Peter Milne, process support specialist with Diageo Global Supply, has been named as this year’s recipient of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) Simpsons Malt Award.
The award recognises Peter’s success in achieving the highest percentage mark in the Diploma in Distilling Module One Examination for 2017. Completing the qualification in record time, Peter, aged 25, achieved all three modules in just 12 months, instead of the outlined three years.
Based in Elgin, Peter is responsible for analysing and improving the efficiency of the mashing, fermentation and distilling processes. A recent entrant in to the brewing and distilling industry, Peter was keen to expand on his training and was encouraged by his employer to take on the diploma.
Richard Simpson, vice-chairman of Simpsons Malt, said: “Recognising talent in this way is paramount to the development of the brewing and distilling industry, and we are very proud to be associated with the IBD. As maltsters, it is great to see such passion and knowledge in the industry right now. We wish Peter all the success in his future career.”
Peter added: “With no prior distilling experience, training has been absolutely essential for my current role. The diploma has been hugely beneficial to my role already, helping to make judgements grounded by the tools and methods that have been learned and adapted by the brewing and distilling industries over the years.
“For people keen to start a career in the distilling industry, I would absolutely recommend getting out to see the process in action and ask questions, lots of questions.”
