Ron Welsh is new Master Blender of Beam Suntory
The successor of Rachel Barrie is responsible for Bowmore, Laphroaig, Auchentoshan, Ardmore and Glen Garioch
It’s a very responsible position that Ron Welsh took over at Beam Suntory: As Master Blender he is responsible for the previous whiskies and the development of new releases. Scottish whisky labels as Bowmore, Laphroaig, Auchentoshan, Ardmore and Glen Garioch belong to his field of activity. At least for a while Welsh will also care for Beam’s Irish portfolio as Kilbeggan, Connemara, Greenore and Tyrconnell.
Ron Welsh has been working in the whisky branche for 25 years now. From 1992 to 2005 he was employed by Allied Domecq, first as Grain Distillery Shift Manager, then as Inventory Planning Manager. Since 2005 Welsh has been under contract with Beam respectively Beam Suntory as Stock Manager, Chief Blender and most recently as Senior Manager. During his career he was envolved in the development of whiskies as for example the Laphroaig Quarter Cask, Ardmore Legacy and Laphroaig PX - best qualification and premise for his new job.
The position of Beam Suntory's Master Blender had been vacant since end of February 2017, after Welsh’s successor Rachel Barrie had left Beam Suntory after 5 years of employment to work for Benriach Distillery Company further on (we reported). After a short interim period she will take over the job as a Master Distiller from Billy Walker.
