Bothy Trading, the company behind Scottish brand Gin Bothy, has announced that Ron Welsh is joining their new distillery, the Bothy Distillery, as Master Blender.
Based in remote Glen Prosen, Angus, The Bothy Distillery is expected to produce 300 casks annually on site, and with over three decades of whisky production working with distilleries including Laphroaig, Bowmore, Auchentoshan and Ardmoreh, Welsh is bringing this unique blending and cask management experience to the Bothy Brand’s most ambitious development to date.
Retiring in 2023, Welsh was responsible for the creation of more than 140 of Scotch Whisky expressions also working with Glen Garioch, McClelland’s, Teachers’ and Prime Blue. He has since remained active in the whisky world, consulting for both established and emerging distilleries across Scotland, Ireland, England, Japan, and Australia.
Ron’s expertise will guide the Distillery, set to start operations this Spring, in cask selection and maturation and, over the next five years, he will curate a selection of limited cask releases in preparation for the Glen Prosen single malt, the first legal distilling in the Glen for over a century.
Ron Welsh said, “The chance to shape a team focused on creating whisky with real quality and character was something I couldn’t pass up. The Bothy Distillery’s approach, respecting Scotland’s traditions while pushing for innovation, is exactly what drew me in.
“With decades of industry expertise working with whiskies of all ages, right up to 55-year-olds, I know what it takes to create something special. I’m excited to be creating whiskies that not only honour Scotland’s heritage but that will truly stand out on a global stage.”
Bothy Founder, Kim Cameron, said: “Ron joining us as Master Blender is amazing for the Bothy Distillery. We’ve always had a vision of creating whisky that captures the spirit of Scotland, its land, history and people – and with Ron’s expertise we’ve now got the knowledge to make that vision a reality.”
Fife Whisky Festival Co-Director and Bothy Distillery Consultant, Karen Somerville, said, “As a key player in the Scottish Whisky industry, Ron is the perfect, final piece of the Bothy masterplan.
“We’ve been looking forward to revealing the news just in time for the Fife Whisky Festival this weekend. Bothy Brands will be found on the exhibitor stage where we will be sharing our vision for this unique distillery at Glen Prosen.”