{
“title”: “John Okken: Master Blender Behind Heaven Hill’s Iconic Black Velvet Canadian Whiskey”,
“content”: {
“introduction”: “
Canadian Whiskey is a spirit that has carved out its own niche in the world of spirits. One brand that stands out among the rest is Black Velvet, and behind it all is John Okken, the master blender with a legacy of integrity and craftsmanship.
John Okken’s journey began over 17 years ago at Heaven Hill’s Black Velvet Distillery in Lethbridge, Alberta. From barreling and warehouse operations to blending seven years later, his path has been defined by precision, instinct, and teamwork. For John, every day is a chance to come to work excitedly and do what he loves.
In the blending department, where he spent almost a decade honing his craft, John works alongside three blenders and two blender-in-training. The team has developed a sixth sense, staying aware of one another’s work and stepping in without hesitation when needed. This connection extends beyond the production floor, with the group building genuine friendships that often lead to simple traditions like Thursday evening dog walks.
John credits Heaven Hill’s leadership and culture as a major reason his experience has been so fulfilling. Through the Spirited Commitment, ideas are openly shared and thoughtfully considered. The blenders taste together, talk through adjustments, and approach challenges collectively. This environment of trust and respect has elevated both the quality of the Whiskey and the strength of their relationships.
John is clear about the legacy he hopes to leave behind. ‘Integrity on the job is important,’ he shared. ‘I’m always striving to do the best I can in a way where my team also enjoys working alongside me.’ With four new premium, age-stated Velvet Collection whiskies launching later this year, John’s dedication to his craft will only continue to grow.
John Okken has been working at Heaven Hill’s Black Velvet Distillery for 17 years, where he has developed a reputation as one of the top Canadian Whiskey blenders. With his expertise in blending, precision, and teamwork, John has built a path defined by craftsmanship and collaboration. When not working on new projects or tasting through samples, John can be found enjoying simple traditions with his colleagues, both on and off the job.
For more information about John Okken or Black Velvet, please visit Heaven Hill website.
“,
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“seo_title”: “John Okken Master Blender Behind Heaven Hill’s Iconic Canadian Whiskey”,
“seo_description”: “Meet John Okken, the master blender behind Black Velvet Canadian Whiskey, and learn about his journey, leadership philosophy, and what sets him apart in the industry.”,
“focus_keyword”: “John Okken Master Blender”,
“og_title”: “John Okken Master Blender Behind Heaven Hill’s Iconic Canadian Whiskey”,
“og_description”: “Discover John Okken, the master blender behind Black Velvet Canadian Whiskey, and learn about his dedication to quality, collaboration, and craftsmanship.”,
“twitter_title”: “Meet John Okken, the master blender behind @HeavenHillWhiskey’s iconic #BlackVelvet Canadian Whiskey”,
“twitter_description”: “Learn about John Okken’s journey, leadership philosophy, and what sets him apart in the industry. Read more: Heaven Hill website #spirits #whiskey”
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