Johnnie Walker whisky is one of the most iconic whisky brands in the world, and its history is as fascinating as its taste. Founded in 1820 by John Walker in Kilmarnock, Scotland, the company has grown to become a household name. The company began when John Walker began selling whisky from his grocery store.
His signature blend, ‘Old Highland’, became popular among local customers and John was soon able to open up an actual distillery. He named it Johnnie Walker & Sons, and it quickly became one of the most successful distilleries in Scotland.
Throughout the 19th century, the company continued to develop their whiskies and began to experiment with different styles, such as Islay malt and grain whisky. By the turn of the century, Johnnie Walker was exporting their whisky across the globe and had become an international success. In 1909, Johnnie Walker released their first ‘Red Label’ blend which would become their signature blend for decades to come.
The Red Label was a blend of over 35 different whiskies from Scotland and became an instant classic. Other blends followed including Green Label (a blended malt), Black Label (a 12-year-old blend) and Blue Label (a limited edition 21-year-old blend).
Today, Johnnie Walker is owned by Diageo PLC and continues to be one of the most popular whisky brands in the world. Their range has expanded to include several new blends that appeal to both whisky connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. The company also produces a range of single malt whiskies that showcase the unique characteristics of each region in Scotland.
With its range of premium products, Johnnie Walker Whisky offers something for everyone, whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or a beginner. Let’s take a look at four of their premium whiskies and explore what makes them so great.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the epitome of luxury when it comes to whisky. The blend is made up of rare whiskies from all over Scotland, with some bottles containing whiskies that are over a century old. It is an incredibly complex blend, with notes of smoke and peat, as well as sweetness from sherry-cask matured malts. The finish is long and smooth, making this whisky perfect for sipping on its own or with a few ice cubes.
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Johnnie Walker Black Label is one of the most iconic blends in the world of whisky. It is made up of around 40 different whiskies, all aged for 12 years or longer. The blend offers up flavors of dark chocolate and dried fruits, as well as smoky notes from malts that have been matured in casks that were previously used to store sherry. This whisky has a long finish that lingers on the palate and it pairs perfectly with cigars or rich desserts.
Johnnie Walker Green Label
If you’re looking for something a bit different from Johnnie Walker Whisky then you should try the Green Label blend. This unique whisky is made up of single malts aged for at least 15 years and each batch is unique to ensure that every bottle tastes slightly different from the last. On the nose there are notes of sweet honey and oak, followed by flavors of citrus fruits, fresh herbs, vanilla and spices. The finish is smooth and mellow, with a hint of smoke that lingers on the palate.
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve
The Gold Label Reserve blend from Johnnie Walker Whisky is a luxurious expression that offers up a complex flavor profile. It is made up of over 15 single malts aged for 18 years or longer and it has been double-matured in two different types of cask – American Oak and European Oak – to give it its distinctive flavor profile. On the nose there are sweet notes of honeycomb and dried fruit, followed by flavors of vanilla, oak spice and dark chocolate on the palate. The finish is long and smooth, with hints of smoke lingering on the tongue.
No matter which Johnnie Walker Whisky you choose to enjoy, you can be sure that it will be crafted using only the finest ingredients and techniques to ensure that every sip is a pleasure to behold. From its iconic blends to its rare expressions, Johnnie Walker Whisky has something for everyone.
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