The major spirits company Edrington has appointed Craig Johnstone as the new master blender for The Famous Grouse.
Craig Johnstone, a Scot, after finishing his degree in astrophysics started working in the whisky industry as a distillery tour guide. This ignited his passion for whisky and he has been in the industry for 19 years now. Craig’s career took place mostly in Scotland but also as far abroad as Tasmania. He returns home now to take on this new prestigious role.
Johnstone commented: “It is a privilege to be Master Blender for The Famous Grouse and to be part of the team that are the current custodians of this amazing brand. This beloved Scotch Whisky has played a prominent role in my life, part of so many celebrations with family and friends – just the aroma gives me a sense of being back home. I’m looking forward to delivering the high quality and character that is expected of The Famous Grouse and continuing the legacy of this well-loved whisky.”
As Edrington has announced its goal to become Net Zero by 2045 and reduce its carbon emissions, Johnstone has a lot of work ahead of him. Johnstone will have to work on building new sustainable practices within the whisky making and blending process.
Joakim Leijon, Global Brand Director for The Famous Grouse, said, “Craig is a talented master blender and his experience and passion for the brand and for exploring new ideas in sustainability will help us to build on the global success of The Famous Grouse and also rise to the challenge of our Net Zero ambitions.”
Johnstone has big shoes to fill as he follows in the footsteps of master blenders including Gordon Motion and Kirsteen Campbell.
View all the Famous Grouse whiskies
A bit about Edrington: Edrington owns many distilleries, for example The Macallan, Highland Park, The Glenrothes, and The Famous Grouse among others. Edrington has been around for 160 years and is dedicated to crafting spirit brands of the highest quality.
