Alexander Walker (1837–1889) was the son of John ‘Johnnie’ Walker of the whiskey brand. He inherited the company in 1857 and expanded its business, exporting whisky throughout the British Empire.
In 1867 he registered Old Highland Whisky, one of the earliest brands to be copyrighted. From that time it has had the now famous slanted black and gold label. In the late 1870s he switched to the distinctive square bottle design.
Upon his death in 1889, he left the business to his sons George Paterson Walker and Alexander Walker II.
George ran marketing and distribution through the London office. Alex oversaw production, blending, and became an industry spokesman and whisky magnate.
Scotch Whiskey: A Liquid History by Charles MacLean. ©2003 Charles MacLean & Cassell Illustrated. ISBN 1-84403-078-4