A New Era for the Ardbeg Committee

Ardbeg has successfully positioned itself as a brand with a considerably large base of loyal followers, a community that has been recognized and supported by an entity known as the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is the distillery’s official fan club, founded in 2000 at the brand’s initiative with the mission to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again.” This club now boasts over 200,000 members across more than 130 countries, offering, among other benefits, limited bottle releases, news, and various ways to engage and reward its most passionate fans.

This year, the community celebrates the Ardbeg Committee’s 25th anniversary and ushers in a new era with the retirement of Jackie Thomson, who passes the torch to Master Blender, Gillian Macdonald, and Visitor Centre Planner, Bryony McNiven. They will assume the role of co-chairs of the Committee. This marks the first time in the Committee’s 25-year history that co-chairs have been appointed, a decision aimed at strengthening the connection between Ardbeg and its global fan base.

From left to right: Jackie Thomson, Bryony McNiven and Gillian Macdonald

Reflecting on her time at Ardbeg, Jackie stated:

“My mind is full of fantastic memories. From the extravagant costumes I wore for Ardbeg Day to the musical spectaculars we staged. We’ve survived power cuts, crazy experiments, and a global pandemic. We’ve hosted wedding parties, film crews, and so many Committee Members who have traveled to Islay. It has been a true privilege to meet them all.”

She also commented on the two women who are taking her place:

“I couldn’t think of two better women to pass the baton to. Bryony has worked alongside me as Ardbeg’s Visitor Centre Planner for the last seven years. And Gillian is, none other than, Ardbeg’s Master Blender. Together, they share a unique knowledge of Ardbeg, the whisky, and Ardbeg, the place.”

Gillian and Bryony, former colleagues on Ardbeg’s Whisky Creation Team, share a profound passion for the distillery and significant ambitions for the future. Building on Jackie’s legacy, they plan to go even further, bringing the Committee’s voice closer than ever to the heart of Ardbeg’s whisky making. Gillian declared:

“Needless to say, Jackie will be sorely missed by our Committee and everyone at Ardbeg. She’s a truly big character, but Bryony and I will give it our best shot as Co-Chairs, perhaps one chair each!”

Meanwhile, Bryony, following in the footsteps of her father, who worked at Ardbeg for 35 years, remarked:

“I’ve lived and breathed Ardbeg my whole life, being the daughter of a distiller. For a while, I worked in Sweden as an Ardbeg Brand Ambassador, before working alongside Gillian in the Whisky Creation Team. But the distillery is my passion, so I’m now back on Islay, where my job in the Visitor Centre is to make Ardbeg the most welcoming distillery in the world. As Committee Chair, I’m looking forward to picking up where Jackie left off — sharing good drams, spreading the Ardbeg love, and having fun!”

Having discussed this new era for the Committee, which marks a significant change at its 25-year milestone, we also invite you to read about their new commemorative release for Committee members. Simply click here: Ardbeg Eureka!

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