John Walker (grocer)

John (Johnnie) Walker (1805 - 1859) was born near Kilmarnock in Ayrshire, Scotland. He established a grocer's shop in the town in 1820, before beginning to blend whisky. His brand, then known as Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky became popular, eventually becoming world famous as Johnny Walkers Whisky. It was his son, Alexander Walker who was largely responsible for establishing the whisky as a widely popular brand.

Walker died in 1859, but his legacy was assured as the Walker family developed the business and grew the Johnny Walkers brand to become world famous.