Bothy Trading, the company behind acclaimed Scottish brand Gin Bothy, has announced renowned whisky expert Ron Welsh will join The Bothy Distillery as Master Blender.
The new distillery, located in Glen Prosen, Angus, expected to produce 300 casks annually on site, will be one of Scotland’s most remote.
With over three decades of whisky production working with distilleries including Laphroaig, Bowmore, Auchentoshan and Ardmoreh, Welsh has developed a global reputation as a true master of the craft. Welsh is now bringing his unique blending, cask management experience and insight to the Bothy Brand’s most ambitious development to date.
Ron’s expertise will guide the Distillery, set to start operations this Spring, in cask selection and maturation. Over the next five years he will curate a selection of limited cask releases in preparation for the Glen Prosen single malt, the first legal distilling in the Glen for over a century.
Retiring in 2023, Welsh was responsible for the creation of more than 140 of Scotch Whisky expressions also working with Glen Garioch, McClelland’s, Teachers’ and Prime Blue. He has since remained active in the whisky world, consulting for both established and emerging distilleries across Scotland, Ireland, England, Japan, and Australia.
Ron Welsh said: “The chance to shape a team focused on creating whisky with real quality and character was something I couldn’t pass up. The Bothy Distillery’s approach, respecting Scotland’s traditions while pushing for innovation, is exactly what drew me in.
“With decades of industry expertise working with whiskies of all ages, right up to 55-year-olds, I know what it takes to create something special. I’m excited to be creating whiskies that not only honour Scotland’s heritage but that will truly stand out on a global stage.”
Bothy Founder, Kim Cameron, said: “Ron joining us as Master Blender is amazing for the Bothy Distillery. We’ve always had a vision of creating whisky that captures the spirit of Scotland, its land, history and people – and with Ron’s expertise we’ve now got the knowledge to make that vision a reality.”
Fife Whisky Festival Co-Director and Bothy Distillery Consultant, Karen Somerville, said: “As a key player in the Scottish Whisky industry, Ron is the perfect, final piece of the Bothy masterplan.
“We’ve been looking forward to revealing the news just in time for the Fife Whisky Festival this weekend. Bothy Brands will be found on the exhibitor stage where we will be sharing our vision for this unique distillery at Glen Prosen.”
The Bothy Distillery will offer an “immersive whisky retreat” experience for visitors, and has been designed with sustainability in mind, running on hydroelectricity and using sustainable waste removal processes.
Founded by Kim Cameron in 2015, Gin Bothy is renowned for crafting premium spirits using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. The brand has gone onto become one of Scotland’s leading drinks producers and expanded to include sister brand Hipflask Spirits, The Jam Bothy and Bothy Butter, Gunshot Whisky and now the newly unveiled Bothy Distillery.
For more information, visit www.bothydistillery.co.uk.
Fife Whisky Festival, 3 Cunningham Road, Stirling. February 28 – March 2. https://www.fifewhiskyfestival.com/
