Bruce Smith
Head of Distilling & Whisky Operations @The Lakes Distillery
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WORK HISTORY
Head of Distilling & Whisky Operations @The Lakes Distillery
Keswick, GB
Strategic & Operational Leadership• Lead and manage end-to-end operations including production, logistics, maintenance, compliance, and H&S.• Drive continuous improvement in efficiency, sustainability, cost management, and quality across all operational departments, technical lead on projects – CAPEX, OPEX & NPD.• Contribute to long-term strategic planning and budgeting as part of the executive team.• Consolidate supply chain into a single, integrated team with a unified purpose and shared KPIs. Manufacturing Excellence• Serve as a chief architect of the Lakes new make spirit style.• Oversee all operational aspects of spirit production including fermentation, distillation, maturation, packaging & end-to-end supply chain. • Collaborate to develop core range, limited editions, innovation projects, and long-term inventory strategy in line with brand vision.Whisky Making• Beyond core operational remit, collaborate in the whisky making process, to contribute meaningfully to the panel, offering input and providing support and cover to whiskymakers. Team & Talent Development• Build and lead high-performing teams across production, warehousing and supply chain functions.• Support a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement and skill development.Compliance & Quality Assurance• Ensure all products meet or exceed legislative and internal safety & quality standards.• Maintain full compliance with HMRC, environmental, HSE and industry-specific regulations.Sustainability & Supply Chain• Embed sustainability into all operational practices, including energy usage, water management, and waste reduction.• Optimise procurement and supplier relationships to ensure continuity, quality, and cost-effectiveness.Brand Representation & Collaboration• Collaborate with marketing, commercial, and hospitality teams to align operational capability with brand storytelling.• Represent the distillery’s craftsmanship to trade, media, and consumers.
EDUCATION
Glasgow Caledonian University
Bachelor of Science (BSc), Physiotherapy
Heriot-Watt University
Master of Science (MSc), Brewing and Distilling
NEBOSH
National General Certificate, Occupational Health and Safety
ABOUT BRUCE SMITH
I’m a distiller, brewer, and whisky maker with a scientist’s mindset and a focus on flavour, process, and innovation.With an MSc in Brewing & Distilling from Heriot-Watt University, my career has spanned global producers and pioneering craft environments—shaping production, scaling operations, and developing award winning products across the beer and whisky industries. My experience includes roles with Diageo and Heineken, contributing to the revival of Brora, launching the first whisky in Inverness for 130-years at Uile-bheist, and leading whisky production & entire supply chain at The Lakes Distillery.My work sits at the intersection of science, engineering, and sensory design.I specialise in: • Fermentation optimisation and yeast innovation • Distillation process design and operational scaling • Cask strategy, maturation, and flavour development • Spirit, wood, and air chemistry to influence character and consistencyI’m particularly interested in how process decisions translate into flavour outcomes, and how to design spirits with intention from raw material through to final product.Beyond whisky, I’ve expanded into cognac/brandy production, winemaking, and broader flavour systems to deepen my understanding of maturation and élevage, alongside mixology and flavour interaction across spirits.I also serve as a Board Member of the English Whisky Guild, contributing to the development and recognition of the English whisky category.
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