The career of Scotch whisky-maker Maureen Robinson is being celebrated, as she prepares for retirement after 45 years in the industry.
The master blender, one of the first women in the industry to hold that prestigious title, has worked on many of Diageo's brands, including The Singleton, Johnnie Walker, Buchanan’s and Old Parr.
She built an unparalleled knowledge of the company's 10 million cask inventory and was instrumental in developing prestigious projects like the Diageo Special Releases, Casks of Distinction programme and the Prima and Ultima series.
Her legacy at Diageo will be preserved in its global drinks Archive at Menstrie, and she marked her retirement by passing on her blending notes to malts archivist Jo McKerchar.
Diageo president for supply chain and procurement Ewan Andrew commented: “Since the 1970s Maureen Robinson has been blazing a trail in our business and the wider industry, breaking down barriers for other women to follow in her pioneering footsteps.
“Her unstinting dedication to quality in her work, and her generosity in sharing her knowledge with others, is an inspiration to us all.”
Rhona Ferrans, who leads Diageo’s blending team, said: “As well as being a quite exceptional whisky blender, her dedication to nurturing other members of the team and creating the conditions for others to succeed, is what has defined her incredible 45-year career.”
Robinson commented: “I will always cherish the amazing opportunities and experiences to travel and meet people that Scotch whisky has allowed me and although I am stepping back from the frontline, I will continue to offer my support and encouragement to colleagues in any way I can in the future.”
After studying Pharmacy at Strathclyde University, she began her career with Diageo’s predecessor company Distiller’s Company in 1977 as a young scientist at the Glenochil Research Station in Clackmannanshire.
It was here that her exceptional sense of smell was discovered, marking her out as a potential whisky blender.
Robinson spent nine years developing her nosing and tasting ability, even creating her own language to describe what she was able to sense.
She was made a Keeper of the Quaich in 2012 in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the industry, and was inducted into the Scotch Whisky Hall of Fame in 2019.
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