Gemma has been The Balvenie Global Ambassador since 2018 and hosts distillery tours for journalists, influencers and experts. She is also a member of the William Grant & Sons Nosing Panel and has obtained a General Certificate in Distillation.
Born and raised in the Highlands of Scotland, Gemma Paterson grew up in the Hebridean Isle of Lewis, where she first enjoyed a dram of The Balvenie DoubleWood 12.
In 2011, Gemma joined The Balvenie distillery to study the art and science of whisky - making her an expert in everything that goes into creating the most handcrafted Scotch whisky.
Passionate to continue learning, Gemma became a member of the William Grant & Sons Nosing Panel and obtained a General Certificate in Distillation. She spent time with The Balvenie Malt Master, David C. Stewart MBE, to absorb his years of knowledge, participated in countless local tastings and evetns with the whisky community and shadowed The Balvenie craftsmen at the distillery. Gemma is also studying for a diploma in Distillation from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling in London.
In May 2016, Gemma's whisky journey took her to New York as The Balvenie Ambassador, United States East. In 2018, Sam Simmons, The Balvenie's previous Global Ambassador, handed over the role to Gemma, for her to continue the future custodianship of The Balvenie.
