Glencadam Distillery has named Will Stafford as its new distillery manager, marking the next phase of growth for the East Highlands site following its 200th anniversary celebrations. Stafford brings more than 14 years of experience in the Irish and Scottish spirits industry to the role, with over nine years spent in distillery operations.
Stafford joins Glencadam from Hinch Distillery in Northern Ireland, where he served as the inaugural distillery manager and head distiller from 2021 to 2026. In that role, he played a central part in designing, building, and commissioning the distillery, as well as implementing a major capacity increase.
Prior to Hinch, he held senior distilling roles at Copeland Distillery and The Boatyard Distillery. Across those positions, he contributed to the development and commissioning of three whiskey-producing sites in Ireland.
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READ THE STORYHis appointment comes at a time of continued investment in the Glencadam brand. The distillery launched a new multi-million-pound visitor center in Brechin late last year, which has already welcomed guests from around the world.
Stafford’s career spans every stage of whisky production, from raw material sourcing and distillation through to maturation and site logistics. He has worked across both highly automated and fully manual distilleries, giving him a broad operational understanding and appreciation for traditional production methods.
"I’ve been fortunate to help design, build and commission several distilleries, but Glencadam’s heritage, its commitment to traditional craft and the consistency of its spirit make it truly special," said Will Stafford, Glencadam distillery manager. "Having worked across both automated and manual distilleries, the chance to return to a completely manual plant with such history and character was something I couldn’t pass up."
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"My focus will be on protecting the character and quality that has defined Glencadam for two centuries, while supporting the team as the distillery continues to evolve in its next chapter," Stafford added.
Founded in 1825, Glencadam is one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. It is renowned for its commitment to traditional production methods, which have remained largely unchanged for 200 years. The distillery is owned by Angus Dundee Distillers, which also operates Tomintoul Distillery in Speyside.
Stafford’s arrival reinforces the distillery’s focus on quality and heritage as it looks ahead to its next chapter. His blend of modern commissioning expertise and respect for manual craft positions him to steward Glencadam’s spirit through a period of expansion.
