Jan Damen joins as general manager with Helen Stewart takes the role of brand marketing manager to help tell the story of The Single Cask and take the company to the next level.

The highly-experienced pair bring a combined background of 40 years in the single cask spirits industry along with a wealth of whisky knowledge acquired through working together at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Family-focused The Single Cask value their drinking community and believe it’s important to know where you’re from, just like their whisky; to further celebrate ‘World Storytelling Day’, the bottler has partnered with a Scottish Genealogist to launch a social media competition showcasing The Family Series of unique single cask whiskies.

Whisky lovers are encouraged to join The Single Cask Family Fan Club, with one lucky whisky lover winning the chance to explore their own history and embrace the magic of family with certified Genealogist Lorna Kinnaird of DunEdin Links Genealogy, who will delve into the fascinating story of a family tree.

Jan Damen has a rich background in hospitality and single cask whisky – heading up the roles of operations director for Europe at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Group commercial & operations director at The Artisanal Spirits Company, before accepting the role of general manager at The Single Cask.

His focus will be on developing the global strategy for The Single Cask, leading the commercial management and financial planning of the company while growing the team with new and exciting talent. With his love of the hospitality industry, The Single Cask Family can expect to see some exceptional events and exciting experiences over the coming months.

Helen Stewart brings with her a proven understanding of the whisky industry and a career that lead to head of brand marketing & membership at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, directing global campaigns with an unconventional and fun approach to great success. Her main focus will be developing the global brand strategy, making a big noise through creative campaigns and spreading the good word of The Single Cask to whisky lovers across the globe.

Mr Damen said: “Feeling the contagious passion and enthusiasm the small team here at The Single Cask have and, of course sampling some of their incredible whiskies, I knew instantly that I wanted to be involved in taking the company to the next level.

“It was an easy decision to take up the role of general manager at The Single Cask. We only bottle whiskies with the clear mission of exciting and entertaining our whisky drinking family, and to me that is what whisky is all about.”

He added: “Bringing Helen on board was a no-brainer; working together for so many years, she has an amazing ability to share her own enjoyment of whisky with others, always exploring new and unique ways to bring drinkers together.

“Her knowledge and experience of the whisky world and sharp creative thinking when it comes to brand and campaign strategy made for another easy decision.”

Adding her thoughts, Ms Stewart said: “Drinking single cask whisky is an incredible experience, one that deserves to be shared and appreciated in imaginative ways. What I love about The Single Cask is the belief that the search for the ultimate dram never ends. There is no finish line. It’s such an exciting vision and drive.

“Being able to use my own whisky experience to connect, create conversations and leave lasting memories is an unbelievable opportunity and it’s a great time to be part of this dedicated team. Whisky should be fun.

“This is very much The Single Cask brand mantra, and whisky lovers should expect good times ahead. Working together again with Jan, this has never been more true.”