SESPE CREEK DISTILLERY

Renowned distiller JOHN CAMPBELL has left Scotland for California to join Sespe Creek Distillery as its chief operating officer (COO) and master distiller. The move to the West Coast marks Campbell’s first foray into American craft spirits after working in the Scotch sector for the past three decades most notably with Lochlea and Laphroaig. As master distiller at Sepse Creek, Campbell will be responsible for the Oxnard-based distiller’s portfolio of spirits, which includes Warbringer Whiskey, Silvergrin Vodka and Parlor Cay Rum. Islay native Campbell announced his departure from Lochlea in August after less than three years as production director at the Ayrshire-based distillery. Before Lochlea, Campbell was at Islay distillery Laphroaig for more than 25 years. Campbell will also collaborate with UFC stars Josh ‘Warmaster’ Barnett and Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, who have created Warmaster Edition and Cowboy Edition respectively under the Warbringer brand. The distillery plans to open its inaugural tasting room in the first half of 2025.