Hi Dr. Walker, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us today! We’re really honoured to be able to get to speak with and learn more about your work at one of the greatest Scotch whisky icons, Johnnie Walker, your journey thus far, and where you envisage the future to be as you go on to write the ongoing history for an incredibly illustrious house. 

You’ve done so much in the way of bringing to light the first flavour-centered expression for the house (the Johnnie Walker Elusive Umami), as well as adding more nuance and telling the stories of the incredible distilleries belonging to Diageo (through the Johnnie Walker Ghost and Rare series). And of course now taking the Johnnie Walker experience to a whole new level with the Johnnie Walker Vault.  

It's a great privilege for us to speak to someone who has reimagined whiskies in ways that so few have thought of!  

The Knockando Distillery.

[88 Bamboo] You’ve often talked about how your route into whiskies came perhaps a little later in life – you completed your studies (Chemistry in Edinburgh, and then a PhD in Sheffield) and then simply found a job advertised by Diageo which got you in as a project scientist. From there on, it opened the door for you to learn firsthand how whisky is made (at Cameronbridge and Knockando, also a diploma in distilling) and then blended (directly under former Master Blender Dr Jim Beveridge).  

Your journey seems serendipitous at first glance but yet so natural that you rose to the position of Master Blender of such an iconic house through good old fashioned hard work. What was the lightbulb moment for you where it clicked that this is what you most wanted to pursue as a career? 

[Emma Walker] The lightbulb moment for me was beautifully simple. While studying at university, I remember someone handing me a Talisker 10 one night and that's where my love for whisky and passion for flavour began. There was something about that moment - experiencing those complex flavours and realising there was this entire world where chemistry and sensory experience came together. 

Then when I started working at Diageo, I realised I loved the world of Scotch Whisky and never wanted to leave it!

Dr. Emma Walker and Dr. Jim Beveridge.

[88 Bamboo] Yet I can’t help but observe that you’re also much more embracing of the less tangible aspects about whiskies, with a greater keenness at figuring out how whiskies can better tell the story of its craftsmanship and also keep up with the time and relate to people and be culturally relevant, “open up the world of Johnnie Walker to a wider range” as you’ve said. This vision of yours has clearly been working  and people are talking about whiskies more than ever! 

Reflecting on this, do you think that there’s something to your background – one where you almost have a fresh eye on an age-old industry – that helps you see things differently and thus brings a new angle and direction to Johnnie Walker? 

[Emma] I think there's definitely something to having diverse perspectives within any industry. My scientific background gives me an analytical approach to understanding whisky at a fundamental level, but my deep passion for flavour underpins everything I do, and I know that is something that's universal to everyone on my team. 

As the saying goes, it's as much art as it is science.

I'm fortunate to work as part of a talented team of 12 whisky makers at Johnnie Walker, each bringing their own unique perspective and expertise to the blending table. This diversity of thought and experience is what allows us to continue pushing boundaries while honouring the legacy that defines Johnnie Walker. And this continues wider, where I get to look anew at our world with ‘fresh eyes’ when work with creative partners.

[88 Bamboo] You’ve talked about how with modern science, we’ve come to learn how some of the early decisions made with regards to Scotch making have proved to be incredibly ahead of their time and also just as serendipitous – from the use of oak to mature whiskies which originated as a means to simply transport spirit around, to the use of copper which as it turns out helps to catalyse reactions during distillation and remove unwanted flavours.  

As you went into learning about the many aspects of whisky making, could you share with us some of the unique complexities and considerations you’ve come to appreciate about the craftsmanship that is not nearly as well understood or remains so underrated? 

[Emma] The whisky-making process is rich with complexities that often go unappreciated by many. I've been fortunate to learn from experts across fermentation, distillation, and maturation, which has given me a well-rounded understanding of flavour development throughout the entire whisky journey. 

One of the least understood aspects is the subtle alchemy that happens during maturation. When spirit rests in wooden casks, there's this beautiful dance happening between the liquid and the wood - the cask giving flavours, colours, and aromas while simultaneously removing less desirable characteristics, and the flavour compounds then further react and develop to continue to build richer flavours. 

Magic happening at the Talisker Distillery.

The nuances of this interaction are fascinating - how temperature fluctuations cause the wood to breathe, how different oak types impart distinct flavours, and how the previous contents of a cask leave their signature when seasoning the wood. These seemingly small details make the difference between a good whisky and an extraordinary one.

[88 Bamboo] Getting to tour the various distilleries of Diageo, as well as having this incredible access of over 10 million casks, your vantage point is one that is certainly incomparable. Then ascending all the way to becoming Master Blender, you must have seen so much. What is something you’ve learned through your incredible journey at Johnnie Walker, that might surprise even its biggest fans? 

