Amid century-old barrels, smoky aromas, and a tradition that has defined Scotch whisky for over 200 years, Dr. Emma Walker is writing a new chapter for Johnnie Walker.A chemist by training and the brand’s current Master Blender, she not only became the first woman to hold this historic position but is also one of the key figures responsible for modernizing the way this iconic drink is crafted and enjoyed.
In Johnnie Walker’s more than two centuries of history, only eight people have held the position of “Master Blender.” Today, Emma is leading a new chapter for the brand with offerings such as Black Cask and Blue Label Ice Chalet—whiskies that explore more contemporary profiles without losing the essence and heritage of Scotch. These flavors undoubtedly make the whisky an essential companion for any occasion and moment.
Dr Emma Walker joins a small, select group of people, and becomes the first female, to take on the coveted role of Master Blender in the 200-year Johnnie Walker story.
In this second part of an exclusive interview with ¡HOLA!, Emma shares details about her vision for whisky, the use of technology in developing original products, and her inspiration for creating innovative blends.
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Throughout your tenure, you've had a hand in developing new releases like Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet and, Johnnie Walker Vault Couture Expression and The Couture Blend. What was your inspiration for developing these new blends, and how does technology help you spark innovations?
Inspiration comes in so many different ways. With Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet, we wanted to create a whisky for celebrations with friends at Après-ski moments.
To do this, we used data to find casks that were matured during some of Scotland’s coldest winters. These were blended with malts from some of our highest altitude and most northern distilleries to create a velvety smooth limited-edition Scotch. I think it’s such a great example of how technology can inform those human moments and really complement an occasion.
Dr Emma Walker is appointed the new Master Blender for Johnnie Walker, succeeding Dr Jim Beveridge OBE who retires after more than 40 years at Diageo.
We understand that you have an interest in sustainability and novel approaches to your work. How are tech innovations like AI helping you push the brand further?
Technology in general is massively enhancing our data analysis - something that has always been important, but the new capabilities we have as a result of this new technology are so exciting. We’re in a fortunate position to have centuries of data to draw from, so being able to interrogate that in updated ways is definitely helping us learn and uncover more. As custodians of the brand, this helps us protect the craft and make the right decisions for the future.
Interestingly, the data often shows that we (and those who came before us), have been intuitively doing the right things; it almost proves our instincts. Take, for example, the use of copper stills and oak casks in the 1700s & 1800s - these materials were available to hand, their selection based on intuition and knowledge of the time. We know now, through advanced understanding, that these choices were fortuitously made, giving us the incredible liquid we still enjoy today. So, whilst technology is of incredible importance, it often shows we’re already taking the right steps.
You're a member of the IWSC Spirits Judging Committee. How does judging whiskey help in your role as a Master Blender?
Inspiration comes in many forms, and the incredible work my peers do all around the world certainly keeps me inspired and on my toes! Sitting on this committee means I can sample some of the best our community has to offer, and it also shows me where the industry is heading - what flavours and finishes are trending, what palates and tastes are driving demand, and what innovations are hitting the mark.
With all that said, for us the biggest insights and guidance are always consumers. We always have and always will be creating whisky for our consumers; they're at the forefront of every idea, concept and whisky.
Emma Walker takes the stage at a HOLA! event in Miami to discuss creativity, craftsmanship, and the next chapter of whisky.
Check out the first part of our exclusive interview, where Emma Walker shares her inspiring journey to becoming Johnnie Walker’s first female “master blender” and how her passion is breaking down stereotypes in the world of spirits.
Shop here for Johnnie Walker Black Cask and discover the sweeter side of whisky!
© Mike Wilkinson
© Mike Wilkinson
