Tag Archives: master blender

Nicole Austin

Known as a groundbreaker and badass Master Distiller, Nicole Austin has co-founded two craft distilling trade organizations and is making strides by helping put Tennessee whiskey back on the bourbon map.  Having gained her degree in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College in 2006, her initial goal was to become the next Erin Brockovich – savingContinue reading “Nicole Austin”

Julieann Fernandez – From Criminal Science to Whisky Blender

At just 29 years old, Julieann Fernandez is the Master Blender for the Distell Group, which includes Bunnahabhain, Deanston, and Tobermory distilleries. Always interested in science, she went to university with an eye towards becoming a forensic scientist, but when doing her placement between her 3rd and 4th year, she was drawn to a labContinue reading “Julieann Fernandez – From Criminal Science to Whisky Blender”

Maureen Robinson – Master Blender for Diageo

Diageo is the world’s biggest whisky producer (although they provide other drinks, as well) with over 200 brands under their umbrella. Maureen Robinson has been working in the whisky industry, and with Diageo, for over 40 years. She is Diageo’s Master Blender and oversees Single Malts, blends, as well as their yearly Special Releases, whichContinue reading “Maureen Robinson – Master Blender for Diageo”

First Lady of Scotch

Dr. Rachel Barrie has worked in the whisky industry for nearly 30 years, is one of only a few women master blenders in the world, has been inducted into the Whisky Hall of Fame, and is the Keeper of the Quaich. In 1991, Dr. Barrie started as a research scientist at The Scotch Whisky ResearchContinue reading “First Lady of Scotch”

Glenfiddich

This article was originally written for Whisk(e)y Network. You can find the original here. Dufftown is a wee village in the heart of Speyside, surrounded by farms, fields, and best of all – distilleries! You can easily walk to the likes of Glenfiddich right from town; a good idea if you’re planning to imbibe duringContinue reading “Glenfiddich”

Women, Whisky, Winners

Last week brought the results of the 2020 International Whisky Competition® – one of the industry’s most socially followed and professional events. Lauded as “The Olympics of whisky competitions” by Master Distiller Jim McEwan, IWC was founded in 2010 and usually takes place in Las Vegas (2020, however, was held in Estes Park, CO dueContinue reading “Women, Whisky, Winners”