Background
STEWART, DAVID was born on March 21, 1945 in Akron, Ohio, United States.
STEWART, DAVID was born on March 21, 1945 in Akron, Ohio, United States.
University of Akron (Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, 1967). University of Wisconsin-Madison (Juris Doctor, 1972. Master of Science, Engineering, 1974).
Born in Ayr on the west coast of Scotland in 1945, David Stewart started work at William Grant & Sons as an apprentice in 1962, the year before Single Malt Scotch Whisky was first officially exported to England, when Glenfiddich became the first single malt to be enjoyed outside Scotland. Following a 12-year apprenticeship at the independent family distillers learning the skills of nosing and blending the best quality Scotch whisky, David was appointed Malt Master of William Grant & Sons in 1974. A position he has held ever since, making him the longest-serving malt master of any distillers in the industry.
David’s introduction of Glenfiddich Solera Reserve 15 Year Old, was also the first and only single malt to use the innovative Solera maturation process.
As master blender at William Grant & Sons, he developed the world’s first blends to be finished in Ale and Sherry Casks, with the introduction of Grant’s Ale Cask Reserve and Sherry Cask Reserve. His passion for the art of blending also helped Grant’s Family Reserve, the world’s third best-selling Scotch whisky, receive consistent international acclaim as one of the world’s best blends.
David officially handed over the role of Glenfiddich Malt Master and Grant’s Master Blender to Brian Kinsman in 2009, after almost a decade working closely together. He firmly remains part of the William Grant & Sons family, however, dedicating his time to his Malt Master role at the company’s renowned The Balvenie Distillery in Dufftown.
David’s pioneering spirit and dedication to his craft, coupled with his modest, unassuming manner has made him one of the best-loved and respected craftsmen in the business.
An avid Ayr United football fan, David also finds the time to indulge in curling and a round of golf in his spare time.
Dane County and American Bar Associations. State Bar of Wisconsin. State Bar of Arizona.
American Intellectual Property Law Association.
Environmental Law, Administrative Law, Patent and Intellectual Property Law.