ARDBEG APPOINTS ITS FIRST FEMALE DISTILLERY MANAGER IN MODERN ERA

 < Bryony McNiven follows in the footsteps of historic sisters who ran Ardbeg almost 200 years ago >

Ardbeg’s very own Bryony McNiven is to become the Islay malt whisky’s next Distillery Manager – the first woman in the modern age to take command of the stills. An Islay native and the daughter of an Ardbeg stillman, Bryony follows in the footsteps of two legendary sisters who led the Distillery nearly 200 years ago. Having dedicated her entire career to Ardbeg, Bryony has a unique skillset and an unrivalled knowledge of the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt whisky. She is the perfect peathead to lead Ardbeg’s production from 1^st January 2026.

Established in 1815 on the remote Scottish island of Islay by John Macdougall, Ardbeg has always had a pioneering spirit. By 1853, the Distillery was being run by John’s relations, sisters Margaret and Flora Macdougall, widely believed to be Scotland’s first female distillers. Bryony’s appointment makes her the Distillery’s first in recent times. Meanwhile, in keeping with its trailblazing approach, this month the brand opened Ardbeg House – the first world-class whisky and hospitality experience on the island, dedicated to Ardbeg.

For Bryony, Ardbeg is not just a whisky, but a way of life. She grew up down the road from the Distillery, where her father Ruaraidh MacIntyre was a mainstay of the production team for 35 years before retiring. So before she began studying chemistry at Glasgow University, it seemed only natural that Bryony should take a summer job at Ardbeg. That evolved into a stint as an Ardbeg brand ambassador in Sweden, before six years in Ardbeg’s Whisky Creation Team in Edinburgh alongside Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden and Master Blender Gillian Macdonald.

Bryony returned to Islay in 2018 as Ardbeg’s Visitor Centre Planner, where she has been responsible for organising tours and sharing drams with guests – as well as sitting on the Distillery’s all-important sensory panel which shapes future Ardbeg whiskies. Steeped in the world of Ardbeg, Bryony was the obvious choice to become co-chair of the brand’s loyal following, the Committee, alongside Gillian earlier this year. And, when applications for the role of Distillery Manager came flooding in, Bryony was the standout choice.

Ardbeg President and CEO Caspar MacRae said: “I can’t think of anyone better than Bryony to take on the role of Ardbeg Distillery Manager – surely the peatiest position in single malt. Not only is Bryony an extraordinarily talented whisky expert and a passionate Ardbeggian, but she knows our brand better than almost anyone on the planet. I look forward to working closely with Bryony as we forge a fabulously smoky future for Ardbeg!”

Bryony, who takes over from outgoing Distillery Manager Colin Gordon in the new year, said: “Ardbeg has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’m thrilled to be taking the reins at a Distillery which means so much to me and my family. Not only have I got some incredible female role models behind me in Flora and Margaret Macdougall, but I also have a fabulous team to work with. We are already hatching smoky schemes to bring even more exceptional Ardbegs to our fans. Watch this space…”

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Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 200,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 140 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Bryony McNiven and Gillian Macdonald, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Ardbeg House

Ardbeg House is a world-class whisky and hospitality experience on Islay, which offers the island’s visitors an extraordinary opportunity to eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg. Situated in the bustling town of Port Ellen, this 12-bedroom boutique hotel blends the ultimate in Scottish hospitality with the flavours and legends of Ardbeg’s island world. Visitors and locals are welcomed to enjoy the best of Scottish food and drink at the House’s Signature restaurant and the Islay Bar, including exclusive Ardbeg drams.

To book, go to www.ardbeg.com

Awards

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023, Ardbeg was awarded four Gold and eight Silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 25 Years Old was named the World’s Best Scotch Whisky at the 2023 New York Wine Spirits Competition, and received a Platinum medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.