Our Master Distiller
ABOUT LERWICK DISTILLERY
To describe Ian Millar as a legend in the whisky industry is an understatement. Following many years working in a variety of roles, and managing a host of Distilleries, Ian joined William Grant and Son in 1998 to manage their three malt distilleries: Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie.
He went on to manage Brand Ambassadors, and sales of high net worth bottles and casks. In 2023, at a fresh 70, Ian retired from his esteemed full-time career, and of course was duly pursued by distilleries worldwide, eager to tap into his knowledge and wisdom.
Ian Millar
"The first Single Malt Whisky ever from the Shetland Islands, it’s a wonderful opportunity do something quite unique and remarkable."
A meeting in 2023 with Lerwick Distillery Founder Martin Watt was pure serendipity. Following Ian’s career overseeing, maintaining and finessing world class whiskies, only something truly remarkable could freshly inspire him.
The vision for Lerwick Distillery was that in barrels. Across Scotland distilleries had become ubiquitous, with little differentiation, whereas Shetland, with its unique culture and climate at 60º North, (to give that perspective; 200 miles North East of the Scottish Mainland, and 500 miles north of Islay!) was literally the undiscovered country. This was the opportunity to establish Shetland’s first Scotch Whisky Distillery and craft the World’s most Northerly Scotch!
Ultimately the role of custodian of a truly original new Scotch Whisky, one that would not only embody authenticity and character but could also define an entirely new region for Scotch. Lerwick Distillery provided the perfect vehicle for Ian’s profound knowledge and lifelong passion.
