Stephanie Macleod Makes Whisky History With Fifth Consecutive Master Blender Of The Year Award
June 29, 2023
Hamilton, Bermuda, June 29, 2023 – For an unprecedented fifth year in a row, Stephanie Macleod, Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky for Bacardi, has been awarded the prestigious title of Master Blender of the Year by the International Whisky Competition (IWC) 2023.
With her passion for Scotch and pursuit of innovation by pushing flavor boundaries and maturation possibilities, Stephanie made history in 2019 as the first woman to win the IWC’s Master Blender of the Year award. She has continued this winning streak ever since; a feat which recognizes her world-leading expertise in the art of whisky-making.
As Master Blender for DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch Whisky and Malt Master for the Bacardi portfolio of Single Malts – ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, ROYAL BRACKLA® and THE DEVERON® – Stephanie and her team continue to gain recognition for their consistent approach to crafting quality, exceptional tasting whiskies.
In the tasting categories, the Bacardi portfolio including DEWAR’S Blended Scotch Whisky and its Single Malts, won an impressive 22 awards, taking first, second and third place in 12 different categories. DEWAR’S won first place in six of those 12 categories, including first place in the Best Blended Scotch category for Double Double 37 Year Old, a new release and the highest age expression released by DEWAR’S.
What drives me and my team every day is to create exciting, interesting whiskies, that pioneer and provoke anticipation about what we might create next. It is an honor to have our work and pursuit of innovation recognized in such a way by the International Whisky Competition – and for the fifth time. This accolade is not just mine, it is also the team’s. I’m incredibly proud of all the talented whisk(e)y-makers at Bacardi for their commitment to creating a consistent quality and standard of whiskies that are loved the world over.”
Stephanie Macleod
The Scotch whiskies in the Bacardi portfolio continue to achieve accolades and recognition, testament to the focus that we put on creating exceptional whisky that can be enjoyed by new and existing whisky drinkers. We’re expanding further into the premium and ultra-premium space, which takes time to let the whisky age; space for the casks to rest in; and the skill of our teams to manage the entire process. Congratulations to Stephanie and her team, who continue to drive innovation and push the entire Scotch category forward.”
Dave Ingram, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Bacardi
A multi-award winning and highly respected figure in the whisky industry, Stephanie became the first female Master Blender for DEWAR’S in 2006, following her official three-year training with the then Master Blender. She joined Bacardi, based in Glasgow in 1998, and began her career in whisky as a Sensory Analyst at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, working on a project which attempted to unlock the maturation secrets of Scotch whisky.
Recently promoted to Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky to drive the premiumization of the Bacardi Scotch whisky portfolio, she leads a team of Blenders and Whisky Stocks Analysts who learn from her wealth of knowledge and expertise every day.
About Bacardi Limited
Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, D’USSÉ® Cognac, ANGEL’S ENVY® American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 161 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs approximately 9,000, operates production facilities in 11 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter.
