjoyed over the years. Balblair is an exceptional single malt whisky that I've been so proud to craft and represent over the years, following in the footsteps of a long line of makers going back to 1790. 

 

David Rogerson will succeed MacDonald as distillery manager, moving over from his role as assistant distillery manager for Speyburn, which, along with Balblair, falls under the International Beverage portfolio.

 

MacDonald continued: “I want to say a huge thank you to the distillery team, past and present, for their craftsmanship, dedication and friendship, with a particular mention to assistant manager Norman Laing, who is the best in the business and whose help has been invaluable. I also want to offer a warm welcome to David, and to wish him the very best of luck in the role. I've had the pleasure of working alongside him in the past few months and I know that Balblair is in very good hands for future generations.”