You couldn’t find bigger shoes to fill in the Scotch whisky industry than those of Dr Jim Beveridge OBE.

Jim retired at the end of 2021 after more than 40 years at Diageo, 20 of which he spent as Master Blender of the world's best-selling Scotch whisky, Johnnie Walker.

As previously reported on Drinks Adventures, Jim’s successor is Dr Emma Walker – no relation to Johnnie Walker – who is the first female master blender in the brand’s history.

Emma joined Diageo 13 years ago and has worked extensively on Johnnie Walker for the last six years on projects such as the Blue Label Ghost and Rare series and Jane Walker by Johnnie Walker.

I’m excited to share this interview with you that I recorded with Emma while she was in Sydney recently.

Click here to open episode in your podcast player.