Originally from Thurso in the Highlands, in 2019 Kirsteen became the first woman to take on the position of The Macallan Master Whisky Maker in its long-standing history spanning almost 200 years. Starting her career in the industry in 2001, Kirsteen initially began working in a laboratory responsible for the quality of new make spirits. It was there that she discovered her passion for Scotch whisky and her extraordinary sense of smell, attributes that are essential for The Macallan Master Whisky Maker.

Kirsteen leads the Whisky Mastery Team, as well as working closely with a wide array of technical experts on whisky development, stock management and both brand and commercial development to drive the business forward.

This team oversees all aspects of the whisky making process to ensure the highest possible quality and consistency in the final product.

As Lead Whisky Maker at The Macallan, Euan plays a key role in guiding the Whisky Mastery Team, working to create and enhance The Macallan’s exceptional portfolio of single malt whiskies and drive forward the brand’s legacy for the future. 

Euan joined The Macallan in June 2022 and brings a wealth of experience to his current role, gained across multiple aspects of Scotch whisky production and spirits development more broadly. 

Originally from Dumfries & Galloway, Euan has lived and worked in Speyside for the past seven years. When choosing to pursue a career in the drinks sector, Euan was inspired by the history of single malt whisky and its association with culture, feeling a deep sense of pride that Scotland’s national drink is recognisable in almost every bar in the world. 

As a Whisky Maker at The Macallan, Diane plays a key role in the Whisky Mastery Team, creating and enhancing The Macallan’s exceptional portfolio of single malt whiskies and driving forward the brand’s legacy for the future, based on almost two centuries of whisky-making heritage.

Diane joined The Macallan in February 2022. Originally from Speyside, Diane’s first step into the whisky industry was with a summer job as a Distillery tour guide. Having studied for a degree in Forensic Science at The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Diane brings a sound scientific background to her new role at The Macallan. 

Diane enjoys the variety that whisky making brings, producing vattings at the bench, stock assessment, working on new products, involvement in technical operations and brand education. She believes that whisky making is a skill built up over time and through experience, not something that can be taught in the space of a short course or by listening to methods and processes. 

Born in Speyside, Russell has always had a passion for whisky and a keen interest in working in the industry. His father enjoyed a successful 40-year career in the whisky business, and it was Russell’s dream to follow in his footsteps and become part of the spectacular craft on his doorstep.

Joining the Whisky Mastery Team in 2018 as a Sample Room Assistant, Russell was charged with controlling all of the samples coming in and out of the sample room at the Estate, while also managing sample stock and equipment. Russell was promoted to the role of Assistant Whisky Maker in 2022. He continues to see many variations of The Macallan whisky while learning from the breadth and depth of knowledge, skills and experience of our team of Whisky Makers.

As Assistant Whisky Maker at The Macallan, Alex plays a key role within the Whisky Mastery Team, supporting the creation and enhancement of the brand’s single malt portfolio and advancing its commitment to uncompromised excellence.

Originally from Edinburgh, Alex joined Edrington in February 2023, relocating to Speyside to take up her role with The Macallan. She studied Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University, graduating in 2018. During her studies, Alex developed a strong interest in whisky sensory science, completing her final-year dissertation on the organoleptic effects of dilution in Scotch whisky.

At The Macallan, Alex continues to develop her skills as a Whisky Maker, contributing to vatting creation, stock assessment, quality control and sensory analysis as part of the Whisky Mastery Team.

As Trainee Whisky Maker at The Macallan, Sam supports the Whisky Mastery Team in the creation and enhancement of the brand’s single malt portfolio, contributing to its pursuit of uncompromised excellence.

Raised in Drumnadrochit in the Highlands, Sam developed an early interest in whisky while working in a local whisky bar during university holidays, where he was introduced to the diversity and craft of Scotch whisky. Sam studied Chemistry at the University of Glasgow, graduating in 2019, before completing an MSc in Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University in 2020. 

Prior to joining The Macallan, Sam travelled internationally, including time in Japan and the United States, gaining insight into global production practices and the role of barrel seasoning. He continues to develop his skills as a Whisky Maker within The Macallan’s Whisky Mastery Team.