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The senior global scotch whisky ambassador at Diageo explains why Johnnie Walker went with 'blue' for its premium offerings
At the recent Johnnie Walker Blue Label dinner at EQ Kuala Lumpur, Ewan Gunn, the senior global scotch whisky ambassador for Diageo, entertained his guest with various whisky tales as they tuck into a fine meal prepared by Sabayon, accompanied by their favourite drink.
Dressed appropriately in a blue suit, the Scot, who had just arrived from Singapore, also spent a few minutes with Tatler in a bar called, coincidentally enough, Blue, to share more about his role, what he loves about it, and his fascination with Scotch whiskies. He also revealed why the colour blue was chosen to represent Johnnie Walker's most premium range.
Don't miss: The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Experience at EQ Kuala Lumpur
Above Ewan Gunn at the Blue Label dinner at Sabayon in EQ Kuala Lumpur
Ewan Gunn at the Blue Label dinner at Sabayon in EQ Kuala Lumpur
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What set you on the path to whisky ambassadorship?
My father initially introduced me to my first dram of Scotch whisky and I almost immediately fell in love with its flavours and aromas. My first job after university was at the famous Springbank distillery.
Later, I started making whisky before moving back to the corporate side. The position also involved selecting casks to bottle and dealing with customers across the globe. That was when I found my passion for really exploring whiskies and helping others discover them too. I was already explaining to others about how the aromas and flavours build up the profile of a whisky.
Another aspect of the job that I love is the travelling, which exposes me to numerous cultures and experiences. I've been in the Scotch whisky industry for over two decades now, half of it in Diageo, the largest Scotch whisky company in the world. I think I've truly found my happy place.
See also: 5 Questions With Philippe Schaus, CEO of Moët Hennessy
What are your daily tasks?
One of the beautiful things that I love about my job is that no two days are ever the same. Prior to being here, I was in Singapore. I fly to Manila next.
When I'm in Scotland, I will visit the distillery, speak to blenders, and work with the innovation team. Plus, I also work together with the team at our Johnnie Walker Princess Street experience—which is a must-visit if you're ever in the area.
What are the other perks that you enjoy?
One of them is being able to taste some of the most incredible and rarest liquids ever created. The other is when other people get to taste them; it always brings me joy seeing the faces of our consumers light up after they taste a great Scotch whisky for the first time.
Above Ewan Gunn talking guests through the Blue Label tasting session
Ewan Gunn talking guests through the Blue Label tasting session
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What makes the Johnnie Walker Blue Label stand out?
It's one of the most renowned luxury Scotch whiskies in the world. The Blue Label is so well respected mainly due to the quality of the spirits. It has depth, balance of flavour, richness, and complexity. It's like we took the best of Scotland and served it in a glass.
Since the Johnnie Walker Blue Label is crafted using rare whiskies, how does the brand ensure its continuity?
It comes down to the skill of our blending team because they are working with the largest reserves of Scotch whiskies. We have around 11 million casks maturing right now in Scotland, and that a phenomenal number. But when crafting the Blue Label, they are extremely selective about which casks they use.
In fact, we did the math not too long ago, and we worked out that only one in 10,000 casks is deemed worthy, with the right qualities and characteristics, for making the Blue Label.
Of course, the whiskies might evolve slightly over time but out blenders are experienced and skilful enough to bring together different components to recreate the same signature taste and flavour profile that fans of Blue Label have come to know and love. It's beautiful combination of art and science.
Why the colour blue?
Probably because blue carries with it a regal subtlety. We don't want to appear ostentatious. I personally think blue is elegant and stylish.
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If tall, dark and handsome is what you're looking for, Aaron Pereira ticks two out of three. This fine chocolate man (that is, a connoisseur of fine chocolate), enjoys the theatre, futsal, real-life conversations and of course, the English language. He believes that language should first be used to express, but the business of a sub-editor is to impress.
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