Master Distiller

Our client is looking to recruit a Master Distiller for a new distillery based in Cornwall. The Master Distiller will play a central role in defining the technical identity of the distillery and establishing production operations to world-class standards from first spirit onwards. The distillery will produce a focused portfolio of premium whisky, gin, and vodka, with a strong emphasis on quality and provenance, and a production capacity of around 3000hl/year. This package includes accommodation.

Role Purpose:

The Master Distiller holds full technical and operational accountability for all production activities of whisky, gin, and vodka. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role responsible for the design, execution, control, and continuous improvement of all mashing, fermentation, distillation, spirit handling, maturation, and production compliance activities.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Master Distiller is the technical authority of the distillery and custodian of spirit quality, consistency, and long-term stock integrity.

Key Priorities:

• All spirit production is executed safely, compliantly, and consistently to the defined house style and quality specifications.
• All mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation processes are designed, documented, and controlled to deliver repeatable yields and long-term stock integrity.
• Production plans are completed on time and on budget.

Qualifications and experience include:

• Proven experience in distillation or spirits production.
• Proven hands-on leadership in whisky mashing, fermentation, and distillation.
• Demonstrated experience producing gin and neutral spirits to premium standards.
• Direct experience operating under UK bonded and excise regimes.
• High-integrity technical leader with strong personal accountability.
• Effective team leader, with ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Hands-on, detail-driven, and process-oriented.
• Strong communicator able to engage founders, regulators, and commercial teams.

Applications from candidates already eligible to work in the UK only please.

For more information, please contact Julie Carling at Carling Recruitment

+ 44 (0)1483 893 100

julie.carling@carlingrecruitment.com