Billy Walker: 'As a Chemist, I Feel Blending Is An Art'

Friday, 02 August 2024 at 08:45

Originating from Dunbarton, a whisky town just west of Glasgow, the early life of Master Distiller Billy Walker was immersed in the heritage of the industry. With influences from Ballantines and J&B and a background in historical chemistry at the University of Glasgow, he developed a lifelong connection with whisky.

This article was first published in January 2024 on the Dutch version of Whisky Monkeys. Now that we also offer the website in English, you can find the interview here as well.

Despite starting as a research chemist, Walker discovered his true calling in the 70s when blended whiskies dominated the industry. It was the start of a career that led him through a number of well-known names in the industry, such as Benriach, GlenDronach, Deanston and GlenAllachie.

Reopening of Deanston and Tobermory

When the opportunities presented themselves, Billy knew he could not let them pass.

'The Deanston distillery had been closed for some time and we were practically given a blank sheet to revive the distillery. Soon we had the opportunity to buy Tobermory. This was an interesting distillery because it had opened and closed many times before. The chance to build the DNA of this distillery and determine how we wanted to continue it is an opportunity you don't easily come across.'

The rehabilitation of Benriach

Thanks to productive discussions with Chivas, Billy and his partners had the opportunity to buy Benriach.

'It was a great period for us. In 2004, we restored the maltings and created the personality you now know about Benriach.'

When Chivas called in 2008 with the offer to buy the GlenDronach distillery, it was clear that sitting still was not in Billy's nature. 'It was a neglected, working distillery with whisky that had never been put on the market. It was an opportunity for us to paint the image of the distillery and the single malt whiskies it produces,' shares Billy with a smile.

billy-walker GlenAllachie smelling whisky

GlenAllachie and the core range

A distillery that had been known to Billy and his partners for some time, GlenAllachie brought another challenge with it: sifting through an archive of whiskies.

'It gave us the opportunity to create the unique personality and style we envisioned for GlenAllachie whiskies.'

The core range was built up with the whiskies from the archive and supplemented with new experiments. Walker explains 'the core range is significantly influenced by sherry cask whiskies, something which will be embraced even more in the coming years. '

Patience is a virtue in this case. Although the distillery can produce four million liters if it operates 24 hours a day, it does not do so and only 25 percent of the capacity is used. 'In addition, we use a fermentation period of 160 hours, which also significantly extends the process.'

Blending: science or art?

People often ask Billy whether he thinks blending is an art or a science.

'As a chemist, I feel that blending is an art, but once you understand all the creative work behind the art of blending, science can explain the results you get.'

Early lessons for later successes

With an impressive career already behind him and many years to come, Billy has always believed in his intrinsic motivation.

'As you go through life, you have to choose which path to take, deep down you often know very well what is the right path for you. Of course there are many big companies to work for but there are always smaller (boutique) distilleries where my interests lie. If I were to redo my career, these might still have been interesting opportunities for me.'

billy-walker-glenallachie at a whisky cask

Dealing with challenges: from covid to Brexit

Billy attributes the resilience of the industry during and after the pandemic and the relatively smooth transition after Brexit to previous experiences with exporting to Russia and Asian countries.

'Brexit was a nuisance. But from a Scotch whisky point of view, there were many things we had to introduce, basically the paperwork, and much of this we were already doing in other markets. Although Covid was a terrible experience, our business actually increased. We were able to show people what we do much closer to home.'

Fascinating work

Developing the whisky, especially discovering the influences of different types of oak on the whisky, is what appeals most to Billy in the work.

'The actual process of making whisky is a relatively agrarian process. Any blender or distiller should be able to make a good spirit. That should go without saying. In the last 10 to 15 years, people in the industry have become much more fascinated and interested in the availability of different genesis of oak, the different origins of oak. This side I find incredibly fascinating.'

The future of GlenAllachie

As GlenAllachie looks to the future, Billy Walker keeps whisky enthusiasts intrigued with the promise of bold innovations — from experimenting with Colombian barrels to ongoing work with Virgin Oak. 'It’s important to share what we’re doing,' Billy notes, 'because the people we interact with can spread the word. We do a lot with Virgin Oak, but also explore different sherry barrels, like Fino, Manzanilla, and Amontillado.'

Billy Walker’s career embodies passion and innovation in the craft of whisky-making. Known for reviving distilleries and pushing boundaries, he has become a vivid example of how intrinsic motivation and dedication can lead to extraordinary results, often with a hearty sherry finish.