Billy Walker to leave BenRiach

Brown-Forman has confirmed Billy Walker will step down from his role at the BenRiach Distillery Company following the appointment of Morrison Bowmore’s Rachel Barrie.

Billy Walker will be stepping down from his role at the BenRiach Distillery Company

Barrie, master blender at Beam Suntory division Morrison Bowmore Distillers, will take on the role of whisky maker at BenRiach, Glenglassaugh and The GlenDronach distilleries from 1 March 2017.

Walker co-founded the Benriach Distillery Company in 2004, and went on to become master blender. He will support the distilleries and share his whisky expertise throughout the transition.

Barrie has led whisky creation for Bowmore, Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch Scotch whiskies over the last five years, most recently working on Laphroaig and Ardmore.

“We are very pleased that Rachel Barrie is joining our team and will continue the excellent Scotch whisky-making tradition fostered by the venerable Billy Walker,” said Alex Alvarez, chief production officer for Brown-Forman.

“We take great comfort in knowing that Billy will continue with our team over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition for Rachel.”