Sarah Burgess, a spirits industry veteran with 25 years of experience, will guide the premium spirits company’s Scottish whisky portfolio into a new era of growth and innovation.
Sarah Burgess Brings Quarter-Century Experience to International Beverage Role
Sarah Burgess has been appointed Master of Whisky Creation at International Beverage, marking the establishment of this new position within the premium global spirits business. The role places Burgess at the forefront of the company’s whisky development across its portfolio of Scotch brands.
Burgess joins from The Lakes Distillery where she served as Whisky Maker. Her career spans major names in Scottish whisky production, including positions at Diageo’s Cardhu, Auchroisk, Oban, Glenkinchie, and Clynelish distilleries. She also held the Lead Whisky Maker role at The Macallan from 2017 and served as Creative Director of The Craigellachie Collection in 2022.
The appointment comes as International Beverage seeks to expand its presence in the premium spirits market. The company’s portfolio includes Old Pulteney, Balblair, Speyburn, and anCnoc single malt whiskies, along with Hankey Bannister blended whisky.
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“International Beverage is entering an exciting period of growth and we are delighted to have Sarah at the helm of our Scottish spirits portfolio,” said Malcolm Leask, Managing Director of International Beverage. “Her vast industry experience, passion and creative flair, make her the ideal custodian of our award-winning premium spirits brands.”
International Beverage Expands Leadership Team with New Creation Role
The Master of Whisky Creation position represents a strategic investment in International Beverage’s production capabilities. Burgess will lead a team of spirits makers and collaborate with the company’s global brand advocacy team to develop training initiatives and expand market reach.
Her responsibilities will encompass flavor development, quality control, and innovation across the whisky portfolio. The role builds on her recent work at The Lakes Distillery, where she managed distillation, maturation, and product development, including the creation of the distillery’s first permanent range for duty-free and domestic markets.
Burgess began her whisky career on her 21st birthday at Cardhu Distillery in Speyside. She earned a BA (Hons) in Management from Robert Gordon University while working full-time at Diageo’s Auchroisk Distillery, where she oversaw maturation operations for the North region starting in 2003.
The spirits industry has seen increased competition in the premium segment, with companies investing in specialized roles to differentiate their offerings. International Beverage’s creation of this position signals its commitment to product development and market expansion.
Burgess expressed enthusiasm for her new role, saying: “I’m thrilled to step into this new role where I’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of International Beverage’s whisky creation. I’m hoping to bring a fresh new perspective along with a steadfast commitment to enduring quality.
“I’m also looking forward to working closely with International Beverage’s global brand advocacy team, leading training initiatives and bringing our extraordinary spirits to markets around the world.’
