Edrington has announced that Craig Johnstone has been appointed as Master Blender for The Famous Grouse.
A Scot, with nineteen years of industry experience, he returns to Scotland to take on one of the most prestigious roles in the industry as the blender behind the UK’s No 1 Whisky. He follows in the footsteps of renowned Master Blenders including Gordon Motion and Kirsteen Campbell making the 37-year-old one of a select few who know the unique blend of whiskies that combine to form Scotland’s favourite whisky and holder of a Royal Warrant.
Edrington recently announced a commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2045, with an ambitious plan to reduce its carbon emissions and has joined the Carbon Disclosure Project, the gold standard of environmental reporting and, as Master Blender, Craig will work with the Edrington team to develop new sustainability practices within the whisky making and blending processes.
Joakim Leijon, Global Brand Director for The Famous Grouse, said, “Craig is a talented master blender and his experience and passion for the brand and for exploring new ideas in sustainability will help us to build on the global success of The Famous Grouse and also rise to the challenge of our Net Zero ambitions.”
Commenting on his new role, Craig said, “It is a privilege to be Master Blender for The Famous Grouse and to be part of the team that are the current custodians of this amazing brand. This beloved Scotch Whisky has played a prominent role in my life, part of so many celebrations with family and friends – just the aroma gives me a sense of being back home. I’m looking forward to delivering the high quality and character that is expected of The Famous Grouse and continuing the legacy of this well-loved whisky.”
The role will be based at Edrington’s ‘106 Sample Room’ in Glasgow, where an estimated 11,000 samples of single malts, grains and blends are stored and where a team of blenders nose up to 600 samples a day to guarantee the aroma, flavour and character of The Famous Grouse blend.
