Whisky Maker

The Whisky Maker is responsible for creating whisky vatting's and releases to specification, ensuring the highest standards of quality and consistency. The role assesses maturing stocks, supports stock planning decisions, leads selected quality and innovation projects, and contributes to new product development. As a key member of the New Make Spirit sensory panel, the Whisky Maker provides specialist whisky expertise to internal stakeholders while supporting brand and business initiatives. Strong technical knowledge of whisky production, maturation, stock management, and sensory evaluation is essential.,

• Create and deliver whisky vattings and releases that meet agreed quality, colour, age, and sensory specifications.
• Assess and approve marrying samples, tankers, and production batches within defined authority levels.
• Evaluate maturing stocks and provide recommendations on stock grading, utilisation, and reservation strategies.
• Conduct sensory assessment of new make spirit and maturing whisky stocks to support quality and stock planning decisions.
• Contribute to innovation, research, and new product development projects, including liquid trials, sensory descriptions, and technical recommendations.
• Support the development of future whisky concepts and sustainable innovation initiatives.
• Provide technical whisky expertise to internal stakeholders, including Brand Creative, Education, and Product Development teams.
• Support VIP, trade and media visits to The Macallan Estate as appropriate with more senior team members.
• Act as a whisky ambassador when representing the Whisky Mastery Team.
• Coach and support Assistant Whisky Makers, Trainee Whisky Makers and Sample Room Assistants, sharing knowledge and helping build future capability within the team.
• Contribute to discussions on long-term stock sustainability, portfolio development, and quality improvement opportunities.
  
  To be successful in this position, you will have significant experience within the spirits industry, ideally in whisky making, blending, liquid quality, or sensory assessment, supported by a relevant scientific, technical, or spirits-related qualification or equivalent experience. You will possess advanced nosing and tasting skills, a strong understanding of the whisky production process from new make spirit through maturation to bottling, and the ability to analyse and communicate technical and sensory data effectively. You will also have experience supporting innovation and new product development, managing multiple priorities, and building strong relationships with stakeholders. A quality-focused, detail-oriented approach, combined with strong communication, presentation, and coaching skills, will be key to success in this role.
  
  Salary: £46,000 - £58,000
• 37 days holiday, plus 4 Giving More volunteer days
• Save for retirement and invest in your future - pension contributions (employee up to 8.75%, employer up to 14%)
• Share in our success with up to 10% Share Reward scheme (subject to eligibility)
• Private medical insurance that covers the cost of private healthcare and includes round the clock access to GP services and menopause health line
• 24/7 support for you and your loved ones to counselling, life coaching and information on financial, mental, and physical wellbeing
• Experience our exceptional brands with a generous annual product allowance, plus at least 20% discount in our staff shop
• Embrace work-life harmony with 26 weeks' paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave, and up to five paid carers leave days a year