Former Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge Unveils His Legacy Blend

Whiskey maker Johnnie Walker recently announced the legacy blend from former master blender and whisky icon, Dr. Jim Beveridge.

Beveridge retired from his role in December of 2021, and now he unveils “The Master’s Cut,” a limited edition Scotch that celebrates the essence of blending Scotch, drawing on two whiskies from renowned distilleries to make a balanced, simple blend.

In all, only a thousand bottles of Johnnie Walker Master’s Cut will be available at Johnnie Walker Princes Street (the brand experience in Edinburgh) later in 2023. It will go out to select markets after that.

Whiskey maker Johnnie Walker recently announced the legacy blend from former master blender and whisky icon, Dr. Jim Beveridge. (image via Diageo)

A statement from Johnnie Walker noted that for this expression, Beveridge blended two whiskies. The lighter single grain whisky with vanilla notes from one of the oldest distilleries used to blend Johnnie Walker, Cameronbridge, was married to the fruity single malt whisky from one of the youngest distilleries in Scotland, Roseisle.

Beveridge explained that this blend is meant to pay homage to the Johnnie Walker past and celebrates the brand’s journey into the future.

“Working in this incredible industry with Johnnie Walker has been an honor and it’s a real privilege to work with the blending team, now led by Master Blender Emma Walker, to create this legacy blend,” Beveridge said. “It is my final Johnnie Walker blend, made at a turning point in the Johnnie Walker journey when the baton is passed from one master blender to another. The whisky looks to the future, while also recognizing the achievements of the past.”

Beveridge’s retirement came after a four-decade career in whisky. And during that time, Beveridge had a hand in some of the world’s most acclaimed Scotch whisky blends, including Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

His career started with Johnnie Walker as an analytical chemist, before going on to establish himself as one of the most highly respected figures in the industry. In 2019, he was awarded an OBE by the Queen for his services to the Scotch whisky industry.

Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director Julie Bramham said that during Beveridge’s career, he was renowned for his skill and dedication to quality, as well as his considered and unassuming manner.

“The same spirit of progress that Johnnie Walker embodies is epitomized in Jim’s pioneering work in whisky and flavor, many of which have changed the face of whisky,” Bramham said. “His lifetime of dedication to the craft and to Johnnie Walker has been integral to upholding the brand’s legacy. Master’s Cut truly is a celebration of Jim’s career, marked in a bottle.”

Master’s Cut comes in a 700ml bottle, and clocks in at 40% ABV. It has a suggested retail price of £1,000 a bottle.

For more information, check out www.johnniewalker.com.