Everything You Want to Know About Ian Palmer, the Man Behind RyeLaw Whisky

When you talk whisky, you talk Ian Palmer. With more than 40 years of experience, he’s a seasoned professional with a modern, distinctive approach to making whisky. Here’s what you need to know about Palmer.

As an 18-year-old engineering student touring the industry, Palmer developed a deep appreciation and passion for the craft of Scotch whisky. Combined with an insatiable curiosity and a drive to push the boundaries of whisky making, he shaped his passion and vision for the InchDairnie Distillery early on.

While he’s never been one to blindly follow the norm, Palmer remains a strong advocate for the rules that define Scotch whisky production. The invaluable experience he gained in the field took him through some of the most renowned distilleries: think Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn, and Tamnavulin. Working there honed his craft and sparked a deeper interest in single malt production. That journey ultimately helped him forge his own ambitious vision.

Palmer’s view of the whisky industry reflects both unwavering commitment and a willingness to challenge convention. It’s not just about a distillery: it’s about a shift in how whisky is made, where tradition sets the foundation and innovation is increasingly embraced. At the heart of his vision lies a simple, powerful belief: flavor comes first.

The rules and regulations Palmer champions are, in his view, essential to preserving the integrity of Scotch whisky, but he goes a step further. His philosophy starts with creating exceptional spirits, using regulations as a framework rather than a rigid manual. His approach is defined by pushing boundaries, experimenting with unconventional grains, fermentation methods, and cask selections: all in pursuit of the most compelling flavor profile.

The market’s growing appetite for single malt presented an opportunity Palmer couldn’t ignore. Rising popularity posed a challenge for blenders and brand owners who needed a reliable source of quality whisky for their products. That gap inspired Palmer to build a distillery capable of producing single malt at scale ,without compromising on flavor and quality.

A technologically advanced, energy-efficient distillery was central to his vision, with the aim of redefining how whisky is made. And that’s something we, as whisky drinkers, can taste.

The way InchDairnie makes whisky, and releases like RyeLaw, gives whisky lovers plenty to think about and to savor!