We recently partnered with John Dewar & Sons, part of Bacardi, to deliver a practical knowledge exchange programme at Royal Brackla Distillery, strengthening collaboration between distillery operations and steam system engineering.

The initiative saw our junior technicians embedded on-site to gain hands-on distillery experience, while Dewar’s operational staff joined us to develop deeper insight into boiler systems, valve maintenance, and steam infrastructure.

Hands-On Distillery Experience

Our technicians Kieran and Brandon spent a week at Royal Brackla Distillery, working alongside operators across the full whisky production process, from grain intake and sampling through to spirit production and dispatch.

This on-site exposure provided critical understanding of how steam systems, boilers, and process valves directly support distillery efficiency and product quality.

Commenting, Brandon said: “I went into the experience with very little knowledge of the process. Now I can confidently describe it and understand the impact my role has within the distillery.”, with Kieran adding: “The week gave me full insight into production and how steam is utilised in different ways to produce spirit.”

Engineering Insight at Aberfeldy Distillery

The exchange also saw Gregor Morris, Graduate Distillery Supervisor at John Dewar & Sons, join us for a week of engineering-focused experience, where he worked with our teams across multiple areas, including:

• Boiler inspections and maintenance during silent season at Aberfeldy Distillery
• Process valve servicing, steam trap repairs, and on-site engineering support
• Workshop-based valve testing, calibration, and pressure testing
• Operational planning, project coordination, and customer management

Commenting on his time at Boiler & Valve Engineering, Gregor said: “I gained practical insight into boiler operations and the coordination required to support multiple distillery sites, which was exactly the exposure I was looking for early in my career.”

Strengthening Distillery Engineering Partnerships

The programme was initiated by Paul Lobar, Distilling Manager at Bacardi, in collaboration with our Managing Director Andrew Macdonald, reinforcing a shared commitment to skills development and continuous improvement across distillery operations.

Commenting, Andrew said: “By connecting distillery teams with engineering specialists, the initiative enhances understanding of steam systems, improves maintenance efficiency, and supports long-term operational performance. This is proving essential as we continue to invest in technical training, client collaboration, and specialist support for the distilling industry across the UK.”