Fresh from university Laura joined Penderyn Distillery in early 2012, as a Trainee Distiller. During the interview process, she completed a comprehensive nose and taste test to determine her ability to conduct sensory assessments on our new make spirit, maturing spirit and finished products and it was clear to see Laura’s skills and potential. New to the whisky industry Laura was put through her paces by Dr Jim Swan, one of the leading whisky experts in the world and he became her mentor for the first five years of her being with the brand. Since joining us her role has grown and she is now responsible for all aspects of distillery production and operations, including health and safety, technical management, staffing, quality management, supply and logistics and experimentation. Working her way up from becoming Distillery Manager in 2016 to General Manager of Distilleries in 2021, overseeing their three distillery sites (Brecon Beacons, Llandudno and Swansea).
What do you find most rewarding about working in the whisky industry?
“Overseeing our process from malt intake to spirit draw and assessing the spirit to ensure it meets the Penderyn standard, knowing that at every stage of the process, we have quality at the forefront of everything we do. My role has a great balance between the technical, very hands-on distillery operations work and the brand ambassador work; getting out and about to host whisky dinners, meet customers at trade and consumer shows, engaging with business visitors and VIPs, which makes every day a little different. I love that the industry is so fun and unique, full of people with a real passion for whisky and other spirits, it’s unlike any other industry.”
Press