Johnny Walker Scotch whisky elite has turned a new leaf on its 201-year-old history by appointing Dr Emma Walker as their first female and seventh Master Blender.
Walker joined Diageo in 2008 and worked in the Whisky Specialist Team and spent 4 years perfecting the whisky flavours. Emma then worked In the Production Department under distilleries like- Cameronbridge Distillery, Knockando Distillery in Speyside, etc. Emma rejoined Johnny Walker in 2014 and created exquisite and rarest Johnnie Walker Whiskies including Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Brora & Port Ellen Editions, The John Walker Master Edition and Jane Walker bottling.
“I am honoured to take on the title of master blender of Johnnie Walker, and at an exciting time for the brand as we embark on the next step of our journey looking ahead to the next 200 years. I love experimenting and innovating with flavour and we’ll be working hard to not only continue to deliver the unrivalled quality that we are renowned for but also introducing blends to appeal to a new generation of Scotch whisky fans.”
By Emma Walker
Emma was leading strategic and technical Whisky projects with Dr Jim Beveridge and expanded her knowledge on whisky under Jim.
“I have learnt so much over my career working with Jim – whose knowledge and generosity of spirit is unsurpassed in the world of whisky,”
By Emma Walker
Dr Jim Beveridge is called ‘Kings of Kings’ by Johhny Walker Company. He started his journey as an analytical chemist at Johnny Walker 42 years ago. He was appointed as Johnny Walker’s sixth Master Blender. Dr Beveridge worked for four decades in Johnny Walker and Diageo, where he showcased exceptional skill and dedication to quality. He had blended unique and rare Johnny Walker Scotch whiskies in his lab at Menstrie, Scotland- John Walker & Sons Celebratory Blend, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Legendary Eight and John Walker & Sons Bicentenary Blend, etc. He has established himself as one of the most highly respected figures in the Scotch Whisky industry.
Dr Beveridge was presented with his OBE (Order of the British Empire) medal by Her Majesty during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, in recognition of his remarkable career spanning almost four decades with Diageo. At the end of the year, Dr Beveridge will be retiring from his successful career of over 40 years at Diego and is delighted to successfully pass on the legacy of Johnny Walker to Emma.
“It is with pleasure and confidence that I pass on this privilege to Emma. I know she will do a wonderful job as she possesses the knowledge, expertise and dedication to make an amazing master blender. On a personal level, I am delighted for her, and I know that her wonderfully infectious personality, that made working with her so enjoyable, will bring something exciting and different to the team and, indeed, to the wider Scotch industry.”
By Beveridge
Dr Emma Walker will be taking over the position of Johnny Walker’s seventh Master Blender and will lead a group of 12 in her new position. Emma will be officially taking up the position from 1 January 2022.
The team of Johnny Walker are excited about the announcement. The team is delighted for Walker to take over “at an exciting time,” Johnnie Walker global brand director Julie Bramham said in a prepaid statement.
“It is through Jim’s tireless work, incredible expertise and dedication to quality that the iconic flavours of the Johnnie Walker portfolio are so popular today and we thank him for his outstanding contribution over the last four decades”.
Julie Bramham ( Director for Johnnie Walker)
“Emma takes over at an exciting time; Scotch is being enjoyed in so many different ways by people from all over the world and I know that Emma and her team will continue to develop the exceptional tastes, textures and flavours that we are renowned for.”
As Dr Beveridge says “Johnny Walker is unique” and let’s cheer for the next generation Master Blender Dr Emma Walker for the successful and flavourful journey ahead.