Jim Beveridge receives OBE for services to Scotch

Johnnie Walker master blender Dr Jim Beveridge has been recognised with an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his services to the Scotch whisky industry.

Dr Jim Beveridge has worked at Diageo for almost 40 years

Beveridge has worked for Johnnie Walker owner Diageo for almost four decades, and is only the sixth person to have held the title of ‘master blender’ for Johnnie Walker.

His award comes as the blended Scotch whisky brand prepares to celebrate its 200^th anniversary next year.

Ivan Menezes, Diageo CEO, said: “This is a proud day for Jim but also for Johnnie Walker and Diageo.

“Jim epitomises everything that makes Johnnie Walker and Scotch whisky great. He is dedicated to his craft and passionate about the quality of his product.

“Most importantly he is a wonderful person and that is why he is so highly regarded, not just in Diageo but throughout the Scotch whisky industry.”

Beveridge is responsible for a team of 12 blenders who work across all of Diageo’s Scotch whisky brands.

He has won numerous awards in the past, including being inducted into the World Whisky Hall of Fame in 2015. In 2016, he was named ‘master blender of the year’ by the International Whisky Competition for a second consecutive year – a first for the competition.

Beveridge commented: “I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of everyone who contributes to making Johnnie Walker.

“It is a team effort by all the women and men who work in our distilleries, coppersmiths, cooperage, warehouses and bottling halls across Scotland.

“We believe we are the custodians of our brands, standing on the shoulders of the giants who went before us. I really feel that today.

“This is recognition of everyone, over the years, who has been involved in making Johnnie Walker the leading global brand that it is.”