A Master Blender (sometimes referred to as a Whisky Sommelier) is responsible for ensuring the blends of single malt and grain whisky from different casks create a blended whisky with the unique characteristics and desired style required across different batches. They have overall responsibility for the production and maturation processes working closely with colleagues to create a consistently outstanding product.

As a Master Blender it is your responsibility to evaluate the age profile, blend recipes, cask management, quality assessment and recipe management are met to an agreed target production cost. You will need to ensure barrelled spirits with different characteristics, such as age, storage conditions, and cask type, are used to the best combination to achieve the desired final product that achieves the best possible sales price and profitability.

The Master Blender is often the face of the distillery and has a wide range of responsibilities including managing staff, overseeing production, product development, quality control, product testing and sourcing of raw materials.

Sometimes, a Master Blender will have a science-based qualification, as the job requires an in-depth understanding of chemistry. But it is not unusual for larger employers to encourage their employees to learn as they go, so long as they show skills required for other aspects of the job.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Management of the whisky-making team. In a large distillery, this may involve managing hundreds of staff including other distillers.
• Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the distillery including the sourcing of raw materials, malting, fermentation, distillation, maturation, blending and bottling to deliver consistent quality across different batches.
• Developing new products. As a Master Blender you will work with tasters, other spirit makers, finance and marketers to maximise the value and profitability of the spirit stock held by the distillery.
• Management of the sampling and recording programme. As Master Blender you are responsible for the improvement of product quality. This involves developing a program which samples and records the quality of the product produced with the aim to work towards improving that quality.
• Longer Term Liquid Storage. As a Master Blender you will determine how to store spirits over the longer term.
• Define specification and processes. You will be responsible for working with your team to define agreed specifications and processes for the production of Whisky. Including defining a set specification for spirit production.
• Process logs maintenance. Each phase of the distillation process must be logged and detailed records should be kept to ensure the product meets quality guidelines and regulatory requirements
• Stock management planning. You will need to continually review sample maturing stock and make decisions on its use
• Scientific team liaison. Whisky production is a scientific production process and requires consistent development to refine all production and ageing processes.
• Brand promotion. As Master Blender you will liaise with customers, the media, other distilleries and wholesalers to promote the distillery and its products.
• New product development. As a Master Blender you may also be involved in developing new products, often in conjunction with marketing teams and tasters to create new blends that differ from existing labels with a unique appeal.
• Staff training and development. A Master Blender is often responsible for training staff to perform specific tasks including milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, record keeping, cleaning and effluent treatment.
• Hygiene and food safety standards maintenance. As Master Blender it is your responsibility to ensure staff are working to the highest standards.

Qualifications & Experience Requirements

Traditionally Master Blenders progressed to their position through on-the-job training, working at distilleries over many years whilst improving their craft. Increasingly Master Blenders are also expected to have an academic qualification in distilling such as a degree in distilling, chemistry, biology, food science, or microbiology.

To work as a Master Blender, you will need to demonstrate a substantial amount of work experience that reflects your ability to create high-quality spirits, manage staff, talk to the public, and maintain high levels of food safety. This would ideally include the following:

• A minimum of 4 years commercial experience in distilling and production management preferably in the blending and management of premium Scotch Whisky brands
• Ideally educated to degree level in Chemistry, Engineering, Science or Brewing and Distilling
• Experience in managing and developing staff
• A demonstrated ability to liaise with customers, suppliers, stakeholders and media
• A demonstrated ability to manage projects and to evaluate success
• A demonstrated ability to maintain product quality

Skills and experience

As a Master Blender you need to excel in a wide range of areas. Some of the key skills you will use regularly include:

• Expert knowledge of all aspects of beverage production line
• Expert knowledge of all process involved with distillation
• Well-developed sensory skills for tasting and evaluating spirits
• Strong scientific knowledge
• Project management skills
• Demonstrate an inclusive and collaborative style with strong management and people skills
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills
• Must be very methodical, logical and detail orientated
• Quality excellence mindset driving high levels of discipline and execution control skills
• Strong computer and mathematical skills

Institute of Brewing and Distilling
Tel: 020 7499 8144
Website: http://www.ibd.org.uk
Twitter: @IBDHQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IBDHQ

National Skills Academy for Food and Drink
Tel: 0330 174 1253
E-mail: info@nsafd.co.uk
Website: http://nsafd.co.uk
Twitter: @NSAFD

Scotland Food and Drink
Tel: 0131 335 0940
Website: http://www.foodanddrink.scot
Twitter: @scotfooddrink
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scotfooddrink