Judge profile: Kirsteen Campbell

In October 2019, Kirsteen Campbell was named the first master whisky maker of Scotch whisky distillery The Macallan, where she will lead the whisky mastery team. 

Campbell joined Edrington – owner of Macallan – in 2007, and was appointed master blender of Cutty Sark in 2010. She most recently held the role of master blender for Scotch brands The Famous Grouse and Naked Grouse.

In June of this year, Campbell contributed 20 bottles of whisky from Edrington to the IWSC's 50th anniversary blended malt Scotch whisky.

What are you looking for when judging spirits?

What we’re looking for with Gold medals is the combination of the aroma, the flavour, the finish and everything being really well integrated, and just standing out from the rest.
 

How can IWSC awards help producers?

I think the awards are great recognition of quality. It’s something that whisky producers will be proud to show on their bottles.

Have you seen any trends in the judging this year?

There's been more cask strength this year than what I’ve seen before, and the quality has been really high - it’s been a pleasure to be involved.