Reefton Distilling Co. has announced the recent appointment of Scotch Whisky Industry Expert, Gareth Morgan, in the key leadership role of Distillery Manager, at their Reefton site in the Tai Poutini West Coast rainforest.
Morgan has many years’ experience, working in the heart of Speyside, the most celebrated whisky-producing region in Scotland and home to over half of Scotland’s operating malt whisky distilleries. He has brought this wealth of whisky-making expertise to his new role. His career path has seen him involved in all areas of the Scotch Whisky industry, including distilleries such as Macallan and Tamnavulin.
Those acquainted with Tamnavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky will be familiar with the name Gareth Morgan, as every bottle produced during his tenure there bears his signature.
Morgans’s vast industry experience also includes cask and bottling management with D&M Winchester Ltd., based at Coleburn Distillery. His role as Distillery Manger will see him lead the Reefton site and oversee the distillery’s cask management programme for their Moonlight Creek Single Malt Whisky.
“We are very pleased to have been able to secure Gareth to fill this new role. Apart from his obvious skill set, he is extremely personable and is very keen to share his knowledge," said Patsy Bass, Reefton Distilling Co.’s Chief Executive.
"The position of Distillery Manager is one of the most senior in any distillery, with a great deal of responsibility. Having someone with Gareth’s level of skill and experience to oversee our production facility, ensuring that the routine operation of the distillery continues successfully whilst achieving production targets and driving efficiencies, will provide a huge benefit to our business.”
A Distillery Manager’s role is to oversee the entire distillation process. The position includes responsibility for the raw materials from which the spirit is made, the condition and smooth running of plant and equipment, and leading the production team.
The Distillery Manager is responsible for ensuring the taste, strength, and appearance of each batch of spirit remains consistent and meets our extremely high-quality standards, despite the small and unavoidable variations in natural ingredients. This involves monitoring the production process at regular intervals, testing samples, and making adjustments where necessary.
Morgan, his wife and young family left the rolling countryside at the foot of the Cairngorm mountains in Speyside in November 2023, to allow him to take up his new role. The family have now settled into life in one of New Zealand’s most historic and picturesque small towns. The panoramic view from the distillery takes in the natural beauty of the Brunner, Paparoa and Victoria Ranges.
Although Reefton may be half a world away from Speyside, Morgan said there are a lot of similarities with his Scottish homeland, and not just the majestic landscape.
“Ask anyone in the industry, and they will tell you that the most important requirements for making fine whisky and other spirits are the best ingredients, an abundance of clear, pure water, the highest quality of malted barley and a team of dedicated and experienced people,” said Morgan.
“At Reefton Distilling Co. I have found that everything we need is right here on the doorstep. I have already learned so much including foraging for botanicals in the breath-taking New Zealand hills and I am excited to be part of Reefton Distilling Co.’s journey, producing premium whisky, gin, vodka and liqueurs here on the West Coast of New Zealand.”
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