Hall of Fame

As one of a handful of female master blenders in the world, Rachel Barrie is creating some of the world’s finest single malt whiskies. With more than 26 years of experience, Rachel joined the Brown-Forman family in March 2017 as master blender for The GlenDronach, BenRiach and Glenglassaugh distilleries.

Rachel has been in the industry for 26 years. She first worked as a research scientist at the Scotch Whisky Research Institute, optimising flavour character in distillation and maturation. She moved into production at The Glenmorangie Company, working on Glenmorangie, Ardbeg and Glen Moray single malts, becoming master blender in 2003.

During this time she also managed the stocks for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, giving her a deeper insight into a great many more distilleries. She moved to Morrison Bowmore Distillers in 2011, where she developed the whiskies for Bowmore, Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch single malts, also working latterly with Laphroaig and Ardmore.

When not deciding on the composition of blended spirits, Rachel plays the piano, reads, cooks and loves the outdoors. She and her husband have a collection of vintage motorbikes.