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Contributor
Kirsteen Campbell
Master Blender for Cutty Sark blended Scotch whisky
Kirsteen Campbell is leading the charge of a new generation of whisky creators. As Master Blender for Cutty Sark blended Scotch whisky at Edrington, Kirsteen is part of a burgeoning group of women in the industry – truly breaking new ground.
Kirsteen is proud to become an icon for young women in the whisky industry, countering traditional stereotypes of the Master Blenders and bringing energy, inspiration and a wealth of talent to shake up the traditional spirits industry. With her focus firmly set on Cutty Sark, she embraces the industry’s heritage, whilst keeping her eyes firmly fixed on the brand’s future.
In 2010, when Edrington bought the Cutty Sark brand, Kirsteen was made Cutty’s Master Blender and, as the creative force behind the blend, she is keen to introduce and inspire a new audience with Cutty Sark.
After graduating with a degree in nutrition and food science she was snapped up by the drinks industry. With a wealth of experience working with flavours and sensory experimentation, her training was quickly put to practice as she entered her first job as a Quality Analyst for Diageo. Her exception and skills were soon realised as she was promoted to the nosing panel to work specifically on analysing spirits.
From there, Kirsteen continued to specialise in spirits, specifically Scotch, with a move to the world-renowned Edinburgh Scotch Whisky Research Institute (SWRI). It was there, as part of an expert team, she studied the alchemy of wood, the distillation process and developed her instinctive affinity for good whisky.
In 2007 she was welcomed to Edrington, the producer of some the world’s most exceptional whiskies, as a Whisky Quality Technologist. She was mentored by the legendary John Ramsay who shared his knowledge and insights from his 40 year career working with Cutty Sark, The Famous Grouse, The Macallan, Highland Park and The Glenrothes.
Today, she is the guardian of the Cutty Sark Scotch whisky range ensuring rigorous standards and guaranteeing the highest level of quality.