Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch Whisky has announced that acting distillery manager Barry MacAffer has been appointed to the role on a permanent basis.
Barry MacAffer joined the Laphroaig distillery team in 2011, initially taking up a role covering the malt floors and the warehousing of the distillery, before becoming assistant manager in 2016 and then acting distillery manager in late 2021.
He worked closely with former Laphroaig distillery manager John Campbell, who worked at the distillery for over 25 years until late 2021.
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Laphroaig’s whisky-making tradition has been passed down by distillery managers since its beginnings in 1815.
“Laphroaig’s own trailblazers and past distillery managers, Ian Hunter, Bessie Williamson and John Campbell, have each left their special mark on Laphroaig to make it the beloved whisky it is today,” the company said.
“Today, Laphroaig is excited to welcome MacAffer to this distinguished line, as he holds a strong connection to the distillery and its former distillery managers, having spent his childhood years on Islay.”
Managing Director of Beam Suntory House of Scotch, Gin & Irish Brands, Francois Bazini, said Barry MacAffer was “the stand-out candidate” fo the job.
“An Islay native, Barry has worked at the distillery for over a decade and spent the last five years working closely with his predecessor giving him a deep knowledge of our history, operations, partners and local community,” Bazini said.
“We’re proud to have an Ileach in charge and are confident in the future of our iconic whisky.”
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