International Beverage, has named Sarah Burgess as the company’s new Master of Whisky Creation.
In this newly established position, Sarah will lead a team of spirits makers and work with the company’s global brand advocacy team.
Sarah, formerly the Whisky Maker at The Lakes Distillery, brings more than 25 years of industry experience to the role. Originally from Speyside, she began her career at Cardhu Distillery before joining Diageo’s Auchroisk Distillery . Over the following two decades, Sarah managed operations at Diageo’s Oban, Glenkinchie and Clynelish distilleries and moved to The Macallan in 2017 as their Lead Whisky Maker, where she focused on range creation, innovation and quality control.
In 2022 she became the Creative Director of The Craigellachie Collection before becoming Whisky Maker at The Lakes Distillery in 2023 where she was responsible for all elements of distillation and maturation, the visitor facility, creating new whiskies, and developed the distillery’s first permanent range for both the duty free and domestic markets.
Managing Director of International Beverage, Malcolm Leask, said, ‘”International Beverage is entering an exciting period of growth and we are delighted to have Sarah at the helm of our Scottish spirits portfolio. Her vast industry experience, passion and creative flair, make her the ideal custodian of our award-winning premium spirits brands.
“As a business we are committed to employing the best people to help drive our business forward and Sarah certainly fits the bill. We are looking forward to seeing her talent shine.”
