Willie started his career at the Jura distillery as a Mash/Still Operator in 1976. Soon after, he was promoted to the dual role of Brewer and Engineer. After three decades, Willie attained the role of Jura Distiller.
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| Graham Logan and Willie Cochrane |
Graham Logan, a former Jura Mash/Stillman who has worked at Willie’s side for over two decades, will be taking over the role of Distillery Manager.
Before departing Jura, Willie and Graham will be hosting guests at this year’s Tastival – Jura’s annual two-day whisky festival - on what is being billed as a journey through the senses, as they help the island’s honorary Diurachs (the Gaelic term for the community of Jura) discover different ways to enjoy whisky.
Willie and Graham will also be leading The Master’s Tour; a rare chance to experience the Jura still house, as seen through the eyes of the people who make it, including a whisky tasting and Q&A session.
The pair will also be signing bottles of this year’s limited edition Tastival bottling at the event - where guests will be amongst the first in the world to try this special expression, the last ever festival bottling to be overseen by Willie.
Commenting on his retirement, Willie Cochrane said: “Jura is just as important to me now, as it has been for the last 39 years. I’ll find it hard to walk away completely, so I’ll still be involved in promoting the whisky from time to time. Definitely not a quiet retirement but one I’m very excited about, especially as I’ll have more time for the grandchildren, and to take holidays abroad with my wife!”
Tickets for this year’s Jura Tastival on May 25th and 26th are available now via: eventbrite.co.uk
Posted by Steve Rush