#155 | Jenny Karlsson on a life in Whisky

Did you know that in addition to our Brewers Journal Podcast, we also run The Distillers Journal Podcast, too? And there’s where today’s guest episode comes from.

If we’re lucky our careers, coupled with an appetite for new experiences, can allow us to visit, work and live in different countries around the world.

And in the case of today’s guest, she’s done just that. And as a result the Scottish distilling industry is all the better for it.

Because the Scottish Whisky industry is blessed with a wealth of fantastic, talented individuals. But there’s probably very whose journey has taken them from Sweden via Paris then eventually, aged 21, to Scotland.

But that’s exactly how Jenny Karlsson did it.

Jenny has a decorated career in Whisky that has taken in roles at outfits such as Springbank, Kilkerran and Brown-Forman, as well as studies at the world-famous Heriot-Watt University. And for the last four-plus years, she has been the marketing communications manager at Ardnamurchan Distillery.

Established in 2014, the distillery embodies the spirit of its namesake peninsula, renowned for its wild landscapes and untamed character. 

From traditional double distillation to blockchain technology, Ardnamurchan embrace heritage, innovation and sustainable practises throughout the whisky making process. 

They use a traditional mix of American and European oak, ex-sherry casks and American oak ex-bourbon casks to mature the biggest share of their whisky, but they also enjoy having fun with other types of oak casks that have previously held anything from white wine to Mezcal, and Sauternes to Madeira.

And in this episode of The Distillers Journal Podcast, we delve into Jenny’s career in the whiskey industry and the impact that social media and video-sharing platforms such as YouTube have had on the sector.

We also discuss the importance of striking a work/life balance, especially when you have a young family, Jenny’s love of knowledge sharing and education and why now, after roles at a number of other revered distilleries, she says her position at Ardnamurchan feels tailor-made for her.