Johnnie Walker – it’s the world’s biggest selling blended Scotch whisky. Is it unreasonable to assume that every whisky drinker has, at some stage or another, notched up a JW on their list of conquests?
For so many years, Johnnie Walker’s iconic Red Label and Black Label expressions were staples in nearly every bar and whisky drinker’s cupboard. Gold Label and Blue Label came along, also eventually joined by Green Label.
With interest in the category booming, Johnnie Walker has continued to innovate and expand, developing and releasing an impressive range of limited editions, or adding to the core range. There are now multiple variations in the Green Label range; ditto the Black Label; and the old Gold Label evolved into two new expressions, the Gold Label Reserve (a no-age-statement), and the 18yo (which was badged as Platinum Label for a few years). Needless to say, the striding man is never standing still. And speaking of a long stride….
Amazingly, 2020 actually marks 200 years of Johnnie Walker – it all started in a small grocery shop in Kilmarnock, run by a Mr John Walker, back in 1820. John began blending whiskies from different distilleries, creating them as a “made to order” product for his customers. From 1860 onwards, his son (and subsequently his grandson) effectively established the brand we recognise today; created the distinctive square bottle and sloping label, and took their whisky to the world.
To celebrate its 200 years, Johnnie Walker has put together a documentary titled, “The Man Who Walked Around the World”. Directed by Anthony Wonke (winner of no less than three BAFTA awards) the film explores how, after 200 years, the brand remains as relevant in popular culture today as it’s ever been. Featuring thoughts and interviews from an eclectic mix of industry people and well-known celebrities, the film shares some previously untold stories, archival footage, and tells the story of how the whisky came to occupy space on the shelves of almost every bar around the world. The documentary was screened on the Discovery Channel last month, and is now streamable via Amazon Prime.
Also timed to coincide with the brand’s two centuries of existence is the publication of an incredible book, “A long stride”. It’s a fabulous hardback that tells the story of Johnnie Walker, with no stone unturned. Painstakingly researched and brilliantly put together by the author, Nick Morgan, it is a fascinating insight into not just the brand itself and the history/people behind it, but also aspects of Scottish 19th century life, society, trade, and commerce. As the brand “took off” and established itself in the late 19th and early 20th century, the book also paints a fascinating picture of how business operated on a national and then international stage, and how the Walker family made bold, brave, and innovative decisions that – at times – went against the flow. “A long stride” is a must-read for anyone with an interest in whisky’s history, let alone those with an affinity for the brand itself. You can buy the book online or from leading book retailers – RRP is $34.99.
Further still, to complete the nostalgia and round out the 200 year celebration, Johnnie Walker’s Master Blender, Jim Beveridge, has concocted a special blend to mark the occasion. Suitably named “John Walker & Sons Celebratory Blend” and bottled at a pleasing 51% ABV, the label states that the whisky was “inspired by our original Old Highland whisky”. That was the company’s first commercial blend, launched in 1867. Modern blends that purport to re-create whiskies of yesteryear are interesting affairs – for the end consumer, one can only speculate how accurately and genuinely the product matches the original it’s aiming to emulate. (The famous re-created Mackinlay’s blend that was based on the whisky recovered from Shackleton’s 1907 Antarctica expedition was a great story and applaudable endeavour, although it would be fair to say the actual whisky never set the world on fire).
Yours truly sat down with a bottle of the Celebratory Blend and put it through its paces. Here’s Whisky & Wisdom’s tasting notes:
Johnnie Walker Celebratory Blend, NAS, 51% ABV
Nose: Pleasingly sweet and floral, with hints of tropical fruit (guava, pineapple) up front. With time, the nose evolves into vanilla sponge cake, fruit pastries, and fresh blueberries.
Palate: The mouthfeel and texture is oily, and the higher ABV of 51% carries some weight. The palate is quite malty, offering shortbread, oats, and perhaps the sweetness of honey. Some very light spices (cinnamon, cumin, and cloves) round out the experience.
Finish: Clean and warming, the finish has a medium length that’s a little austere, perhaps hinting at the grain whisky in the blend.
Comments: You don’t often experience a Johnnie Walker blend bottled higher than 40%, and it certainly lifts this blend – delivering greater impact of flavour and mouthfeel. It’s very pleasant drinking and does exactly what you want a blend to do: It provides a sweet, balanced, well-rounded dram that ticks most of the boxes. For the sake of curiosity, and only because an open bottle was to hand, I compared the Celebratory Blend with the 12yo deluxe Black Label. Only the Master Blender will ever know the ratio of malt-to-grain in this blend, but the Celebratory Blend certainly came across as having a higher malt content than the Black Label. Tasty stuff!
The Celebratory Blend is a limited edition release and is currently available through all leading liquor stores with an RRP of $99. For anyone who’s enjoyed the other offerings from the Johnnie Walker stable, the Celebratory Blend is definitely something you’ll want Santa to put under the Christmas tree.
Whilst we’re at it, you might also like the following reviews on Whisky & Wisdom of other Johnnie Walker releases….
Johnnie Walker Blue Label – Ghost & Rare Port Ellen
Johnnie Walker Black Label – Sherry Edition
Johnnie Walker 18yo – The old is new
Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch – Red Rye Finish
Johnnie Walker Blue Label – Ghost and Rare Brora
For more information about the brand and anything else, take a long stride over to Johnnie Walker’s official website, which is here.
Cheers,
AD
