The whiskies of Johnnie Walker are familiar to Scotch drinkers across the globe. The unimpeachable quality and reliability of the Black and Red Label bottlings make them a go-to choice and as a result this is, quite understandably, the world’s most popular whisky brand.
Yet for all its popularity and ubiquity, if you take a step deeper into the world of Walker, there are true and rare gems to be uncovered: blended whiskies that happily stand shoulder to shoulder with Scotland’s greatest single malts..With decades of experience between them, the Johnnie Walker master blenders can draw upon the largest collection of maturing Scotch whisky. It’s an unrivalled stock that features whiskies from all corners of Scotland; a true multiverse of malts, including many no longer in production.
Read MoreThe resulting bottles, three of which we have selected below, are whiskies that use diversity to build complexity while championing the utter beauty of balance. They epitomise the art of blending.
John Walker & Sons Bicentenary Blend
This 28 Year Old, limited-edition anniversary bottling, celebrates 200 years since John Walker first opened the doors of a small grocery store in Kilmarnock. It is a complex, rich whisky with layers of flavour that are balanced with warming spices and a soft smoke. Fascinating to note that this whisky was inspired by an original inventory held in the archives from the grocery store owned by John Walker himself. Complex, with soft stone fruits and a touch of smoke, but beautifully balanced. A dram that John would no doubt be very impressed with.
Johnnie Walker Ghost and Rare, Port Ellen
The second in a series of special releases crafted using irreplaceable ‘ghost’ whiskies and other incredibly rare whiskies from the Johnnie Walker Blue Label reserves. At the heart of this limited edition lies the highly prized Islay single malt, Port Ellen. The addition of two further ‘ghost’ whiskies, Caledonian and Carsebridge and five rare malts from Mortlach, Dailuaine, Cragganmore, Blair Athol and Oban make up this excellent blend. Rich fruit flavours of apples and pears with the signature smoke of Port Ellen dancing in the background. The peat is subtle but the finish is long and drawn out. Incredibly morish.
Johnnie Walker King George V
An exceptional whisky, crafted to celebrate the granting of the first Royal Warrant to John Walker & Sons by King George V in 1934. Using precious whiskies from distilleries that were in existence during his reign, including Benrinnes, Caol Ila, Cardhu and the now silent Port Ellen and Port Dundas. A whisky fit for a King or Queen! A spicy complexity develops with rich fruits, raisins, figs and stewed apples. A slight suggestion of milled wood and smoke creeps in. Featuring two iconic Islay distilleries the introduction of peat is profound but not overbearing. Perfectly balanced and delicious.