And in your opinion, what is one widely believed myth in the Scotch industry that you think should be debunked? 

[Emma] At any time, we're conducting hundreds of experiments across innovative flavours, distillation conditions, grains, yeasts, cask finishes and different types of oak wood – all in pursuit of exceptional flavour.

While people often see Johnnie Walker as this iconic brand with centuries of tradition, which it absolutely is, they might not realise how forward-thinking our approach truly is. The wonderful thing about Johnnie Walker is that we're always looking to see what comes next; being curious about the future is in our DNA. 

From Kilmarnock to the world.

It's this balance of respecting our rich heritage while constantly pushing boundaries that makes Johnnie Walker so special – we honour our traditions while never standing still.

The myth I'd most like to debunk once and for all is that there's a "correct" way to enjoy whisky. For too long, there's been this unwritten belief that you should always drink whisky neat - but I don't agree with that at all. Whisky is incredibly versatile, and people should feel free to enjoy it however they prefer, whether that's straight, with ice, water, or in a cocktail.

I love seeing people discover Johnnie Walker through a highball or cocktail and then perhaps later explore our expressions neat. What matters most isn't following tradition but finding your own personal connection with whisky. After all, the best way to drink whisky has always been simply the way that brings you the most enjoyment.

"The myth I'd most like to debunk once and for all is that there's a "correct" way to enjoy whisky."

[88 Bamboo] This takes us to the Johnnie Walker Vault experience and almost calls back to the very origins of John Walker’s efforts in his Kilmarnock grocery store to create bespoke blends for his clients! Could you share with us how you came up with this idea? 

[Emma] The idea for the Johnnie Walker Vault emerged from a desire to connect with our heritage while creating something truly innovative for today's luxury consumer. The personal connection between blender and client is something we wanted to revive but elevate to a new level. The concept developed as we explored how to showcase the incredible depth of rare whiskies we have access to while creating something that had never been offered before in the Scotch whisky industry. 

What makes Johnnie Walker Vault special is that it's not just about exceptional whisky, but about creating a complete luxury experience that encompasses personalised blending, Scottish heritage immersion, and creative collaborations with cultural leaders.

A one of a kind experience in the Johnnie Walker universe.

[88 Bamboo] And how do you envisage this initiative would expand the world and story of Johnnie Walker? 

[Emma] Johnnie Walker Vault builds on our more than 200-year journey of pioneering craftsmanship, redefining luxury and leading the future of Scotch whisky through innovation and personalisation. It expands the Johnnie Walker story by creating a new chapter that honours our heritage while boldly stepping into the future of what luxury whisky experiences can be.

What excites me most is how Johnnie Walker Vault allows us to connect with people on a deeply personal level. By creating bespoke blends that reflect individual stories and preferences, we're moving beyond simply offering products to creating meaningful experiences and emotional connections. Each recipe is chronicled in the Johnnie Walker Vault archive, creating a lasting legacy that can be revisited for future commissions, offering guests the chance to add their own chapter to the Johnnie Walker story.

[88 Bamboo] As part of the experience, clients are able to share with you their story, which as mentioned goes into the making of their very own bespoke blend. When you’re listening to their story, what are you looking out for? 

[Emma] When I sit down with a guest to create their bespoke blend, I'm listening very carefully for those personal touchpoints that can be translated into flavour. I collaborate on a one-on-one level with each guest, listening to their stories and translating these narratives into bespoke blends that are entirely unique.

Dr Walker worked with Asia-based fashion influencer Yoyo Cao to create a bespoke blend mirroring her life's story.

I'm looking for emotional resonance – perhaps certain memories that evoke specific sensory experiences, places that have special meaning, or flavours preferences that have personal significance. Sometimes it might be childhood memories of fruit orchards that lead me toward certain fruity notes, or stories of travels to coastal regions that suggest maritime influences would resonate. 

Other times, it's about life milestones and celebrations where I might incorporate particularly rare or aged whiskies to reflect significant moments. It's a fascinating process.

[88 Bamboo] And in creating such an immersive experience, what aspects of the artistry and expertise of blending are you most hoping to demonstrate?

[Emma] In creating the Johnnie Walker Vault experience, I'm hoping to demonstrate that blending is truly where science meets art – it's this beautiful intersection of technical precision and creative expression. Johnnie Walker Vault isn't just a physical space – it's a platform where personal stories transform into beautiful, one-of-a-kind blends.

