Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame Inductee No. 97 – Stephanie Macleod, Dewar’s
Stephanie Macleod is, undoubtedly, an icon of whisky. Master Blender at Dewar’s and Malt Master for Dewar’s single malt portfolio, Stephanie has an unparalleled eye, nose, and palate for detail. The World Whiskies Awards describes her as “accomplished in the sensory analyses of whisky.”
Macleod began her career in whisky at the University of Strathclyde as a sensory analyst. While studying Food Science, she was offered an opportunity to join a research team that involved gaining a deep understanding of the scotch whisky maturation process. This educational background allowed her to join John Dewar & Sons in 1998, where she worked in the spirit-quality laboratories in Glasgow.
In 2003, Macleod was made blender designate and began her three-year training program under master blender Tom Aitken. Upon completion of her training, Stephanie Macleod was named Dewar’s master blender, the first female master blender in the company’s history. She has held the role since then and has been named Master Blender of the Year at the International Whisky Competition for the last six consecutive years.
In 2014, Dewar’s expanded its single malt portfolio which now includes Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, Royal Brackla, and The Deveron. As Malt Master for this portfolio, Stephanie is responsible for overseeing single malt production.
Now, Stephanie is the Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky, at Bacardi. With a career spanning over 25 years in the industry, Macleod is trusted implicitly to bring the best out of the whisky produced by John Dewar & Sons. She is the 97th inductee into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame.
Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame Inductee No. 98 – Leonard Russell, Ian Macleod Distillers
Whisky is in Leonard Russell’s DNA. The grandson of Leonard Russell, a famed whisky broker, Russell was destined to continue in the family company: Ian Macleod Distillers.
Leonard Russell, the son of Peter Russell, joined the family business in 1989, following the completion of an economics degree and an MBA. He was initially named Business Development Manager, before working his way up the company. In 1993, he was appointed Marketing Director, and became Managing Director in 2000. His father, Peter, was appointed company Chairman in the same year.
The legendary Peter Russell passed away in January 2023, and his son Leonard is now a major shareholder, managing director, and chairman of Ian Macleod Distillers.
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Under the leadership of Leonard and his father, Ian Macleod has gone from strength to strength, acquiring the Glengoyne Distillery in 2003, Tamdhu in 2011, Edinburgh Gin in 2016, and Rosebank in 2017. Avid whisky fans will know that Rosebank, originally mothballed in 1993, has recently reopened, thrilling Lowland whisky lovers around the world. This investment from Ian Macleod Distillers was a huge milestone for the company, which has resurrected The King of the Lowlands.
Additionally, Russell is currently building a distillery in Laggan Bay on Islay, due for completion in 2025. Ian Macleod Distillers has also recently completed work on an Indian whisky distillery, Una, located in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Through steadfast leadership and ambition, Leonard Russell has helped Ian Macleod Distillers build a solid domestic and international reputation for producing high-quality whisky. His achievements make him the 98th inductee into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame.
World Whiskies Awards 2025
The World Whiskies Awards results can be expected fairly soon! World Whiskies Awards regional winners from Scotland will compete against counterparts from France, Ireland, Canada, Japan, the United States and Rest of World categories in March 2025, when the World’s Best awards will be announced.
Keep an eye on the Best Whiskies page for updates on the results.
