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Scotch pioneer: David Stewart started working at The Balvenie distillery in 1962 |
The Balvenie Malt Master David Stewart has been awarded a MBE for services to the Scotch whisky industry in the New Year’s Honours list.
With nearly 54 years of experience, Stewart is the longest serving of the 12 malt masters in the Scotch whisky industry and is credited with having a major influence on today’s production methods.
Known for his work around “˜cask finishes’ for the William Grant & Sons-owned The Balvenie, he has also developed a number of whiskies throughout his career.
William Grant & Sons Chief Executive Stella David said: “David’s innovative approach and total dedication to his craft, coupled with his modest, unassuming manner have made him one of the best loved and respected craftsmen in the business. The company is absolutely delighted for David and this honour is testament to the fact that David is one of the greatest master blenders of a generation.
“His passion for retaining tradition as well as championing experimentation makes The Balvenie a refined and distinguished single malt that is as well loved amongst newer whisky enthusiasts as it is amongst seasoned whisky aficionados.”
Stewart pioneered the development of two cask maturation in the 1980s, today consumed as The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old and The Balvenie DoubleWood 17 Year Old. In 2012, he celebrated his 50th anniversary at the distillery with the release of The Balvenie Fifty. He recently curated The Balvenie DCS Compendium, a launch of 25 whiskies released over five years.
