Leading the Blending Team will be Sandy Hyslop. With more than 30 years’ experience in blending scotch whisky, Hyslop will take on the newly-created role of director of blending across the whole Chivas Brothers’ portfolio.
Hyslop is one of just five master blenders in the 188-year history of Ballantine’s – a role he has held since 2005. He will now oversee the creation and blending of all Chivas Brothers blended scotch.
With a career spanning 43 years, Colin Scott will take on the role of Chivas Regal custodian master blender. The creator of Chivas 18 in 1997, Scott will act as a mentor to the Chivas Regal blenders.
The team comprises:
- Kevin Balmforth and Dr Calum Fraser, who will take on the roles of Chivas Regal blenders. As of next year, while their primary commitment will be maintaining quality across the range, they will also spend time travelling with Scott, educating consumers on Chivas Regal.
- Ashley Smith, apprentice blender, who joined the blending team last year and is in the process of learning all aspects of blending, with a focus on Chivas Regal.
- Willie Henderson, who has 37 years’ experience in the whisky industry with nearly 20 of them focusing on blending. Henderson will work across Chivas Brothers’ entire scotch whisky portfolio supported by Adam Ritchie, who has been with the team for nearly a year.
- Alan Galloway, who with 16 years’ experience in the industry will work across the portfolio while supporting Hyslop exclusively on the Ballantine’s range.
The company says the team represents the most significant development for the blending department in recent years and is a clear signal of the company’s long-term commitment to excellence in blended scotch. The setup is said to create the perfect atmosphere to nurture talent, inspire innovation and pass on the craftsmanship Chivas Brothers.
Picture: Chivas Brothers Blending Team [L-R]; Ashley Smith, Adam Ritchie, Alan Galloway, Sandy Hyslop, Kevin Balmforth, Willie Henderson and Calum Fraser
