Whisky in Moray: Happy anniversary Billy
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One of Scotland's and the world's leading whisky makers is celebrating 50 years in the industry.
Billy Walker has been both the owner and master blender at GlenAllachie near Aberlour since 2017.
However, his involvement with making whisky stretches all the way back to 1972 and encompasses a whole host of well-known brands.
Business partner Trisha Savage has worked beside Billy for the majority of his career.
She said: "Working alongside Billy for 35 years has been a total pleasure.
"I can honestly say I’ve never come across anyone with his level of drive, dedication and passion for Scotch whisky.
"His focus has always been to achieve ‘perfection’, only using the highest quality of wood and monitoring the spirit every step of the way. Nothing leaves the cask until it’s deemed to be exceptional.
"I would personally like to congratulate Billy on his 50th anniversary year. You’re a true industry legend.
"The latest adventure is The GlenAllachie Distillery, and without question, we are so very fortunate to be steering this great distillery into the future, introducing its whisky to an ardent international audience."
Billy's whisky journey began in 1972 at Hiram Walker & Sons.
As a chemistry graduate from the University of Glasgow he possessed the perfect foundations to build an intimate knowledge of the science behind developing flavours.
Billy moved on during 1976 to become the master blender at Inver House Distillers in the central belt.
Then, in 1982, he joined Burn Stewart Distillers where he went on to spend two decades, most notably playing a key part in the resurrection of Deanston and Tobermory distilleries.
When the company was sold, an entrepreneurial Billy was left to decipher his next move.
The next 12 years saw him acquire BenRiach at Longmorn near Elgin, as well as GlenDronach near Huntly, and Glenglassaugh Distilleries near Sandend.
Each had previously been either mothballed, closed or underexposed to the market.
However, Billy truly made a name for himself within the industry by leading the brands’ rejuvenation and subsequent phenomenal success.
Reflecting on his colourful career, Billy said: "I’m incredibly lucky to have been involved in the fascinating Scotch whisky industry for 50 long years.
"What a privilege it's been to have worked alongside some truly amazing people, and have been involved with some world-leading brands.
"There are some great memories and I take true pride in many of the achievements which our teams have achieved over the past half-century."
The GlenAllachie Billy Walker 50th Anniversary Past Edition is available to purchase through specialist retailers, with a UK RRSP of £225.
