Pictured above: Gareth Morgan and Patsy Bass.
Reefton Distilling Co. has appointed Gareth Morgan as distillery manager at their Reefton site in the Tai Poutini West Coast rainforest.
Gareth Morgan has many years’ experience, working in the heart of Speyside, the celebrated whisky producing region in Scotland, and home to over half of Scotland’s operating malt whisky distilleries. His career path has seen him involved in all areas of the Scotch Whisky industry, including distilleries such as Macallan and Tamnavulin. He brings a wealth of whisky making expertise to his new role.
Morgan’s role as distillery manager 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 secured Gareth to fill this new role. Apart from his obvious skillset he is extremely personable and is very keen to share his knowledge,” says Patsy Bass, Reefton Distilling Co.’s CEO.
“The position of distillery manager is one of the most senior in any distillery, with a great deal of responsibility,” she says. “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.
“Gareth 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,” explains Bass.
From Speyside to Reefton
Gareth, 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 in Reefton. The family are now settling into life in one of New Zealand’s most historic and picturesque small towns.
Although Reefton may be half a world away from Speyside, Gareth says 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.
“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 breathtaking 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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