Bruichladdich’s new master blender began his career as a tour guide
Former Bruichladdich tour guide Adam Hannett has officially been named the distillery’s new master blender, an achievement he could “never have imagined” when he joined the team in 2004.
Rémy Cointreau’s Islay distillery Bruichladdich has announced Adam Hannett as its new master blender.
Hannett, an Islay native, has spent the last two decades working for the distillery. He joined Bruichladdich in 2004 as a tour guide in the visitor’s centre and has risen through the ranks, taking over as head distiller from Jim McEwan in 2015.
He told db that he “could never have imagined” taking on the role as master blender when he joined the company in 2004. However, he said his ability to work his way up is a “testament to the business” which prioritises giving its employees “the opportunity to learn and grow”.
He said of his first role at Bruichladdich: “Although I was a tour guide, I was exposed to so many other aspects of the distillery during those first few months and was able to soak up everything – from mashing and distilling to cask management. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and was able to gain a huge amount of experience, especially from former master distiller Jim McEwan, who took me under his wing. It’s an honour to be in this position today, and I’m excited for the next chapter.”
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In recent years, Hannett has spearheaded the distillery’s experimental product development and limited-edition bottlings, overseeing projects including Bruichladdich’s Octomore series and its first ever Islay rye whisky, as well as its barley-forward innovation pipeline.
Hannett has also played a central role in pushing Bruichladdich’s sustainability credentials. The distillery is B Corp certified and working to eliminate fossil fuels from its distillation process by 2030.
Asked what’s next for the distillery under his leadership, Hannett said fans of the distillery should “watch this space”.
He said: “I’m given creative freedom when it comes to innovation and there’s always something in the pipeline. 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the distillery’s resurrection, and we’ve got some amazing plans to celebrate this milestone. For me, it’s a chance to not only excite new consumers but truly thank and celebrate our dedicated fans who have been on this journey with us for the past 25 years.”
Bruichladdich, Islay’s largest private employer, has also supported regenerative farming practices and community employment initiatives on Islay.
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