KIRSTEN AINSLIE JOINS BROWN-FORMAN AS ASSISTANT BLENDER FOR SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY BRANDS

Kirsten Ainslie has joined Brown-Forman as the new Assistant Blender to Rachel Barrie, Master Blender for their Single Malt Scotch Whisky distilleries, Benriach, The GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh. Prior to joining Brown-Forman, she was Distiller at Edinburgh’s John Crabbie & Co for three years.

Kirsten’s role will see her working closely with Rachel Barrie on all aspects of the blender’s craft and exceptional mastery, including spirit quality, product development and innovation, cask selection, whisky and wood management.

Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Benriach, The GlenDronach, and Glenglassaugh Distillery, said:

“It’s a really exciting time for Benriach, The GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh and welcoming Kirsten to the team signals our long term commitment to investing into and growing our wonderful Single Malts.

“Kirsten will be a great addition to the team. Nurturing young talent is an important part of what we do at Brown-Forman and Kirsten has certainly proven she has the best nose for the job.”

Kirsten Ainslie began bartending whilst working towards her MA in Sociology at the University of Edinburgh. After graduating, she volunteered at The Glasgow Distillery company in an effort to learn the art of whisky and gin distillation before moving on to become Lead Distiller at the John Crabbie Distillery in Leith, Edinburgh.

Kirsten Ainslie, Assistant Blender at Benriach, The GlenDronach, and Glenglassaugh Distillery, said:

“I feel very privileged to be taking on the role of Assistant Blender and working alongside Rachel Barrie who is renowned in the whisky industry. Working closely with Rachel, I hope to build on the legacy of maturing and marrying different casks, and crafting whiskies to be enjoyed by newcomers and connoisseurs alike.”

About Brown-Forman:

For over 150 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s RTDs, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Finlandia, Korbel, el Jimador, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Coopers’ Craft, Herradura, New Mix, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, Benriach, The GlenDronach, Glenglassaugh, Slane, and Fords Gin. Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by approximately 4,800 employees and sold in more than 170 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.brown-forman.com/

About Glenglassaugh Distillery:

On the crescent beach of Sandend Bay stands Glenglassaugh Distillery, producing a luscious coastal malt, shaped by the rich abundance of land and sea, with rolling waves of flavour. The distillery has a history of elegant maturation, with award-winning old vintages dating back to the 1960s, and an award-winning range of boutique younger whiskies. As this jewel of a coastal malt is discovered and enjoyed, it promises to become a cult, contemporary classic.

Visit: www.glenglassaugh.com

Twitter: @Glenglassaugh

Instagram: glenglassaugh

Facebook: /GlenglassaughDistillery 

About The GlenDronach Distillery:

Nestled in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, is The GlenDronach, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. The GlenDronach is of true Highland style: a complex and full bodied spirit, perfect for slow maturation in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks.

Visit: www.glendronachdistillery.co.uk

Facebook: /TheGlenDronach

Twitter: @Glendronach

Instagram: @Glendronach

About Benriach Distillery

Ruggedly beautiful, Benriach stands on the site of the old Riach farm in north Speyside, drawing water from a mineral-rich aquifer, deep beneath the distillery.

Thanks to a long-standing tradition of distilling three styles of whisky; classic unpeated, Highland peated and triple distilled, together with an eclectic selection of casks from around the world, our whisky makers are able to explore the full flavour possibilities of Single Malt, creating some of the richest, most multi-layered whiskies in Speyside.

Facebook @Benriach

Instagram @Benriach

Twitter @TheBenriach