NewsBy Miona MadsenBryony McNiven will become Ardbeg’s first female distillery manager in nearly 200 years as of 1 January 2026. McNiven, a native of Islay and the daughter of an Ardbeg stillman, has devoted her entire career to Ardbeg. Commenting on her new position, McNiven said: “Ardbeg has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Since 2018, McNiven has worked as the distillery’s visitor centre planner and joined the Ardbeg Committee as co-chair earlier this year. Caspar MacRae, president and CEO of Ardbeg, said: “I can’t think of anyone better than Bryony to take on the role of Ardbeg distillery manager – surely the peatiest position in single malt.