Island Roots, Progressive Spirit: Ruby Miller’s Path at Bruichladdich

This week, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting away with Bruichladdich’s Ruby Miller. Rubes and I have known each other for years; we used to sing in the high school choir together, before then going on to work together at Bruichladdich for a little under a year.

Ruby has been in the industry for a while now, working around a few distilleries before settling down in the arms of Bruichladdich. I will let her tell you the story; she definitely tells it better!

Ruby’s Whisky Journey

Why did you choose the job you're in now?

I am an Islay Experience Ambassador for Bruichladdich Distillery. I’ve always been drawn to Bruichladdich because of the opportunities for progression within the industry. I was born and raised on Islay, so whisky has always been part of my life — my mum worked at Bowmore, my gran did a few seasons at Ardbeg, and I’d always dreamed of joining the industry myself. I’d also thought about going to university to

study musical theatre or photography — I was so indecisive! — but whisky took over, and now I feel very fortunate to have secured a permanent role at Bruichladdich. I’m excited to continue progressing alongside them and growing within the whisky world.

If you could, what is something you would want to change about the industry? 

If I could change one thing about the industry, it’d be giving women more opportunities to progress — I’d love to see more breaking the mould and moving into senior roles in production, visitor centres, and management.

Big shoutout to my friend and former colleague, Bryony McNiven, who’s become the first female distillery manager of Ardbeg in 200 years — such an inspiration to women!

What’s a misconception you often hear about whisky/your distillery that you’d like to clear up?

A couple of misconceptions I often hear are: just because we’re on an island famous for peat, doesn’t mean all whiskies here are peated — Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain, for example, make some amazing unpeated expressions! And age doesn’t define a whisky either — it’s really personal to the individual, and it’s all about what you enjoy and how you experience it yourself; no one can tell you different.

Is there another aspect of the industry you would want to work in? 

I’ve always loved meeting new people, having great conversations, and learning about different cultures — so ideally, I’d love a role that ties everything I enjoy about my current work on Islay into a job that lets me travel, sharing the brands with people around the world, and hopefully one day becoming an ambassador.

If you were to describe your personality as if it were a dram, what would you choose? 

Growing up in Port Ellen with heavily peated whisky on my doorstep, I was surrounded by smoky drams from an early age. I’d say I’m a mix of Ardbeg and Port Charlotte — Ardbeg Uigeadail represents my roots, the place and people that shaped me, bringing warmth, depth, and layers, while Port Charlotte OLC:01 shows the bold, heavily peated side that I’ve carried with me ever since.

Both are full of character, and I think that sums me up pretty well. And just like a dram isn’t complete without its final aroma, I’d say my sunglasses are the finishing touch — the signature look that adds a bit of mystery, style, and confidence wherever I go.

What’s one place in Scotland you recommend everyone go to?

I’d recommend everyone visit Edinburgh — it’s a city full of history, culture, and incredible architecture. I go there often with my family and, being a theatre fan, I’ve seen countless productions at the Playhouse. But there’s so much more to enjoy! One of my favourite spots is Brewhemia, a bar on Market Street — it’s sociable, lively, and the perfect place to meet people. The first time I went, I met two incredible people: a dancer and her husband. They’d been to Islay not long before we met, and we ended up talking about the distilleries. It reminded me that no matter where you travel, there’s always a connection to be made — and I still keep in touch with them today. From exploring Johnnie Walker on Princes Street and the Scotch Whisky Experience, to experiencing the Military Tattoo and the Fringe Festival, there’s something for everyone. If you fancy a tour while you’re in the city, both Holyrood Distillery and Edinburgh Gin are worth a visit.

What would be your Desert Island Whisky?

If I had to choose a desert island whisky, I’d say Jura. Before I was born, my Great Papa John had a favourite tipple, and funnily enough, it was Jura. He was an avid Jura fan and, to be honest, he probably never really knew exactly where Jura was — he just loved the whisky.

I never got to properly grow up with him, as he passed when I was young, but having grown up hearing about him, enjoying it, drinking a dram now feels like he’s there with me. When my gran moved to Islay 30 years ago with her three children, I like to think he would have been happy knowing Jura was just across the water — and I hope he’d be proud of me working in the industry. I will forever enjoy a Jura and raise a glass for him in the process.

Me and Rubes

Ruby taught me how to interact with customers in a way that is so, so difficult to teach. She kept me laughing every day, was constantly there for advice, a hug or even just a chat. She is knowledgeable beyond her years, and honestly, I wouldn’t have stayed in the industry this long. She is absolutely incredible!

You absolutely MUST go and visit her

All my love,

T x