In a precedent-setting promotion, The Macallan has appointed Kirsteen Campbell as Master Whisky Maker for its single malt whisky.

Campbell will lead the Whisky Mastery Team, which also includes Stuart MacPherson, Master of Wood; Sarah Burgess, Lead Whisky Maker; Polly Logan, Whisky Maker; Steven Bremner, Whisky Maker; and Russell Greig, Sample Room Assistant.

Originally from Thurso in the Highlands, Kirsteen is the first woman to become The Macallan Master Whisky Maker in the brand’s history spanning almost 200 years. She will transition to the position from her current role within the brand’s parent company Edrington.

Embarking on her journey into the industry in 2001 with a degree in Food Science, Kirsteen worked in a new make spirits laboratory, where she discovered her passion for Scotch whisky and her extraordinary sense of smell, the company says.

Kirsteen joined Edrington in 2007 as a Whisky Quality Technologist, and progressed her career to her most recent roles within for Cutty Sark, Naked Grouse, The Famous Grouse and The Glenrothes.

She holds a Diploma in Distilling and has also worked at the Scotch Whisky Research Institute.

Kirsteen’s appointment follows a landmark year in 2018, which saw the opening of The Macallan Distillery Experience on Speyside, and paves the way for the brand’s 200^th anniversary in 2024, the company says.

“I feel a real sense of honor and pride to be entrusted as the custodian of The Macallan, charged with leading the Whisky Mastery Team in the creation of The Macallan’s remarkable single malt whiskies,” says Campbell. “Having been a part of the wider Edrington whisky making team for over a decade, I’m really looking forward to working more closely with the team at The Macallan.”