Hall of Fame

Jim joined the company in 1979 as an analytical chemist investigating the origins of malt and grain whisky spirit character.

Jim’s interest in whisky developed at an early age, as he began to understand the production process. Many hours were spent in malt distilleries, trying to unravel the mysteries of malt spirit character. His understanding of the science of sensory evaluation developed during this period, helping to develop a common language to describe the spirit.

Currently working with Global Supply at the Brand Technical Centre in Menstrie near Stirling in Scotland, Jim uses his whisky expertise in a variety of ways: chiefly in leading Diageo’s team of expert blenders, but also providing spirit mastery support to mentoring programmes, marketing initiatives, and product and process innovation projects.

The much-acclaimed Johnnie Walker Double Black edition launched in 2010 is one of the many successful Johnnie Walker blends put together by Jim. He created successful new variants to the core Johnnie Walker range in 2012, including Johnnie Walker Platinum Label.

The Johnnie Walker The Explorers’ Club Collection launched in 2012/13 was also managed by Jim.

Jim is widely known and deeply respected among Scotland’s community of whisky master blenders.