Drawn to the craft distillery industry, Aaron Milligan knew he had to take his career path in a new direction, switching from a finance job to a career in distilling. After cultivating his knowledge in the subject, he is now doing what he loves: distilling whisky at Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre and gin at Darnley's Gin. Aaron Milligan spoke to Bartender Spirits Awards about his rewarding career as a distiller.

Tell us a little about your background and journey into distilling.

I began my distilling career fairly recently in 2022. Prior to that, I had a job in an investment bank. Honestly, I found the job dull and as the years passed, I was sick of 'working for the man'. That’s when I made the life-altering decision to quit and find a profession that would make me happy. This is when I met my now-fiancé and we moved to Australia. During our time there, I fell in love with the craft distilling industry and went on to do the General Certificate in Distilling course at the Institute of Brewing & Distilling. Just so that I could be a part of it somehow! With the knowledge I gained, I secured the post of tour guide at Kingsbarns Distillery & Visitor Centre in the UK. Luck played its part too, I guess, because I remember Kingsbarns was gearing up for expansion and the gin distiller left around that time so I was offered the role of both whisky and gin distiller!

Image Title and Source: Whisky and Gin Distiller Aaron Milligan

Can you fill us in on your current role and what your day looks like?

As a whisky and gin distiller, I have to mention that no two days have ever been the same! One day you will find me distilling for Kingsbarns whisky and the next, I’ll be sitting with the marketing team discussing what direction we are going to be taking Darnley's gin in. Between all of that, my responsibilities can range from developing new products for upcoming gins and visiting markets to less glamorous tasks like filing for taxes and cleaning up the mess I make in the distillery!

Also read: Leading Gin Importers and Distributors in the USA Shaping the Beverage Market

What inspired you to become a distiller?

I was fascinated by the craft industry in Australia, especially with the small-scale distilleries that made many unique spirits. I could only imagine how awesome it would be to see people buy a bottle of whisky or gin that I made to celebrate their graduation, wedding or birthday. If I can bring something to the table in a joyous moment like that, then I have done my bit in life. 

Image Title and Credits: Aaron Milligan of Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre and Darnley's Gin

What are some of the most important skills for a distiller?

It is crucial for a distiller to be calm and composed even in the most challenging situation, while also possessing the ability to solve problems. You can’t expect operations in the distillery to go smoothly every other day. On the day you encounter an issue, you will have to be proactive in order to diagnose the issue and resolve it accordingly without causing more trouble. It is also a given that you need to have a thorough understanding of your distillery. You should be aware of the flow rates, the correct steam pressure, and how long each operation takes. Having all this information at the tip of your fingers can really make all the difference.

How do you think a distiller can help in driving marketing and sales personally?

Well, any reputable distiller knows their product intimately. They can accurately pinpoint where each flavor in the final product has come from, as they are a big part of the production process. Given that they put their blood, sweat and tears into ensuring the spirits are of the best taste and quality, who better to describe the product than them? I am sure that the energy and passion generated from a distiller’s hard work can be very infectious and will pass on to those they interact with and hopefully to the customer as well.

What is the hardest part of a distiller's job?

As a distiller, I frequently encounter the challenge of balancing logical and creative thinking. For example, when I find myself engaged in product innovation tasks, I struggle to tap into my creativity. On the other hand, sometimes I am drawn to pursue creative projects during periods designated for administrative duties. While both facets are essential to my work, it can be difficult to seamlessly transition between the two.

What do you do when you aren't busy being a distiller?

I love trying new drinks and new serves with my fiancé. Whenever we hear about a new bar opening, we make sure to go there and try a couple of cocktails, especially if it is a themed bar. I am constantly blown away by how bartenders present the cocktails and how they combine ingredients to enhance the flavor of the spirit.

Also read: What Will a Profitable Cocktail List in 2025 Look Like?

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What trends do you anticipate in the beverage industry in the coming months? Or where do you see the domestic craft distilling scene going? What's next for the industry?

I'm intrigued by the ready-to-drink scene, as that seems to be all the talk at the moment. It will be interesting to see how it evolves and fits into people's drinking habits. I am also grateful that there has been a lot of attention going to sustainability in recent years. I believe collaborating more within the industry will help us find better ways to be even more sustainable in the future.

Header image by Aaron Milligan

Related links:
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