John MacDonald (left) and David Rogerson

John MacDonald retires from Balblair

07 May, 2024

After 18 years at the company, Balblair distillery manager John MacDonald has announced his retirement.

Before taking the helm at the distillery in August 2006, MacDonald began his career as a warehouseman at Glenmorangie Distillery where he worked his way up to assistant distillery manager over 17 years.

David Rogerson who is currently the assistant distillery manager at Speyburn, will take over from MacDonald at the Highland distillery.

“My time as distillery manager at Balblair has been a huge honour and a job that I have thoroughly enjoyed over the years,” said MacDonald.

“Balblair is an exceptional single malt whisky that I've been so proud to craft and represent over the years, following in the footsteps of a long line of makers going back to 1790.

“I want to say a huge thank you to the distillery team, past and present, for their craftsmanship, dedication and friendship, with a particular mention to assistant manager Norman Laing, who is the best in the business and whose help has been invaluable.

“I also want to offer a warm welcome to David, and to wish him the very best of luck in the role. I've had the pleasure of working alongside him in the past few months and I know that Balblair is in very good hands for future generations.”





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