Colin Gordon named as new Ardbeg distillery production manager
Published Date: 20th August 2020
In October of this year, Mickey Heads, Ardbeg's Distillery Manager will retire after 13 years at the helm - leaving big boots (as well as casks) to fill at the Islay distillery.
Now Ardbeg is happy to announce the appointment of Mickey's successor - Colin Gordon - who is joining as Distillery Production Manager. Colin will report into Pete Nelson, Operations Director.
Colin brings a wealth of whisky industry experience from his eight years at Diageo. His substantial knowledge of distillery production has been gained through a number of roles at the company. These include a stint as Site Operations Manager at the Port Ellen Maltings, which provides barley to eight of the 10 Islay distilleries. More recently, Colin was based at the Lagavulin Distillery on Islay as the Distillery Manager.
Colin is joining on 1 October 2020. Meanwhile, although Mickey Heads is leaving his post as Distillery Manager, he has agreed to continue in his role as Chair of the Ardbeg Committee, the worldwide army of Ardbeg fans.
Pete Nelson, Operations Director, said: "We're delighted Colin is joining to lead the team at the Ardbeg Distillery. His knowledge will help take Ardbeg forward and shape the future of the distillery. We have lots of exciting new expressions in the pipeline and Colin will play a major role in crafting those."
Mickey Heads said: "I've known Colin for a long time and I can't think of a more worthy successor. He's joining a brilliant team whom I know will welcome him warmly and make him feel at home. As I continue as Chair of the Committee – and indeed, as just one of a legion of Ardbeg fans - I look forward to enjoying the fruits of his labours for years to come."
Colin Gordon said: "Ardbeg is an iconic name in whisky with an immense reputation. I'm absolutely delighted to be joining an experienced team producing such an exceptional dram.
"Ardbeg has built a reputation for producing amazing whiskies with Mickey Heads at the helm. He is a huge name in the industry and will be a very hard act to follow. It's a privilege to be chosen to take over the reins from him. Islay has been our home for five years and to be given the honour of overseeing the running of Ardbeg is very special indeed. I will do my very best to protect and enhance the reputation of the distillery and ensure it keeps producing the world-class spirit of Ardbeg."
More Whisky News
News: Redbreast - 20th May 2022
Introducing Redbreast Dream Cask Double Cask Edition: A magnificent limited-edition release to celebrate World Whisky Day
News: Whyte & Mackay - 17th May 2022
Scotland's First Family of Scottish Oak: Whyte & Mackay announces landmark achievement with industry-leading Scottish Oak Programme
News: Bunnahabhain - 1st May 2022
Bunnahabhain Unveils Three Limited Edition Releases In Celebration Of Fèis Ìle 2022: Revealing the first three of its special limited editions
News: Midleton - 30th April 2022
Third release in Ireland's oldest and rarest whiskey collection: Chapter Three is an exceptional 47-year-old whiskey.
News: BurnoBennie - 29th April 2022
BurnoBennie Distillery, an independent distillery based in Aberdeenshire, announces its first Collaboration with Fierce Brewery
News: Loch Lomond - 21st April 2022
Loch Lomond Whiskies Unveils Striking New Packaging as it Accelerates International Growth
<< Read more latest news at Planet Whiskies
Advertisement
Stay Connected
Get Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest news, popular news and exclusive updates.
Latest Whisky News
Advertisement
Find out more about Scottish Distillery
Planet Whiskies Distillery Tours
Master Distillers Q&A
-
Keith Law: Master Distiller of Diageo
There are now two special pages on this website all about the views of Keith Law, the Master Distiller at Diageo. First page is about Blended Whisky and Food and the second page is a question and answer session relating to Keith's past experiences.... VIEW ANSWERS