John Walker (grocer)

John Walker (1805 – 1859) was a Scottish grocer and businessman who founded the whisky brand Johnnie Walker. He was born in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland. In 1819, following the death of his father, the family sold their farm and used the proceeds to establish a grocery shop in Kilmarnock.

Walker began selling whisky in his shop, initially sourcing single malts from various local producers. He developed a talent for blending these malts to create a more consistent and appealing product for his customers. Walker was among the first to sell blended whisky, a departure from the single malts that were typically available at the time.

After his death in 1859, his son Alexander Walker and grandson Alexander Walker II continued the business and expanded the whisky production. They were largely responsible for the iconic square bottle and the slanted label that became synonymous with Johnnie Walker whisky. The company's growth under their leadership transformed it from a local grocery store into a globally recognized brand.