Robinson marks 40 years of whisky at Diageo

Maureen Robinson, master blender for single malts and blended whisky at Diageo, is this week marking four decades of service at the global drinks group.

Maureen Robinson is celebrating 40 years of whisky making at Diageo

Robinson studied Pharmacy at Strathclyde University before joining Scottish Distiller’s Glenochil Research Station as a scientist in 1977. In her nine years there she honed her nosing and tasting ability, and developed her own language to communicate aroma and flavour.

She then progressed into a quality assurance role before being named master blender and working on products from the development phase through to launch.

Today Robinson works across Diageo’s blended Scotch and single malts, and develops the company’s Special Releases range each year.

She often serves as a judge at whisky tasting competitions, and was made a Keeper of the Quaich in 2012.

“I can’t quite believe I’ve worked here for 40 years, it’s been such a journey and lots has changed over the past four decades, Robinson said. “I love my job very much, I am privileged to work on fascinating projects, with brilliant people all around the world.

“I’m very proud to work with Scotch, the world’s favourite whisky to be enjoyed whenever, wherever – I love travelling widely to find new flavours and smells, it all influences my work.”

Nick Morgan, Diageo’s head of whisky outreach, added: “Congratulations to Maureen for such a fantastic tenure at Diageo – her work for Diageo and for the Scotch industry is invaluable and we thank her for years of service and dedication.

“I’m so pleased we can celebrate this milestone with her.”

Robinson is the latest whisky maker to mark a significant milestone in the industry, after Whyte & Mackay’s Richard Paterson celebrated 50 years of service in 2016, and The Balvenie’s David Steward was awarded an MBE after 54 years in Scotch.