The Balvenie‘s David Stewart honoured by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his services to the Scotch Whisky Industry

©The Balvenie

Today (07/26/2016) The Balvenie’s Malt Master David Stewart was presented with an MBE medal by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to the Scotch whisky industry at a ceremony in The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Focus on David Stewart, The Balvenie‘s cellar Master

David Stewart has dedicated almost 54 years of his life to the Scotch whisky industry. His pioneering techniques have had a profound impact on Scotch whisky production methods used today. He is renowned for his groundbreaking work particularly around ‘cask finishes’ for The Balvenie and has developed a number of award winning whiskies (Grand Prix of Gastronomy by the British Academy of Gastronomes…etc.) enjoyed and loved by whisky drinkers all over the world.

Commenting on his MBE, David said: “I feel very humbled to receive this award. I started my career as a whisky stocks clerk in 1962 and I didn’t expect to become a malt master. I feel incredibly proud. I’ve been very fortunate to work for a family run company and it has allowed me the freedom to experiment throughout my career. It’s a privilege working in this industry so to be rewarded and recognised in this manner is very humbling.

I’ve received a number of messages from people all around the world. I’d like to thank those who have been kind enough to congratulate me on the award and to all of the wonderful people I’ve worked with since I started almost 54 years ago.”