When I work with our rare whiskies, I'm looking beyond their technical profiles to understand how different elements can come together to tell a story through flavours. Sometimes, a sniff of whisky will transport me back to childhood days at the beach or an apple pie cooking in my gran's kitchen – and I want to create that same powerful connection for our guests.

| Read: We Get To Be A Johnnie Walker Blender For An Hour: A Sneak Peak Of Bespoke Blended Scotch At Johnnie Walker Vault

We got to try playing Johnnie Walker blender for an hour.

[88 Bamboo] And as we got a little snippet of being in the Vault here in Singapore, where we got to play Master Blender and had the privilege to work with some incredible whisky samples (Port Ellen anyone?). Could you tell us in your eyes what are the qualities that make a great Master Blender today, as we understand the role changes too with the times? Where do you personally draw inspiration from? 

[Emma] Today's Master Blender needs to be both a guardian of heritage and a forward-thinking innovator. I believe the most important quality is genuine curiosity - about flavour, about people, about culture, and about possibilities that haven't been explored yet. This curiosity drives us to experiment constantly while maintaining the consistency and quality that defines iconic expressions.

I am inspired by my whisky team every day, they bring so much of their own personality and experiences to the table, creating an environment where diverse perspectives come together to craft something truly special.

[88 Bamboo] As a Master Blender what qualities–in your mind–make a good blended whisky, and what should someone be looking out for in a blended whisky, that perhaps may go beyond what a single malt can offer? 

[Emma] A truly exceptional blended whisky showcases perfect balance and harmony. What makes Johnnie Walker stand out is that we can draw on whiskies from across Scotland, from a range of cask styles and ages - each bringing their own distinctive character and flavour profile. This gives me an incredible palette to work with, allowing me to create something where each component complements the others beautifully, with no single element dominating.

Blended Scotch whisky represents extraordinary value, flavour and quality because it showcases balanced flavour and the true art of whisky making. When I create a blend, I'm working with whiskies from across Scotland - each bringing their own distinct character and flavour profile, giving me an incredible palette of flavours to draw from and allowing me to craft something that's beautifully balanced and consistently exceptional.

What someone should look for in a blended whisky is remarkable complexity and consistency that goes beyond what a single malt can offer. A great blend has depth and layers that reveal themselves differently with each sip - perhaps smoky notes that dance with sweeter elements, or fruity characters that complement deeper oak influences.

[88 Bamboo] We’d love to delve deeper into your role of being Master Blender at Johnnie Walker where the scale is global, and you work with a staggering 10 million casks of whiskies! Could you tell us, what are you looking out and taking note of as you assess each sample, and how do you assess a blend that’s been created – what makes the cut for a full-scale release at Johnnie Walker?  

[Emma] When I'm assessing whisky samples, I take a methodical yet intuitive approach. We typically evaluate whiskies at different strengths depending on what we're working on. For cask samples and vat assessments, we often reduce them to 23% ABV, which allows us to nose a range of glasses and identify more subtle aromas that might be hidden at higher strengths. When we're developing innovations, we'll assess prototypes at multiple strengths - 23%, 40%, cask strength, and even in a highball or cocktail serves to understand how they'll perform in different contexts.

For a blend to make the cut for a Johnnie Walker release, it needs perfect balance and harmony, where each component contributes to a complete flavour experience without any single element dominating.

[88 Bamboo] Now could you drop us a hot tip on something simple that anyone could do that would immediately enhance their whisky experience? 

[Emma] Try adding a few drops of water to your whisky - this can open up entirely new aromas and flavours by breaking the surface tension and releasing more aromatic compounds. And it’s always interesting to try a sip of whisky with a nose clip on – this gives you a great realisation of how aroma is involved in how you taste a whisky!

[88 Bamboo] Over the past two centuries that Johnnie Walker has been around, whisky making has changed so much– from barley varieties to distillation techniques and equipment, and perhaps most recently with the big focus on exotic casks. Surely the components will change, new planning must be done for whiskies to be laid down today to eventually go into the Johnnie Walker Blue’s and Black’s and Red’s. 

You know, as you continue to plan ahead for what goes into the core Johnnie Walker lineup – how are you thinking about what sort of whiskies (be it style, casks, raw materials) need to be made today? How do you then communicate with the various distilling teams across the wide portfolio on what whiskies they need to produce, and what sort of casks they have to be using?  

We’re also curious about the ins and outs of how that large scale planning happens at Diageo in conjunction with Johnnie Walker (which you’ve very relatably mentioned spending much time on Excel looking at spreadsheets of data!). How do you decide which distilleries will produce what components? And on a grand strategic level how are you shaping the Johnnie Walker Blue of 2055? 

