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John Campbell joins Californian distillery

Ex-Lochlea and Laphroaig distiller John Campbell has left Scotland for California to join Sespe Creek Distillery as its chief operating officer (COO) and master distiller.

John Campbell
John Campbell has swapped Scotch for American spirits

The move to the West Coast marks Campbell’s first foray into American craft spirits after working in the Scotch sector for the past three decades.

As master distiller at Sepse Creek, Campbell will be responsible for the Oxnard-based distiller’s portfolio of spirits, which includes Warbringer Whiskey, Silvergrin Vodka and Parlor Cay Rum.

Campbell said: “I am thrilled to accept the role of COO and master distiller at Sespe Creek Distillery. The challenge of working in new spirits categories, and in a new country, make this such an exciting time in my life. I can’t wait to get going and for what lies ahead.”

Islay native Campbell announced his departure from Lochlea in August 2024 after less than three years as production director at the Ayrshire-based distillery.

Before Lochlea, Campbell was at Islay distillery Laphroaig for more than 25 years, where he took on the distillery manager position in 2006.

“There is no overstating the significance of John’s appointment at Sespe Creek Distillery,” added Sespe Creek owner, president and CEO Alfred English.

“Over the past two decades or so, there are very few in John’s position who have had a greater impact on the whisky space. Bringing him in represents a significant shot across the bow to let the industry know there’s a formidable player here on California’s Central Coast.”

Campbell will also collaborate with UFC stars Josh ‘Warmaster’ Barnett and Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, who have created Warmaster Edition and Cowboy Edition respectively under the Warbringer brand.

Campbell will step into his new role at Sespe Creek this month (October).

The distillery plans to open its inaugural tasting room in the first half of 2025.

Earlier this month, Suntory Global Spirits appointed George Campbell as Laphroaig’s distillery manager.

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