Following on from Mhairi in our Meet The Team series, we speak to Senior Distiller, Wayne Meldrum, to understand his role here at The Cairn Distillery.
What made you decide to work at The Cairn?
It's an exciting challenge, starting up a new distillery and getting to lay down the future for the company is special.
I was the first Distiller to join Mhairi here at The Cairn Distillery and as the whole project was so interesting, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to work here and be involved from the very beginning. So far it's been great - I've met new colleagues from around the business, and learned new skills as well as the knowledge required to run this site. We have a good wee team with great morale here, and I've furthered my knowledge by learning from Mhairi too (what she doesn't know about boilers isn't worth knowing!).
My role has already evolved to Senior Distiller, meaning I not only work as part of the Distilling team making our spirit, but I also help train new colleagues and oversee their shifts to ensure all is running smoothly. I came to The Cairn with 20 years of experience in Warehousing and Distilling from other Distilleries around Speyside, so it's been a great way to use and share my knowledge.
What is your favourite whisky from The Cairn?
While we wait for our single malt whiskies to be ready, we've been enjoying the blended malts, created especially for The Cairn Visitor Experience. CRN57° 12 year old is my favourite so far, the sweet apple flavours work well with the spicy, peppery notes. These are currently only available to purchase following a tour at the distillery, so don't forget to book a tour and join us!
What do you like to do in your own time?
I grew up on the family farm here in Speyside, so when I'm not at the distillery you might find me there, but you are more likely to find me on the golf course or watching Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club! Most of my free time is spent with my wee boy and new-born daughter though.
