There are many iconic distilleries in Scotland, but not many come bigger than Glenfarclas.. This distillery is probably the biggest name out there when it comes down to sherry matured whisky,  so when I got the chance to get the distillery manager Callum Fraser on board  how could I refuse..

Glenfarclas distillery can be found in the speyside area in Ballindalloch, Scotland. Glenfarclas translates as valley of the green grass. The distillery is owned and run by the Grant family,  with the distillery boasting a production capacity of around 3.5 million litres of spirit per year..

The distillery has approximately 68,000 casks maturing on site, in traditional dunnage warehouses, with stock from every year from 1953 to the current year. Glenfarclas produce a traditional Highland malt with a heavy sherry influence.

Callum A Fraser

Q1, could you please tell us a little about yourself, background, length of time in industry.

Grew up in a small village called Kippen , situated 10 miles west of Stirling in Central Scotland, served an apprenticeship in Baking before joining the Whisky Industry in 1990, ,I started at Deanston Distillery in as a Mash man. Moved to Glenfarclas in 2012 as Distillery Manager so 26 years to date making whisky

Q2, could you tell us something about the duties you perform at the distillery / your daily routines, a typical day..

My day starts at 0730 hrs when myself and my assistant Manager will walk around the distillery speaking to the operators as we go, we will then take care of any issues that may of occurred during the night shift, from there I move onto opening my mail, dealing with email and planning production and any maintenance works that may be required. I also prepare new make Spirit for filling to casks if it was a filling day. Health and Safety is a big part of my role also ensuring that best working practices are carried out at all time.

Q3, Each day will bring different duties but is there any particular job you enjoy more than others and if so why.

I do enjoy days when I go into the Warehouse looking at some of the older casks that we have maturing at Glenfarclas, nosing and checking colour etc. these are good days especially when you uncover something really special.

Q4, working for such a well-known distillery must bring its own pressure but what would you say are the benefits / highlights.

One of the benefits of working at Glenfarclas is the fact that we are run by a single family, the Grants, they have owned Glenfarclas for over 151 years and believe in the traditional methods of making Whisky. This helps make the job of Distillery Manager a lot easier.

Q5, Do you take your work home and if so what is your favourite Glenfarclas tipple.

Living next to the Distillery means that my work is always close, of course I enjoy a dram in the evening , there is nothing better than a glass of 21 year old Glenfarclas in front of the open fire, sheer bliss!!!

I would like to thank Callum and Glenfarclas for taking the time to take part in this series..