Gordon Motion, a revered figure in the world of Scotch whisky, is concluding an extraordinary 27-year journey as Highland Park's Master Whisky Maker. His departure marks the end of an era defined by innovation, precision, and an unwavering commitment to quality that has shaped the distillery's celebrated single malt expressions. As Motion steps into retirement, he entrusts the future of Highland Park's liquid artistry to Marc Watson, a distiller of considerable repute and the recipient of the 2023 Distillery Manager of the Year award. Watson's appointment ensures that the rich heritage and distinctive character of Highland Park whiskies will continue to flourish, guided by a new vision that honors the past while embracing future possibilities. The transition highlights a seamless transfer of expertise, with Motion personally mentoring Watson to ensure a deep understanding of the distillery's unique essence.

Motion’s tenure at Highland Park has been a period of remarkable achievement, characterized by his profound influence on the brand's global standing. His legacy includes not only the meticulous development of new whisky lines but also the strategic expansion of Highland Park's reach into international markets, introducing its distinctive flavors to a wider audience. The release of 'Sherry Skies,' a limited-edition whisky crafted from a blend of European and American oak casks, serves as a poignant farewell from Motion, embodying his mastery in balancing intricate flavors and aromatic depths. This creation is a final, exquisite note from a career dedicated to the pursuit of whisky perfection, a testament to the sensory journey he embarked upon for nearly three decades.

A Distinguished Career and Lasting Impact

Gordon Motion's distinguished career at Highland Park spans almost three decades, during which he meticulously crafted and refined the distillery's exceptional whisky portfolio. His expertise was instrumental in shaping the unique character of Highland Park's single malts, contributing significantly to its global acclaim. Motion's tenure saw the creation of numerous iconic expressions, including groundbreaking limited editions and the strategic expansion of the brand's reach into global markets. His dedication to the craft has left an indelible mark on the whisky industry, solidifying Highland Park's reputation for quality and innovation.

For 27 years, Gordon Motion was the guiding hand behind Highland Park's celebrated whiskies, beginning his journey as assistant to the whisky quality manager for all Edrington brands before ascending to master blender in 2008. Since 2018, his focus has been almost exclusively on Highland Park, dedicating his formidable skills to its distinctive character. Reflecting on his time, Motion cited significant milestones such as the selection of rare 1968 casks for the 56-year-old release, a testament to his discerning palate. He also played a pivotal role in expanding the single malt portfolio, introducing Cask Strength and Global Travel Retail editions, thereby broadening the appeal and accessibility of Highland Park whiskies worldwide. His final creation, 'Sherry Skies,' exemplifies his mastery, blending three first-fill European oak Sherry quarter casks, three first-fill American oak quarter casks, and three first-fill Bourbon casks to achieve a unique depth of flavor. This 19-year-old single malt, limited to 1,200 bottles at 48.8% abv, is a fitting culmination of his nearly three decades of blending expertise, offering a complex symphony of Sherry sweetness and the distillery's signature aromatic smoke.

Transition of Leadership: A New Chapter

As Gordon Motion steps down, Highland Park welcomes Marc Watson as the new Master Whisky Maker, signaling a seamless transition in leadership. Watson, recognized as Distillery Manager of the Year in 2023, brings over a decade of valuable experience, including his recent role as master blender for The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt. His appointment ensures that Highland Park will continue to uphold its legacy of excellence, guided by a fresh perspective that respects tradition while embracing future innovations. Watson has spent the last six months working closely with Motion, meticulously familiarizing himself with the intricate flavor profiles that define Highland Park.

Marc Watson's arrival at Highland Park heralds an exciting new chapter for the distillery, building upon the formidable legacy left by Gordon Motion. Watson, who earned the prestigious Distillery Manager of the Year award in 2023, brings a wealth of experience, including his tenure as master blender for The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt since 2023. His admiration for Highland Park's 'different by nature' philosophy underscores his commitment to preserving the brand's core identity and quality. Watson has spent the past six months in a comprehensive handover process with Motion, immersing himself in the nuances of Highland Park's unique production methods and distinctive flavor profiles. Motion himself expressed utmost confidence in Watson, describing him as the ideal successor due to his meticulous attention to detail, profound knowledge, and creative flair. Watson's vision for the future involves maintaining the integrity of the core offerings while introducing new releases that reflect his creative input, promising an exciting evolution for Highland Park without compromising its established excellence.