John Campbell heads to California from Scotland to take the reins at Sespe Creek Distillery.
Sespe Creek Distillery has announced the appointment of John Campbell, renowned for his exceptional contributions to the whiskey industry, as its Master Distiller and Chief Operating Officer. Campbell will lead the California-based distillery’s operations after 17 years at the helm of Scotland’s iconic Laphroaig distillery and three years as Master Distiller at Lochlea Distillery. Campbell takes the reins at Sespe Creek with this new venture into American Craft Spirits.
Sespe Creek Distillery Enters New Era:
Campbell’s experience includes a legacy of crafting award-winning whiskeys, which has garnered him a loyal following among enthusiasts worldwide. His move to Sespe Creek marks a significant shift, as he will focus on developing a range of spirits inspired by the local environment and its ingredients. The distillery aims to combine traditional techniques with innovative practices under his guidance.
The partnership comes at a time when Sespe Creek is expanding its production capabilities and enhancing its commitment to sustainability. Campbell’s vision aligns with the distillery’s goal to incorporate eco-friendly practices while producing high-quality spirits. His expertise is expected to elevate Sespe Creek’s offerings and increase its visibility in a competitive market.
John Campbell expressed enthusiasm about joining Sespe Creek, highlighting the opportunity to explore new flavor profiles and engage with local agriculture. As the distillery embarks on this new chapter, industry observers are keenly watching to see how Campbell’s influence will shape its future and contribute to the evolution of craft distilling in California. As incoming Chief Operating Officer, Campbell will spearhead Sespe Creek’s portfolio of spirits, which includes Warbringer Mesquite Smoked Southwest Bourbon, Parlor Cay Rum, and Silvergrin Vodka.
Exciting Collaborations for Sespe Creek Distillery:
Campbell’s new position leading Sespe Creek also signals the beginning of a groundbreaking new collaboration between industry-leading Master Distiller and UFC greats, Josh “Warmaster” Barnett and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. Barnett and Cerrone each have their own sub-brands under the Warbringer Bourbon umbrella, Warmaster Edition and Cowboy Edition respectively.
Since launching in 2019, Barnett’s Warmaster Edition has garnered a wide following since being featured on The Joe Rogan Show as one of the host’s preferred whiskies to drink on air, while Cerrone’s Cowboy Edition recently launched with much anticipation at UFC 300 in Las Vegas.
About Sespe Creek Distillery:
At Sespe Creek Distillery, we pay homage to Americana heritage. Each brand is a passageway to places and moments in time that we revere. The liquor inside each bottle showcases our obsession with The Craft, and our belief that going the extra mile results in a sip worth every extra step.
While currently a production-only distillery, Sespe Creek has plans to open a tasting room in the first half of 2025.
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