Laphroaig appoints new distillery manager

Barry MacAffer is the new Distillery Manager of Laphroaig’s iconic Scotch whisky. Mr MacAffer has been employed by the distillery for a decade and has been Acting Distillery Manager since John Campbell departed late last year after working with the distillery for 25 years.

Mr MacAffer has been named a ‘true guardian’ of Laphroaig. He joined the distillery team in 2011, initially taking up a role covering the malt floors and the warehousing of the distillery, before becoming Assistant Manager in 2016 and then Acting Distillery Manager in late 2021. He worked closely with former Distillery Manager John Campbell, who worked at the distillery for over 25 years until late 2021.

Francois Bazini, Managing Director, House of Scotch, Gin & Irish Brands, Beam Suntory, said “Barry MacAffer was the stand-out candidate to become Laphroaig’s Distillery Manager and is uniquely suited to carry forward the legacy of Laphroaig and continue to build the future for our skilled and passionate distillery team. An Islay native, Barry has worked at the distillery for over a decade and spent the last five years working closely with his predecessor giving him a deep knowledge of our history, operations, partners and local community.  We’re proud to have an Ileach in charge and are confident in the future of our iconic whisky.”

Laphroaig’s whisky-making tradition has been passed down by distillery managers since its beginnings in 1815. Laphroaig’s own trailblazers and past distillery managers, Ian Hunter, Bessie Williamson and John Campbell, have each left their special mark on Laphroaig to make it the beloved whisky it is today. Today, Laphroaig is excited to welcome Mr MacAffer to this distinguished line, as he holds a strong connection to the distillery and its former distillery managers, having spent his childhood years on Islay.

Laphroaig says, "Mr MacAffer consistently works to develop and improve the standards and systems within the distillery. He also ensures the highest quality production of Laphroaig. Most importantly, MacAffer is dedicated to supporting his team, as he believes in creating an inclusive environment in which all Laphroaig employees can contribute and thrive."