Man who helped revive Bladnoch Distillery to depart

A man who has helped revive the fortunes of the Bladnoch Distillery is to leave early next year.

Ian MacMillan, the master distiller of Bladnoch Distillery, has announced he will be leaving Bladnoch Distillery in Dumfries-shire on a full time capacity in the first quarter of 2019.

For the past three years Ian has played a crucial role – alongside owner David Prior – in completely rebuilding the distilling operation of Bladnoch.

Ian created the current expressions of Bladnoch single malt and Pure Scot blended whiskies, whilst driving a strong New Make Spirit business in its first year.

Ian said: ‘The refurbishment of Bladnoch will always be one of my proudest achievements in over 45 years in the Whisky industry.

‘With the full support of David throughout the many challenges of stripping out the old redundant plant, re-designing, overseeing installation and then the commissioning of what is now a showpiece distillery producing a consistently high quality distillate.

‘I also achieved great satisfaction in developing the now award-winning Bladnoch bottled expressions.’

Owner David Prior added: ‘The impact Ian has achieved for Bladnoch these past three years is immense and I am grateful for the skill, passion and dedication he has brought to the business. He will be missed enormously, though I am delighted he will remain involved with
Bladnoch in an advisory role ongoing.’

Ian intends setting up his own consultancy business to allow him to undertake new challenges whilst still providing Bladnoch with support and advice.

Neil Bulloch, trained and mentored by Ian MacMillan – has been appointed distillery manager. Bladnoch Distillery expects to finalise the appointment of their incoming master distiller and blender in the first few months of 2019.

Bladnoch Distillery is an independently owned whisky distillery located in the Scottish Lowlands.

Since being purchased in 2015 by Australian entrepreneur, David Prior, Bladnoch Distillery has undergone a renaissance, launching their line of award-winning Bladnoch Single Malt whiskies and their contemporary brand of Blended Scotch Whiskies, Pure Scot.

In 2018, Bladnoch Distillery celebrated its 200 year anniversary making it one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland.

For further information visit the Bladnoch Distillery website.