Whisky bottler The Single Cask – home to a warehouse in Glenrothes of over 3000 casks – has hired Jan Damen as general manager and Helen Stewart as brand marketing manager to help take the company ‘to the next level’.
The pair bring a combined background of 40 years in the single cask spirits industry, along with ‘a wealth of whisky knowledge’ acquired through working together at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Damen held the role of operations director for Europe at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and group commercial & operations director at The Artisanal Spirits Company. His focus will now be on developing the global strategy for The Single Cask, leading the commercial management and financial planning of the company while growing the team with new talent.
Stewart brings was previously head of brand marketing & membership at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, directing global campaigns ‘with an unconventional and fun approach’ to great success. Her main focus will now be developing The Single Cask’s global brand strategy, and making a ‘big noise’ through creative campaigns to promote its name to whisky lovers across the globe.
The company recently announced that it is recruiting for its first-ever specialist panel of ‘Taste Masters’ to help in the nosing, tasting, bottling and creation of their luxury single cask whiskies. Candidates for that are now down to the final stages of the interview process.
Damen commented: “It was an easy decision to take up the role of general manager at The Single Cask. We only bottle whiskies with the clear mission of exciting and entertaining our whisky drinking family, and to me that is what whisky is all about.
“The response to our Taste Masters job application has demonstrated the impressive interest people already have for The Single Cask – we’re really thrilled to announce more and more news as the team grows and tell our story to the world.
“Bringing Helen on board was a no-brainer; working together for so many years, she has an amazing ability to share her own enjoyment of whisky with others, always exploring new and unique ways to bring drinkers together,” he added.
“Her knowledge and experience of the whisky world and sharp creative thinking when it comes to brand and campaign strategy made for another easy decision.”
Stewart said: “Drinking single cask whisky is an incredible experience, one that deserves to be shared and appreciated in imaginative ways. What I love about The Single Cask is the belief that the search for the ultimate dram never ends. There is no finish line. It’s such an exciting vision and drive.
“Being able to use my own whisky experience to connect, create conversations and leave lasting memories is an unbelievable opportunity and it’s a great time to be part of this dedicated team.
“Whisky should be fun,” she said. “This is very much The Single Cask brand mantra, and whisky lovers should expect good times ahead. Working together again with Jan, this has never been more true.”
To showcase its Family Series of single cask whiskies, the bottler has also partnered with a genealogist to launch a new social media competition.
Customers are encouraged to join The Single Cask Family Fan Club, with one lucky whisky lover winning the chance to explore their own history with certified genealogist Lorna Kinnaird, of DunEdin Links Genealogy, who will delve into their family tree.
