As an inspiration to all Bar Stewards, Andy spent the first half of his career until now (a whole 8 years) serving drinks across no less than 6 different jobs, with a brief 7 month stint in the kitchens as a “Demi Chef de Bar”. We’re not entire sure what a Bar Chef is, but we’d guess it’s somewhere between a microwave operator and a waiter. But none of that matters when you get into the big leagues eh?

Nice to see that Suntory Global Spirits are finally starting to get a big more exposure to the fact that they are the second major investor and shareholder in The Macallan. Not that it’s a secret. Pretty much everyone in the serious side of the industry knows that. But it’s just never really talked about. It’s there alongside failed Karen’s who go gunning for industry legends under fake stories about sexual harassment, and weirdos in blue jumpers who scream that all cask traders are scammers except those who wear the official uniform of legitimacy……a blue jumper and an otter beard.

Congratulations to Andy Walch!

Andy can be contacted on LinkedIn if you CLICK HERE

To read more about Movers and Shakers – CLICK HERE.

The post Andy Walch Bounces Over To Suntory-Macallan appeared first on Whisky Galaxy.

This promotion is the 5th promotion for Nicki Clifton during her almost 13 years with the group (formerly Beam Suntory, until the recent rebrand to Suntory Global Spirits).

Congratulations from the team here at Whisky Galaxy.

You can reach out to Nicki Clifton through LinkedIn.

The post Nicki Clifton at Suntory Global Spirits appeared first on Whisky Galaxy.

Joe started off way back in 2004, where he took his first role in the alcohol industry working at TGI Fridays. He’s since served time at Leelex at two different on-trade properties, a couple of years at Proximo Spirits, almost 8 years at Moet Hennessy and more recently, just over a year at Spirit Cartel.

You can get in touch with Joe through his LinkedIn profile.

The post Joe Gunner Moves to Remy Cointreau appeared first on Whisky Galaxy.

Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.

Master Yoda

Neil has traded his X-Wing in for a Tie Fighter and joined the Sith Lord-led Chivas Brothers, as an apprentice Sith (Distillery Operations Technician).

It might be time for Diageo to wake up and realise that if they aren’t paying the right amount of coin, offering decent shifts and giving young talent a career roadmap that is appealing to all, then they are going to keep losing out to the competition.

Investing 6 years into training someone, only to lose them to your arch enemy is just really bad business.

You can find out a bit more about Neil Stewart from his LinkedIn page if you CLICK HERE.

If you’d like to read up about more Movers and Shakers, then you can CLICK HERE.

The post Neil Stewart Lured To The Dark Side appeared first on Whisky Galaxy.

Now into his third decade in the alcohol industry, Bonnington served time at Bass, Scottish and Newcastle, Whyte and Mackay, and Fior Brands, before clocking up almost a decade with Edrington.

In recent years, Bonnington has been doing a few side gigs including Founder/Owner of The Whisky Cellar Limited and, director and co-owner of Colonsay Beverages Limited.

In his own words:

“Following 18 successful years working within the drinks industry, I decided to go into self employment specialising in building value growth for small start up drinks businesses. This is a real passion of mine and my directorships at Colonsay Beverages and The Whisky Cellar have already demonstrated my ability to create and implement highly effective brand strategies that deliver exponential growth.

My breadth of experience coupled with a hunger to see products and small businesses grow and a passion for every brand within my influence is a formidable combination.

Specialties: Brand management, brand strategy, export management, route to market, new company set up, business development, branding, new product development, P&L management.”

So the question we have here at Whisky Galaxy is simple. Why are Bladnoch going into the bulk spirits market? Are they stuck with loads of product that they just can’t sell, and are looking to dump it? Equally important, why does this role only warrant what is essentially a part-time contractor, no doubt on a commission only deal? Is there really that little confidence in the quality of the product for it to even sell as bulk?

These are questions that will no doubt end up with some answers over the coming months.

You can connect with Keith on LInkedIn if you CLICK HERE.

To read more about Movers and Shakers – CLICK HERE. To read more about Bladnoch, CLICK HERE.

The post Keith Bonnington Gets Peddling For Bladnoch appeared first on Whisky Galaxy.

With time served at Corney and Barrow, Matthew Clark, Tullabardine, Shetland Reel Gin, Wildcat Spirits and still with Scottish Field, James brings a vast wealth of experience with him to his new role with Martin Hunt and the rest of the team.

A fantastic steal in our humble opinion and we wish James Robertson every success.

James can be found HERE on LinkedIn.

To read more about Movers and Shakers – CLICK HERE.

The post James Robertson Moves To Tartan Silk PR appeared first on Whisky Galaxy.

Matt will be responsible for managing all aspects of distillery operations with distilling locations in Durham, Wendell, and Wilson, North Carolina. Additional responsibilities will include blending older whiskies and selecting unique finishing barrels to create innovative single batch expressions. Using local, heirloom grains to create bourbon that is 100% North Carolina and creating vodka from a combination of corn and whey distillate.

We’re looking forward to trying some of Matt’s new creations.

You can connect with Matt on LinkedIn if you CLICK HERE.

To read more about Movers and Shakers – CLICK HERE.

The post Matt Ellis Becomes Head Distiller at Liberty and Plenty Distillery appeared first on Whisky Galaxy.

Expect some big things at Bladnoch in the near future. Or not.

Jonathan can be found HERE on LinkedIn.

To read more about Movers and Shakers – CLICK HERE. To read more about Bladnoch, CLICK HERE.

The post Jonathan Owen as the new Head of Commercial (UK and Europe) for Bladnoch appeared first on Whisky Galaxy.