Glenfarclas Production Manager Callum Fraser has been made a Keeper of The Quaich in recognition of his service and contribution to the whisky industry over 27 years.

Originally from Stirlingshire, he worked at Deanston Distillery when it reopened in 1990, and climbed to the position of Distillery Manager in 2008.

Callum joined J&G Grant as Production Manager in 2012, where he was tasked with managing some of the busiest years of production that Glenfarclas Distillery has seen in its 180 years of legal distilling.   By quickly and confidently learning the traditional methods of Glenfarclas, he led the way to achieve what were record-breaking production figures.

Furthermore, many have experienced his in-depth manager’s tour where he explains all there is to know about the production of Glenfarclas single malt scotch whisky. He has also hosted several events on behalf of J&G Grant, entertaining and educating whisky enthusiasts in his fun, professional and memorable style.

Congratulations Callum, hope it was a good night!

March 2017 saw the family and staff at J&G Grant help Donna McIntosh celebrate 25 years’ service – with cake, gifts and maybe even a dram!

In 1992 Donna arrived as a part-time guide, fitting in perfectly as she learned and subsequently taught visitors all there is to know about Glenfarclas whisky production and the Grant family.  One fellow guide at the time told her to “stick at it”, advice she thankfully listened to as she went on to become Visitor Centre Manageress in 1999.  Along with her team of guides, Donna professionally managed the tours and maintained the beautiful Visitor Centre that so many have been able to enjoy.   A desire to spend more time with her grandchildren saw Donna pass on the managerial duties to a colleague in 2015.  Nowadays she still enjoys her role as a guide and assists the new manager where she can.

As we celebrated in the Ships Room, Donna recounted one of her fondest Glenfarclas memories; being taught how to play “52-card pickup” by a younger George Grant (now Sales Director and of course sixth generation of the Grant family)!

It goes to show that there is more to this family business than just business – and that is what works so well.

Thank you for all the hard work, Donna.

George Grant, 6th generation of the Glenfarclas family, has been awarded the coveted award of Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year at the Whisky Magazine, Icons of Whisky Awards.

The prestigious ceremony saw the whisky industry’s biggest names competing for a wide variety of awards, encompassing production and sales teams from distilleries around the world into one memorable event.

The panel of industry experts crowned our very own George Grant as Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year, an undoubtedly deserved title earned from over a decade of tireless and passionate representation of the Glenfarclas brand.

Frequently travelling around the world, George has become a formidable character in the whisky industry, known by everyone for his charismatic contributions to our independent distillery and its extensive international markets.

George commented: ‘I am delighted to have been chosen for this award amongst strong competition from many dedicated ambassadors. Being able to share my family’s traditions around the world is an honour, and I am grateful to the many people I meet who express their appreciation of Glenfarclas Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Thank you to everyone who voted for me, and best of luck for future editions of this memorable event.’

Congratulations George!