Lancaster Spirits Co., the independent craft distillery based on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, has announced a landmark partnership with one of Scotland’s most renowned whisky makers: Max McFarlane.
With over 45 years of experience, much of it at the Edrington Group, McFarlane was the lead whisky maker behind celebrated names such as Glengoyne, Bunnahabhain, Tamdhu, Cutty Sark, and Famous Grouse. His career has been marked by industry honours including Master Blender of the Year and his 2017 induction as a Keeper of the Quaich.
Now joining Lancaster Spirits Co., McFarlane will guide the development of the distillery’s whisky portfolio—from shaping the maturation strategy and evaluating cask quality to crafting new expressions that capture the essence of Lancaster’s terroir and traditional methods.
Following his tenure at Edrington, McFarlane contributed to the establishment of Ardgowan Distillery, helping shape their cask and flavour policies. At Lancaster, he brings that same expertise to a distillery rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Lancaster Spirits produces its whisky using methods rarely seen in modern whisky-making: hand-turned mash, freshly milled barley, well water, and a complex, ester-rich wash fermented using live yeast from the brewery’s 200-year-old strain. There is no automation—every element of production is done manually.
“The moment I met the team and tasted their new-make spirit, I knew I wanted to be part of this,” said McFarlane. “Lancaster’s spirit is rich, fruity, and full of character. My job is to find the right casks to bring out its full potential.”
Managing Director Phil Simpson added:
“Max’s appointment is a milestone moment for us. His experience in maturation and blending will ensure that our whisky stands proudly among the world’s best.”
The team is already laying the groundwork for their inaugural English single malt, with a release planned for 2027. Over 200 casks have been laid down to date, with more warehousing space secured to support future growth. McFarlane will oversee the evaluation of all existing stocks and ensure future fills align with the distillery’s long-term goals.
“We are not cutting corners,” said Commercial Manager Christopher Pateman. “We are building something with real integrity.”
To learn more about Lancaster Spirits Co. or to book a distillery tour, visit: lancasterspirits.co.uk
