Kelsey McKechnie: The Balvenie's First Female Malt Master

Kelsey McKechnie's journey from the Girvan laboratory to becoming The Balvenie's Malt Master is anything but dull. Passion, commitment, and inner belief have shaped her into the first female Malt Master at The Balvenie. But who, exactly, is Kelsey McKechnie?

In the whisky world, where the commitment to history and enduring artisanal practices is paramount, McKechnie's rise is a unique story. With a background in science, she started her journey in the whisky industry in 2014 as a Technical Graduate in the Girvan Distillery’s laboratory.

Her primary responsibility was the regular analysis of fermentations and distillation profiles. Yet, it didn't take long for her to realize she desired a deeper understanding and skill to effectively evaluate the flavors she was analyzing.

The crucial turning point in her journey came when she voluntarily participated in a tasting panel, assessing raw new make spirits. Her talent for distinguishing the delicate aromas and flavors became the revelation that ignited her passion for whisky.

At just 26 years old, McKechnie achieved a unique feat by becoming the world's youngest woman to earn the prestigious title of Apprentice Malt Master. She had only been in the industry for a few years, so her ascension was remarkably swift.

Thanks to the inspirational guidance of David Stewart MBE, one of the longest-serving Malt Masters in the whisky industry, McKechnie had the chance to rapidly develop her skills. Alongside Stewart MBE's mentorship, she also worked extensively with Master Blender Brian Kinsman on other brands such as Tullamore D.E.W., Monkey Shoulder, and Glenfiddich.

Her career in the whisky industry is a testament to her relentless work ethic and dedication to upholding the tradition of The Balvenie. McKechnie's work and commitment exhibit the passion she invests in her role as the first female Malt Master of The Balvenie.

Regarding her day-to-day tasks as Malt Master, McKechnie recently disclosed the extent of her work. Her daily duties include assessing different types of wood, finishing cask fillings, and evaluating new-make spirit. Her highest priority is ensuring the quality and consistency of the whisky in every bottle, which requires close coordination with the distillery teams.

Reflecting on the insightful advice she received from David Stewart MBE, McKechnie underscores the importance of maturation and patience. She comprehends that the whisky-making process is natural and gradual, and it's crucial to give the spirit and oak sufficient time to work their magic.

In the traditionally male-dominated whisky industry, McKechnie recognizes the significance of women making their mark. She cites Kirsty Dagnan, responsible for operations at William Grant & Sons' Dufftown site, as an inspiring figure. Dagnan's passion for her work and commitment to the people she works with have made her a noticeable presence in the industry.

For women aspiring to enter the whisky industry, McKechnie's advice is simple yet potent: reach out to whisky businesses and brands, explore the diverse opportunities available, and follow your passion. The world of whisky is varied, offering countless paths for those with a genuine interest in the craft.

What drives McKechnie's passion for whisky is her love for creating diverse and exciting flavors in the spirit. The unique products that can be crafted from seemingly simple ingredients provide the driving force to continue innovating each day. Her focus on perfecting the art of blending The Balvenie whisky and maintaining its exceptional quality defines her personal legacy that we hope to continue savoring for many years to come!

The Balvenie Stories A Sweet Toast of American Oak 12 Years Old is also partly her creation, but The Balvenie Stories 19 Years Old A Revelation of Cask and Character is the first whisky she created as Malt Master, and thus the first The Balvenie whisky with her signature on the bottle.