Zoom in - Malt Master Rachel Barrie

Malt Master Dr. Rachel Barrie is a highly respected figure in the whisky industry with over 30 years of experience. She began her career as a research scientist at the Scotch Whisky Research Institute, focusing on oak maturation and distillery flavour development.

She has worked with several renowned distilleries across Scotland, including The Glenmorangie Company, where she worked with Ardbeg, Glen Moray, and the Bailie Nicol Jarvie and Martin’s blends. In 2003, she became a master blender.

Dr. Barrie also managed stocks for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and gained insight into a number of other distilleries. In 2011, she moved to Morrison Bowmore Distillers, working with Bowmore, Auchentoshan, and Glen Garioch single malts.

In 2017, she succeeded Billy Walker as master blender at Brown-Forman-owned BenRiach Distillery Company. There, she assumed responsibility for the BenRiach, GlenDronach, and Glenglassaugh distilleries.

Dr. Barrie has been recognized for her contributions to the industry. She holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Edinburgh, and has been inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich. She has also received accolades such as Master Blender of the Year, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and became the first lady of Scotch inducted into the Whisky Hall of Fame.

Sources:

https://www.glendronachdistillery.com/our-people/

https://www.benriachdistillery.com/en-us/blog/benriach-master-blender-dr-rachel-barrie-inducted-as-a-keeper-of-the-quaich/