OUR TEAM
BEN INGLIS
Head Distiller and Distillery Manager
Growing up near Bruichladdich Distillery, Ben has always had a keen interest in distilling and can remember always being in awe of the smells and the magic happening in the stills.
When he came of age, he realised that rum not whisky was his drink and set about learning as much as he could about this Caribbean treasure and the distilling process. He had a dream about creating his own rum distillery on the island paradise he grew up on – Islay!
His great passion led him to be introduced, by the whisky legend Jim McEwan, to Brian and Andrew Crook of the Vintage Malt Whisky Company, who also shared the same dream to build a distillery on Islay. The rest, as they say, is history…..in the making!
JONATHAN CAIRNS
Production Executive
Originally from Canada, Jonny (to his friends) is Ben's right hand man. Getting involved in all aspects of the distilling process. He has previously worked for many world famous whisky distilleries including Bowmore and Laphroaig.
jonathan.cairns@islayspirits.com
ANDREW CROOK
Director
Andrew leads the team and is the main link between our customers and our rum. He lives in Glasgow, where he runs our parent company, The Vintage Malt Whisky Company.
andrew.crook@islayspirits.com
CAROLINE JAMES
Director
Caroline, lives in Glasgow and is primarily Company Secretary for The Vintage Malt Whisky Company. She has worked tirelessly to manage The Islay Rum project and take it from dream to reality.
caroline.james@islayspirits.com
BEHIND THE SCENES!
Every bit as important in delivering The Islay Rum dream is our team back on the mainland.
