Bacardi’s Stephanie Macleod wins Master Blender of the Year title
Stephanie Macleod is 2024 Master Blender of the Year
Stephanie Macleod, Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky for Bacardi, has been named Master Blender of the Year by the International Whisky Competition (IWC) 2024 for the sixth consecutive time.
Her success and the quality of the Bacardi range of premium Scotch whiskies was further underlined by Aultmore Oloroso Sherry Cask 25 Year Old, Travel Retail Exclusive winning IWC Whisky of the Year, while Dewar’s Double Double 37 Year Old was named Best Blended Scotch for the second year running.
Macleod made history in 2019 as the first woman to win the prestigious Master Blender of the Year title and has continued her winning streak ever since. This recognizes her world-leading expertise in the art of whisky-making as Master Blender for Dewar’s Blended Scotch whisky and Malt Master for the family-owned company’s portfolio of Single Malts – Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, Royal Brackla and The Deveron.
Stephanie Macleod's success was further underlined by Aultmore Oloroso Sherry Cask 25 Year Old, Travel Retail Exclusive winning IWC Whisky of the Year
“To be recognized for the work you do is incredible,” Macleod said. “To be recognized for what you love to do is quite simply a dream come true. Awards like this are a tribute to all those involved in our whisky-making, and it’s thanks to our passionate, highly-skilled team that our exceptional whiskies are enjoyed by new and existing whisky drinkers around the world.”
Adding to the success, Bacardi was named Distiller of the Year and its brands were recognized with six wins in the Top 10 whiskies of 2024.
Dave Ingram, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Bacardi, commented, “We have bold ambitions and exciting plans for our premium and ultra-premium whiskies and judging by the acclaim our recent launches have received, it’s clear we are getting it right. Congratulations to Stephanie and her team, the work they’re doing leads to exceptional whiskies that appeal to new whisky drinkers and drives the entire category forward.”
A multi-award winning and highly respected figure in the whisky industry, Macleod joined Bacardi in Glasgow in 1998, and became Master Blender for Dewar’s in 2006. “Now, as the company’s Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky, she leads a team of Blenders and Assistant Blenders who learn from her wealth of knowledge and expertise every day,” Bacardi said.
