In this newly established position, Ms Burgess will spearhead a team of spirits makers and drive International Beverage’s pursuit to crafting high-quality, flavour-led whiskies. She will also collaborate closely with the company’s global brand advocacy team, sharing her technical expertise and creating connections through International Beverage’s portfolio of premium Scotch whisky brands including Old Pulteney, Balblair, Speyburn and anCnoc single malt whiskies as well as Hankey Bannister blended whisky. 

Ms Burgess, formerly the whisky maker at The Lakes Distillery, brings more than 25 years of industry experience to the role. Originally from Speyside, she began her career at Cardhu Distillery on her 21st birthday.

In 2003, she joined Diageo’s Auchroisk Distillery on a full-time basis overseeing maturation operations for the North while concurrently pursuing a BA (Hons) in Management from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Over the following two decades, Ms Burgess managed operations at Diageo’s Oban, Glenkinchie and Clynelish distilleries before joining The Macallan in 2017 as their lead whisky maker, where she focused on range creation, innovation and quality control. 

In 2022 she became the creative director of The Craigellachie Collection before moving to The Lakes Distillery in 2023 as whisky maker. She was responsible for all elements of distillation and maturation, the visitor facility, creating new whiskies, and developed the distillery’s first permanent range for both the duty free and domestic markets.

Renowned for her innovative approach to whisky creation, Ms Burgess’ appointment comes at a time when the premium spirits business continues to explore new ways to evolve and expand the business. 

Managing director of International Beverage, Malcolm Leask, welcomed the expertise that she will bring to the business: “International Beverage is entering an exciting period of growth and we are delighted to have Sarah at the helm of our Scottish spirits portfolio.

“Her vast industry experience, passion and creative flair, make her the ideal custodian of our award-winning premium spirits brands.

“As a business we are committed to employing the best people to help drive our business forward and Sarah certainly fits the bill. We are looking forward to seeing her talent shine.”

Speaking on her appointment, Ms Burgess said: “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.”