Ardbeg Announces First Female Distillery Manager of the Modern Era

An Islay native whose father spent 35 years as an Ardbeg stillman will make history when she takes the helm of the iconic distillery on January 1, 2026. Bryony McNiven’s appointment marks the first time in the modern era that a woman will lead production at the world-renowned scotch whisky distillery.

The milestone appointment connects Ardbeg’s past with its future. McNiven follows in the footsteps of Margaret and Flora Macdougall, sisters who ran the distillery in 1853 and are widely believed to be Scotland’s first female distillers. The Macdougall sisters took charge of the distillery nearly four decades after John Macdougall established it in 1815 on the remote Scottish island.

Bryony McNiven’s Deep Ardbeg Roots Shape Leadership Path

McNiven brings a lifetime of Ardbeg experience to her new role. She grew up near the distillery where her father Ruaraidh MacIntyre worked as a stillman for 35 years. Her career began with a summer job at Ardbeg before she studied chemistry at Glasgow University. She later served as a brand ambassador in Sweden and spent six years on Ardbeg’s Whisky Creation Team in Edinburgh alongside Director of Whisky Creation Dr. Bill Lumsden and Master Blender Gillian Macdonald.

Since returning to Islay in 2018 as Visitor Centre Planner, McNiven has organized tours, shared drams with guests, and served on the distillery’s sensory panel that shapes future whiskies. Earlier this year, she became co-chair of the Ardbeg Committee, the brand’s global fan club with more than 200,000 members across 140 countries.

Ardbeg Continues Innovation While Honoring Heritage

The appointment comes as Ardbeg expands its hospitality presence on Islay. This month, the brand opened Ardbeg House, the island’s first world-class whisky and hospitality experience. The 12-bedroom boutique hotel in Port Ellen offers visitors the chance to “eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg.”

McNiven’s Commitment To Ardbeg

“I can’t think of anyone better than Bryony to take on the role of Ardbeg Distillery Manager – surely the peatiest position in single malt,” said Ardbeg President and CEO Caspar MacRae. “Not only is Bryony an extraordinarily talented whisky expert and a passionate Ardbeggian, but she knows our brand better than almost anyone on the planet.

McNiven takes over from outgoing Distillery Manager Colin Gordon.

McNiven expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating: “Ardbeg has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’m thrilled to be taking the reins at a Distillery which means so much to me and my family.

“Not only have I got some incredible female role models behind me in Flora and Margaret Macdougall, but I also have a fabulous team to work with. We are already hatching smoky schemes to bring even more exceptional Ardbegs to our fans. Watch this space…”

Ardbeg, established in 1815, produces some of the peatiest and smokiest Islay single malt whiskies. The distillery faced an uncertain future during the 1980s and 1990s before The Glenmorangie Company purchased it in 1997, securing its survival.

Today, Ardbeg ranks among the world’s most awarded smoky single malt whiskies.

With her unique background and deep knowledge of the brand, McNiven stands ready to lead Ardbeg’s production into its next chapter.