As one of the most highly respected figures in the whisky industry, with a career that has spanned almost four decades, Dr Jim Beveridge has been awarded an OBE in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Dr Beveridge is only the sixth person in Johnnie Walker’s history to hold the position of master blender, and his accolade comes as the brand is preparing to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2020.
As part of a team of 12 blenders, Dr Beveridge is responsible for the quality and consistency of all Diageo’s Scotch whisky brands. During his career, he has been the recipient of industry accolades that include the Whisky Hall of Fame in 2015, being recognised for his dedication and skill.
Commenting on the award Dr Beveridge paid tribute to the people who make Scotch whisky: “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.”
Diageo chief executive, Ivan Menezes, 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.”
Johnnie Walker global brand director, John Williams added his tribute: “Quality and consistency have been the hallmarks of Johnnie Walker since it was founded by John Walker almost two centuries ago. Jim is the guardian of that legacy today and everyone involved with Johnnie Walker and Diageo will be raising a toast to him and celebrating this terrific achievement.”
Dr Beveridge is only the sixth person in Johnnie Walker’s history to hold the position of master blender, and his accolade comes as the brand is preparing to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2020.
As part of a team of 12 blenders, Dr Beveridge is responsible for the quality and consistency of all Diageo’s Scotch whisky brands. During his career, he has been the recipient of industry accolades that include the Whisky Hall of Fame in 2015, being recognised for his dedication and skill.
Commenting on the award Dr Beveridge paid tribute to the people who make Scotch whisky: “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.”
Diageo chief executive, Ivan Menezes, 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.”
Johnnie Walker global brand director, John Williams added his tribute: “Quality and consistency have been the hallmarks of Johnnie Walker since it was founded by John Walker almost two centuries ago. Jim is the guardian of that legacy today and everyone involved with Johnnie Walker and Diageo will be raising a toast to him and celebrating this terrific achievement.”