[Emma] The wonderful thing about Johnnie Walker is that we're always looking ahead while recognising that the characters and flavours that define our whiskies come from decisions made in the past. Communication with our distilling teams across Scotland is crucial. When planning future stocks, we consider both maintaining the signature character of our core expressions and anticipating evolving consumer preferences and sustainability requirements.

Excitingly one of Scotch's most legendary distilleries has been recently brought back to life by Diageo!

Planning for the future is indeed a fascinating blend of art and science. You're right that there are plenty of spreadsheets and data involved! When deciding which distilleries will produce specific components, we look at each distillery's unique character and what it contributes to our blends. Some might provide the signature smokiness, others the honeyed sweetness, or the fruity notes.

For Johnnie Walker Blue Label of 2055, we're thinking decades ahead. This involves carefully managing our inventory of rare stocks while also laying down new whisky with the right characteristics for long-term maturation. The balance we strike is maintaining the unmistakable Johnnie Walker Blue Label character that connoisseurs expect, while subtly evolving with changing tastes and new possibilities in whisky making.

[88 Bamboo] And then as you balance innovation with heritage–leading Johnnie Walker into the future whilst making sure that it stays true to its core identity that it's loved for–you’ve said that the onus still rests ultimately on the flavour. At the same time, the occasion and context in which the whisky is enjoyed has started to play a bigger role as well. You’ve spoken about how whiskies should be enjoyed in a variety of ways and not simply straight or on the rocks – but even in cocktails too. 

How do you approach thinking about how whisky fits in with occasion, and does that entail rethinking how the whisky is presented packaging-wise or how it can be served? What unique occasions have you considered melding with whiskies? 

[Emma] For different moments, different expressions and serves make sense. If it's a really special occasion with family and close friends, then Johnnie Walker Blue Label with some dark chocolate is an incredible combination that really brings out the velvety smoothness of the whisky. For more casual gatherings, perhaps a Johnnie Walker Black Label highball with blood orange soda allows for refreshment and accessibility.

Hands down our favourite packaging till date!

This understanding of occasion absolutely influences how we think about presentation and packaging. Look at our Lunar New Year editions, where the 2025 design symbolises an ambition and self-reinvention with three snakes shedding their skins to embrace life's next chapter. Or our Ice Chalet collaboration with Perfect Moment, featuring a reversible bottle bag that doubles as a crossbody bag, transitioning from slopes to city - perfect for the après-ski occasion. These designs aren't just aesthetic choices; they're extensions of the moments we're creating whiskies for. The occasions are each very different, and we want to craft whiskies and experiences that provide for all of these moments.

[88 Bamboo] And to that end, what’s the most unique occasion that’s come across your mind where you’d want to have some whisky? 

[Emma] Probably watching the sunset from a hot air balloon over the Scottish Highlands - a dram of something peaty in hand, floating silently over the landscape where it all began.

The beautiful Scottish Highlands.

[88 Bamboo] With the Johnnie Walker Elusive Umami being the first flavour-centered expression from the house, will we see more flavour-centered expressions from Johnnie Walker? 

[Emma] Yes, you'll absolutely see more flavour-centred expressions from Johnnie Walker. We're constantly exploring new flavour dimensions within our blending tradition, with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby being our most recent release in this direction.

The vibrant flavour profile of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby is driven by its unconventional cask selection. Some of the whiskies at the heart of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby are matured in first-use red wine casks or PX Oloroso seasoned casks to lend deep, rich fruit notes to the blend. While other special expressions are matured in ex-bourbon casks that charge the blend with sweet caramel and vanilla notes.

The most recently released Johnnie Walker Black Ruby signals more flavour-centered expression from the house moving foward.

[88 Bamboo] We’re also curious if the 2019 changes to Scotch Whisky Regulations (that now allow for a wider range of never-been-used cask types) have had any influence on your work – is that something you’re giving much attention to?  

[Emma] These regulatory changes have certainly opened up interesting new possibilities for Scotch whisky. We're always exploring ways to innovate while respecting the traditions that make our whiskies special.

We continue to experiment with various cask types and maturation approaches, but we're very deliberate about what we pursue. Any new cask type we might consider would need to complement and enhance the distinctive Johnnie Walker character that people know and love. Innovation is part of what we do and have always done - exploring new possibilities in whisky with an eye on the future, but always in pursuit of exceptional flavour rather than novelty for its own sake.

[88 Bamboo] Might we also see a more front-and-center focus on sustainability (the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra is nothing short of gorgeous!), provenance or even the use of new base materials (such as rye whiskies that have been making a comeback in Scotland)?  

