Independent family distillers, William Grant & Sons UK has confirmed that respected whisky expert Alwynne Gwilt has been appointed as Whisky Specialist for the Ancient Reserves portfolio of whiskies.

Alwynne’s focus will be on some of the most prestigious whiskies in the William Grant & Sons UK portfolio, including The Girvan Patent Still, William Grant & Sons Rare Cask Reserves, Kininvie and Ailsa Bay.

Alwynne comes with five years of industry experience and is the founder and editor of whisky-focussed website, Miss Whisky. Throughout her career Alwynne Gwilt has been involved with consulting and training in the whisky sector, earning her a place within the ‘Top 10 Women in Whisky’ as judged by The Drinks Business in 2014, and was named ‘International Whisky Ambassador of the Year’ at the Spirit of Speyside Festival in 2013.

Jonathan Cornthwaite, Senior Brand Manager for the William Grant & Sons UK Esoteric Whisky portfolio said: “At William Grant & Sons UK, whisky is in our DNA, so it is with great pleasure that we welcome Alwynne, with her wealth of unique experience. Alwynne is a great addition to the team and will help drive forward the William Grant & Sons UK Ancient Reserves portfolio.”

Alwynne Gwilt said: “I fell in love with whisky during a tasting at Milroy’s whisky shop in Soho back in 2008 and it has been my passion ever since. Fast forward eight years, and I am delighted to be taking on this role within a company that has such a strong portfolio of rare and unique whiskies. I am looking forward to working with like-minded people who share the same respect for whisky as I do and my ambition is to encourage more people to gain an appreciation for this fine spirit.”