Chivas names ‘enhanced’ blending team

Scotch whisky maker Chivas Brothers has announced new roles for its longstanding master blenders and unveiled a new blending team.

Ashley Smith, Sandy Hyslop, Calum Fraser and Kevin Balmforth

The distillery’s mast blender, Colin Scott, who has been at the company for many years and created Chivas 18 in 1997, will take on a new role as Chivas Regal custodian master blender.

Another Chivas stalwart, Sandy Hyslop, will take charge of the blending team with the title director of blending across the company’s portfolio.

The new blending team includes Kevin Balmforth and Dr Calum Fraser who become Chivas Regal Blenders and, from next, year will travel the world with Scott educating customers on the brand.

The newest member of the team is Ashley Smith who joins as apprentice blender while veteran Willie Henderson will work on Chivas Brothers’ entire Scotch portfolio supported by Adam Ritchie.

Alan Galloway will also work across the portfolio as well as supporting Hyslop on the Ballantine’s range.

Laurent Lacassagne, Chivas Brothers CEO and chairman, commented: “The Chivas Brothers blending team brings together an enviable wealth of talent that is set to reinforce the craftsmanship and quality of our whisky-making and continue to drive our business forward.

“Excellence is at the heart of Chivas Brothers, and nowhere is this more evident than with industry leaders Colin Scott and Sandy Hyslop, whose new roles will ensure the safeguarding of Chivas Brothers’ iconic and historic brands for the next generation.”