[Emma] Innovation is absolutely at the heart of everything we do at Johnnie Walker - pushing whisky forward through our liquids, packaging and experiences while ensuring that we continue to stride towards greater sustainability.

Clynelish Distillery's pot stills.

As for base materials like rye, we're always exploring different grain varieties and production techniques that might bring interesting new dimensions to our whiskies. The resurgence of rye in Scotland presents some fascinating possibilities for creating distinctive flavour profiles. We're conducting various experiments with alternative grains to understand how they might complement our traditional malts and grains, potentially adding spicy, fruity notes that could bring new complexity to future expressions.

[88 Bamboo] To cap off on all that innovation talk, do you have in mind a particular innovation that you’d like to see and think that the Scotch industry should really focus more on? 

[Emma] I'd love to see the industry collectively focus more on creating diverse flavour experiences that welcome new whisky drinkers while still exciting connoisseurs. We've recently launched Johnnie Walker Black Ruby which perfectly exemplifies this approach to flavour innovation. With its vibrant profile and vivid berry characteristics, it offers a new dimension of flavour while maintaining the Johnnie Walker character that people love.

The newly constructed Rosebank Distillery of the Lowlands.

This type of innovation might mean exploring new production techniques, experimenting with different grain varieties, or developing innovative serves that showcase whisky's versatility. What's exciting is seeing how these flavour-forward expressions can create new entry points for people who might not have considered themselves whisky drinkers before.

[88 Bamboo] We absolutely love the collaborations that you’ve done, with artists such as James Jean, chefs such as Kei Kobayashi, and icons like Priyanka Chopra (and we hear a collaboration with a fashion designer is due to be announced soon!), which we believe brings Johnnie Walker into new realms, which in turn brings it front and center to new audiences. 

To your mind what aspect of whisky or whisky making really deserves more attention, and that you hope to bring out through storytelling? What do you hope whisky will mean to your audience? 

[Emma] As we continue the 200-year legacy of Johnnie Walker innovation, we're constantly seeking to expand what's possible with Scotch. This means actively engaging with our consumers in cultural spaces that inspire us - from the worlds of art and fashion to music and beyond. What makes these cultural collaborations so exciting is their unpredictability and the fresh perspectives they bring to our craft. These creative intersections open up remarkable new directions for expressing our whiskies and sharing them with people who might discover Johnnie Walker through entirely different avenues. 

Celebrated partnership have brought Johnnie Walker front and center of new audiences, exploring new ways of perceiving Scotch whisky.

What I hope whisky will mean to our audience is something deeply personal yet universally connecting. At its best, whisky is about moments shared, stories exchanged, and experiences that resonate. Through collaborations with diverse creative voices like James Jean, Kei Kobayashi, and Priyanka Chopra, we're revealing different facets of what whisky can be and how it can connect with people's lives in meaningful ways. Johnnie Walker Vault takes this even further, creating truly personalised expressions that capture individual stories in liquid form. I hope these efforts help people see whisky not only as a drink with history and tradition, but as a living, evolving art form that continues to find new ways to be relevant and meaningful.

[88 Bamboo] You’ve crafted so many stellar creations over the years. Could you share with us – how does it feel when you see someone out in the world genuinely enjoying one of the whiskies that you’ve made?  

[Emma] Seeing someone genuinely enjoying a whisky I've helped create is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. There's something incredibly special about watching someone experience those flavours for the first time, seeing their reaction as they discover something in the glass that resonates with them.

I remember being at an event where someone was trying Johnnie Walker Blue Label for a special celebration. The smile of pure enjoyment that spread across their face made all the detailed work at the blending table worthwhile. What touches me most is hearing how our whiskies become part of people's traditions and special moments. Whether it's Black Label that's become their choice for gatherings with friends, or a special bottling they save for milestones - knowing that something we've created with such care has found its way into people's lives and memories is truly the greatest reward.

[88 Bamboo] Lastly, we also note that you’re quite the music fan (shoutout to Young Fathers!). If you could choose a song that would describe the impact and legacy that you hope to have on Johnnie Walker as the next in line Master Blender, what song would that be? 

[Emma] If I had to choose a song from Young Fathers that represents the legacy I hope to create at Johnnie Walker, it would be "Get Up" from their album White Men Are Black Men Too. I love its bold energy and forward momentum, combined with a respect for what came before - that balance of tradition and innovation that feels so important to what we're doing.

[88 Bamboo] Leave us with a final hit – what’s the best advice that’s ever been given to you? 

[Emma] Stay Curious. 

[88 Bamboo]: This has been incredibly insightful and exciting in you sharing with us the direction in which we should see Johnnie Walker head towards, Emma. Thank you for your time!