New Master Blender for Bruichladdich Distillery: 'it’s all about making whisky that matters'

Tuesday, 09 September 2025 at 10:01Bruichladdich

Adam Hannett Bruichladich Distillery Octomore Farm with a Tulip Glass

There's a changing of the guard at Octomore Farm and Bruichladdich Distillery. James Brown is passing the torch to his son Graham Brown. This also changes the role of Adam Hannett, who now ascends from Head Distiller to Master Blender at the Islay distillery.

FAQ

What is Octomore Farm?
A family farm on Islay, known for providing barley and spring water to Bruichladdich Distillery.
Who is Adam Hannett?
He is the former head distiller and now the new Master Blender at Bruichladdich Distillery.
Who currently owns Bruichladdich Distillery?
This remains unchanged: Remy Cointreau still owns the Islay Distillery.

New Leadership at Bruichladdich Distillery

At Octomore Farm on Islay, the baton has been passed from father to son. Owner James Brown steps down and hands over the family farm to his son Graham Brown.

Graham Brown was the stillman of Bruichladdich Distillery, but now takes the reins from his father. This internally leads to a shift resulting in a brand-new role for Adam Hannett.

Adam Hannett as the new master blender of Bruichladdich

Hannett steps up from Head Distiller to Master Blender. Hannett is very happy with his role, but the title master blender still feels slightly strange to him.

'I used to bristle at the word ‘master’. Jim earned it, he was, and still is, a master by every definition. I’ve always focused on the liquid, the detail, and letting the whisky do the talking. But after 10 years in the role, it’s a real honour to be recognised in this way.'

- Adam Hannett

Adam Hannett's career at Bruichladdich in a nutshell

Hannett has been an Islay distillery stalwart for quite some time. He joined the distillery as a tour guide in 2004. After a long time guiding people through the distillery, he was taken under Jim McEwan's wing who became his mentor.

In 2015, he took over the role of Head Distiller from McEwan. He held that role for over 10 years until now. From now on, he is the Master Blender of Bruichladdich.

Bruichladdich in the blood

Hannett is almost a manifestation of Islay whisky. For years, he has focused on the taste and composition of the Bruichladdich and Octomore whiskies. That focus will not be set aside. If anything, for Hannett, 'it's all about making good whisky'.

Regarding Brown's stepping down, the new Master Blender expresses his deep gratitude.

'We wish you all the best. Farmers don’t retire of course, but it’s great to see the next generation come through. I’m sure we’ll see you at the distillery soon for a wee ‘sweetie’ or two.'

- Adam Hannett

What the first bottle of Hannett as Master Blender will be, is yet to be announced. His signature as head distiller can still be found on the Octomore 16 whiskies.