Scotch whisky firm appoints first female master blender in 156 years

The world’s best-selling Scotch whisky has appointed its first female master blender in its 156-year history.

Dr Emma Walker will take over for Dr. Jim Beveridge OBE, who has been Johnnie Walker’s master blender for the past two decades.

She joined Diageo, which owns Johnnie Walker, 13 years ago and has worked as a Scotch blender for the past six years.

She will be responsible for the limited-edition Jane Walker by Johnnie Walker blend, in addition to the Blue Label Ghost and Rare series.

The new role will see Dr Walker leading a 12-strong team of expert whisky makers who craft and blend whisky from all over Scotland, sold in more than 180 countries.

She said: “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.”

Aptly names Dr Walker – no relation to the whisky family – will take up the new position in January 2022.

The brand was awarded the Royal Warrant in 1934 by King George V.