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Ardbeg names
its first female distillery manager in
the modern era - Bryony McNiven follows
in the footsteps of the pioneering
sisters who ran Ardbeg almost two
centuries ago.
Ardbeg has announced that Bryony McNiven
will become the iconic Islay malt
whisky’s new Distillery Manager – the
first woman in the modern era to hold
the role. An Islay native and daughter
of a former Ardbeg stillman, Bryony
follows in the footsteps of sisters
Margaret and Flora Macdougall, who
managed the Distillery nearly 200 years
ago. Having spent her entire career
immersed in Ardbeg, she brings unmatched
expertise in the production of the
world’s smokiest, peatiest single malt.
She will officially take the reins on 1
January 2026.
Founded in 1815 on the remote island of
Islay by John Macdougall, Ardbeg has
always embodied innovation. In 1853,
John’s relatives Margaret and Flora took
charge, becoming trailblazers as
Scotland’s first known female
distillers. Bryony’s appointment
continues that pioneering legacy. This
month also saw another milestone: the
opening of Ardbeg House, the island’s
first world-class whisky and hospitality
destination, dedicated entirely to
Ardbeg.
For Bryony, the brand is deeply
personal. Raised just along the road
from the Distillery, she grew up with
her father, Ruaraidh MacIntyre, working
at Ardbeg for 35 years. Her own journey
began with a summer job at the
Distillery before she studied chemistry
at Glasgow University. That path led to
a role as Ardbeg brand ambassador in
Sweden, followed by six years in
Edinburgh with the Whisky Creation Team,
working alongside Director of Whisky
Creation Dr Bill Lumsden and Master
Blender Gillian Macdonald.
In 2018, Bryony returned to Islay as
Visitor Centre Planner, welcoming
guests, leading tours, and joining the
Distillery’s sensory panel responsible
for shaping future Ardbeg expressions.
Earlier this year, she was named
co-chair of Ardbeg’s global Committee,
cementing her position at the heart of
the brand’s loyal following. When the
search for a new Distillery Manager
began, her experience and passion made
her the standout candidate.
Ardbeg President and CEO Caspar MacRae
said: "I can’t think of anyone better
than Bryony to take on the role of
Ardbeg Distillery Manager – surely the
peatiest position in single malt. Not
only is Bryony an extraordinarily
talented whisky expert and a passionate
Ardbeggian, but she knows our brand
better than almost anyone on the planet.
I look forward to working closely with
Bryony as we forge a fabulously smoky
future for Ardbeg!"
Bryony, who succeeds outgoing Distillery
Manager Colin Gordon, said: "Ardbeg has
been a part of my life for as long as I
can remember. I’m thrilled to be taking
the reins at a Distillery which means so
much to me and my family. Not only have
I got some incredible female role models
behind me in Flora and Margaret
Macdougall, but I also have a fabulous
team to work with. We are already
hatching smoky schemes to bring even
more exceptional Ardbegs to our fans.
Watch this space…"
You will find the current
Ardbeg whisky range available from specialist online whisky
shops such as
The Whisky Exchange
and
Master of Malt
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