Native Ileach Barry McAffer has announced his plans to leave Laphroaig Distillery, where he has been the distillery manager since 2022. McAffer departs after 13 years at Laphroaig, where he rose through the ranks from the malting floor to assistant manager, and was promoted to distillery manager upon John Campbell’s departure at the end of 2021.
“It’s been an incredible journey, but now I feel the time has come for me to explore new opportunities beyond my native Islay,” McAffer said in a letter to members of the Friends of Laphroaig affinity group.
McAffer will remain at Laphroaig through next month’s Feis Ile open day. His successor has not been announced.