Glasgow native Kelsey McKechnie has been announced as David Stewart MBE’s apprentice malt distiller.
The role will see the 26-year-old learn the craft under one of the industry’s longest-serving malt masters.
“It’s hard to underplay the significance of this announcement,” says Stewart.
“She has also shown that she has an expert palate and skill for nosing and assessing whisky, which combined with her natural abilities and academic background made her the ideal candidate to be my apprentice.”
The apprentice will officially begin her role in December, and was previously a technical graduate and whisky technologist at William Grant & Sons since 2014.
In her role, Kelsey’s McKechnie will ensure excellence and consistency in each bottle of The Balvenie, while also maintaining that spirit housed at the distillery in Dufftown, Scotland, is maturing in the desired direction.
She will also play an active role in assisting David with the distillery’s important work in whisky innovation, sampling and assessing along with launching future expressions.
“It goes without saying that it’s both an incredible honour and a privilege to be announced as The Balvenie’s new apprentice malt master,” says McKechnie.