International Beverage has appointed Sarah Burgess to the newly created position of Master of Whisky Creation, bringing over 25 years of Scotch whisky expertise to the premium spirits company’s expanding portfolio.
Veteran Whisky Maker Joins Premium Scotch Portfolio
Burgess will lead International Beverage’s spirits creation team and oversee the company’s Scotch whisky brands including Old Pulteney, Balblair, Speyburn and anCnoc single malts, as well as Hankey Bannister blended whisky. The appointment comes as the Thai Beverage-owned company continues its global expansion following its recent acquisition of Asiaeuro International Beverage.
Starting her career at Cardhu Distillery on her 21st birthday, Burgess spent nearly two decades with Diageo, managing operations at Auchroisk, Oban, Glenkinchie and Clynelish distilleries. She earned her BA (Hons) in Management from Robert Gordon University while overseeing maturation operations across northern Scotland.
Her experience includes serving as Lead Whisky Maker at The Macallan from 2017, where she focused on range creation and quality control. Most recently, she worked as Whisky Maker at The Lakes Distillery, developing the distillery’s first permanent range for duty-free and domestic markets.
Must Read Stories
New Role Shapes Future of International Beverage Whisky
In her new position, Burgess will collaborate with International Beverage’s global brand advocacy team while driving innovation across the company’s Scotch whisky portfolio. The role encompasses leading training initiatives and expanding the company’s presence in international markets.
“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.”
The appointment reflects broader industry trends as major spirits companies invest in specialized whisky creation roles to differentiate their portfolios in an increasingly competitive market. Global Scotch whisky exports reached £6.2 billion ($7.8 billion) in 2022, according to the Scotch Whisky Association.
International Beverage operates nine global sites across the UK, France, New Zealand and Greater China. The company’s portfolio extends beyond Scotch to include Caorunn Gin, PRAKAAN Thai single malts, Phraya Rum, Larsen Cognac and Cardrona spirits from New Zealand.
Burgess’s appointment signals International Beverage’s commitment to strengthening its position in the premium whisky segment as consumer demand for high-quality spirits continues to grow worldwide.
