The Balvenie’s malt master receives MBE

The Balvenie’s malt master, David Stewart, has been awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to the Scotch whisky industry.

David Stewart received his MBE at a ceremony in The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland, today.

Stewart started his career in the whisky industry in 1962 as a whisky stocks clerk, eventually becoming malt master at The Balvenie. He is particularly known for his work developing various finishes for The Balvenie, including Caribbean, Port Wood and Rum cask finishes, which have resulted in a number of award winning whiskies.

“I feel incredibly proud”, said Stewart of receiving the award. “I’ve been very fortunate to work for a family run company and it has allowed me the freedom to experiment throughout my career. It’s a privilege working in this industry so to be rewarded and recognised in this manner is very humbling.”

Simon Hunt, CEO of William Grant & Sons, praised Stewart for his “dedication, skill and modesty”, which he said had made him one of the “best-loved and respected craftsmen in the business”.

“David’s MBE is a testament to how well respected he is”, said Hunt. “He is considered to be one of the greatest master blenders and we are incredibly proud of him”

Whisky enthusiasts are invited to raise a dram to Stewart using the hashtag #RaiseADram.