If you are not familiar with John Campbell, he is regarded as one of Scotland’s best distillers. About six months ago, he became the new Master Distiller and CEO for Sespe Creek Distillery in Oxnard, California. Their first release with him at the helm is “Warbringer Big Cockerel Aguardiente.”
With this release John said, “For my first release, it was clear that I had to strip back what I knew and start from the foundations up. This is just the beginning with much more to come.”
History
Aguardiente roughly translates to “fiery water” and has deep roots in both Mexico and California’s Gold Rush in the mid-20th century. During that time, the liquid was made from distilled grapes.
The Liquid
Warbringer Big Cockerel is twice distilled in copper pots and made from a mash bill of 60% mesquite-smoked corn, 15% fire-toasted corn and 25% malted rye coming in at 98 proof and priced at $35
John’s Tasting Notes:
Nose: Toasted pumpkin seed, graham cracker, and mesquite.
Palate: Soft and velvety texture upfront, with notes of mole, mezcal, mesquite grilled chicken and sweet potato.
Finish: Dry and long with lingering notes of smoked peanut brittle and flan.
Sespe Creek’s other CEO, Alfred English, said: “When drinking this whiskey, we want it to take them somewhere back in time. It’s the rough and tumble mining towns with four saloons to every church where laws were mere suggestions. It’s the restless adventurers and wagon trains arriving full of optimism over the Sierras. Unlikely as it may seem, John’s very involvement in the creation of Warbringer is a tip of the cap to the Scottish diaspora of the mid-19th century when roughly 3,000 Scotsman arrived in California.”
Getting to Know John Campbell
What are your early memories of whiskey that possibly shaped your career?
“Well, I was born and raised in Islay and the distilleries were part of life. My dad was a farmer and a lobster fisherman. You’re either a farmer, a fisherman, or in the whisky industry. I tried lobster fishing but I couldn’t get a mortgage in that line of work, so I went into whisky. My first job in the whiskey industry was painting numbers on casks and spreading floor maltings at Laphroaig . Four-and-a-half years later at 29 years old, I was promoted to assistant distiller.”
What flavor profiles appeal to you the most in a whiskey?
“That’s a tough question! I would have to say; sweet and sour balance with mid palate of stone and tropical fruits followed by vanilla and citrus finish.”
Do you have any favorite bottles or brands?
“I’ll give you four that I enjoy. They would be; Springbank, Glenfarclas, Longrow 18, and Glenmorangie Signet.”
You are regarded as one of Scotland’s best distillers. What prompted your decision to leave your most recent employer, Lochlea Distillery, to assume the role of Master Distiller and CEO of Sespe Creek spirits in Oxnard, CA.?
“Basically, I wanted to move to the U.S. and live in California and my family was in agreement with the move.”
What is your vision for Sespe Creek?
“I want to produce a single malt while staying true to Sespe Creek’s roots. I also want to take our customers on a journey!”
How do you intend to add to the ethos of the Warbringer and Sespe Creek brands?
“Follow the foundations of Warbringer while simultaneously elevating the brand. I’m also intent on developing and building the reputation of the brand.”
The Mashibill: Whiskey Network Wants to Know Your Recipe
Wrapping things up, it is our tradition at the Whiskey Network to ask our guests the same final five questions, also known as The Mashbill: Whiskey Network Wants to Know Your Recipe.
What was the last whiskey, bourbon, or scotch in your glass?
“That’s an easy question. It was Knob Creek!”
Do you prefer to drink your whiskey from a specific type of glass?
“Another easy question! A Glencairn of course.”
Do you have a Unicorn bottle?
“I may surprise you with this answer. It would be a 1990’s Johnny Walker Black.”
I’m looking for a gift for a friend. My budget is around $50 to $75. What would you recommend I buy?
“My recommendation would be Old Grandad Cask Strength.”
What is your favorite toast?
“Here’s to us, There’s none like us, God damn the rest!”
Final Thoughts
John Campbell had a desire to step out of his wheelhouse and move to America’s west coast for a fresh start in a new country. He felt it was a chance to run a business and stretch his limits while learning a different culture.
He said, “At Sespe Creek we pay homage to American Heritage. Each brand is a passageway to places and moments in time that we revere. The liquid inside each bottle showcases our obsession with the craft and our belief that going the extra mile results in a sip worth every step.”
We are proud to welcome John to the Whiskey Network Family!
