Ardbeg’s Jackie Thomson joins Portintruan distillery
Jackie Thomson, the former visitor centre manager for Ardbeg distillery, has joined Islay’s Portintruan distillery ahead of its opening next year.
Having led Ardbeg’s visitor centre for over 25 years, Thomson has now joined Elixir Distillers’ Portintruan distillery as visitor experience manager, focusing on shaping the visitor journey during the final phase of the site’s build.
Thomson joins distillery manager Georgie Crawford at Portintruan, another Islay whisky stalwart who left her role as Lagavulin’s distillery manager four years ago.
Thomson, who has become world-renowned for her warm hospitality, said: “I can’t wait to welcome whisky lovers from across the globe to this remarkable place. That exchange of stories, culture, and enthusiasm is what I love most.
“Right now, my role is about shaping the journey through the distillery – whether visitors are here for whisky production, Islay’s history, good food, or a great dram. I’m determined to create experiences that leave lasting memories for everyone who comes through the door.”
Portintruan is in the final stages of its build out, and is due to open to visitors in Spring/Summer 2026.
Sukhinder Singh, co-founder of Elixir Distillers, added: “The vision for Portintruan was always to celebrate the very best of Islay. We wanted to create somewhere that allows both the malt spirit and the island spirit to shine. We can’t do that without the right people.
“Georgie and Jackie, in addition to our head of whisky creation Oliver Chilton, have helped shape the Islay whisky industry over the last few decades and will be a formidable team. They already are and the doors aren’t even open yet.”
Ardbeg distillery recently also appointed Bryony McNiven as its first female distillery manager in over 250 years.
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