Johnnie Walker
One of the most recognisable whisky brands in the world, Johnnie Walker is a true icon of quality and tradition.
Johnnie Walker’s labels are revered for the depth of their flavours, and the brand continues to make whiskies that push boundaries in more ways than one.
History and origin
Johnnie Walker traces its origins back to a humble grocer’s shop run by its namesake founder. Johnnie aimed to create a whisky that always tasted good no matter when you drank it. Thus, he mixed different single malts and created the first iteration of Johnnie Walker whisky.
This blend would prove itself to be the most popular item in his inventory, quickly becoming a local favourite. Johnnie’s son, Alexander, would inherit the business after his father’s passing away in 1857. Just as much of an opportunist as his father, Alexander took advantage of the Industrial Revolution, shipping Johnnie Walker whisky blends on the Kilmarnock railway.
By 1920, Johnnie Walker became global, immortalised in songs and films, and idolised by socialites and movie stars. Today, the brand remains one of the biggest whisky companies in the world, serving as a rallying cry for progress and success in the face of adversity.
What type of whisky is Johnnie Walker?
Most of Johnnie Walker’s labels are blended scotch whiskies. These are made by mixing single malt whiskies with single grain whiskies, producing a broader depth of flavour and allowing the whisky’s flavour and quality to remain consistent.
What is the difference between Scotch and Johnnie whiskey?
Scotch is a type of whisky made in Scotland, using malted barley as its main ingredient and aged in oak casks.
Johnnie Walker is made by combining different types of whiskies to produce a unique yet consistent flavour profile.
What are the ingredients in Johnnie Walker?
Johnnie Walker uses the highest-quality cereal grains, usually barley or wheat, to produce its signature blends.
How is Johnnie Walker made?
Here’s how the world’s best whisky is made:
- Malting: Grains are warmed up in hot water, causing them to germinate. In the process, starches contained within the grain are converted into soluble sugars.
- Drying: The germinated grains are dried in a kiln, before being ground up in a mill for the next stage.
- Fermentation: The ground cereal is mixed with hot water, producing a hot, sweet liquid. This liquid is then separated and cooled down before yeast is added to ferment it into a kind of beer.
- Distilling: The beer is boiled in copper stills to increase the level of alcohol and make the flavour more intense.
- Maturing: The distilled liquid is then transferred to oak casks to mature for a minimum of three years. This process is responsible for the whisky’s colour and flavour.
What are the Johnnie Walker labels?
Johnnie Walker offers different blends, each recognised by a different coloured label:
Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky
This iconic blend is made using single malts and grain whiskies from all across Scotland. Aged for at least 12 years, the result is a beloved timeless classic with a depth and balance of flavour.
Johnnie Walker Double Black Whisky
A more intense blend, made using naturally smoky whiskies handpicked from the west coast of Scotland.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky
The most prestigious blend, made from hand-selected rare scotches. Only one in 10,000 casks make the cut.
Johnnie Walker Red Label Whisky
A fiery blend made for cocktails. This whisky adds a kick to any mix.
An award-winning blend, this scotch is made from whiskies chosen for their sweet, honeyed qualities.
The only Johnnie Whisky Scotch whisky blended entirely with single malts. This label is made from 15-year-old malts from the four corners of Scotland, perfecting blending the distinct flavour profiles of each landscape in a perfect balance.
What makes Johnnie Walker Blue so special?
Johnie Walker Blue represents the pinnacle of the brand’s line of scotch. Only one per 10,000 scotch barrels produced by the company qualify for this blend.
The Blue Label combines some of the oldest and rarest scotch in the world with younger whiskies to create a truly unique aroma and flavour profile.
Flavour profile
Each Johnnie Walker label offers a unique tasting experience, catering to different preferences and occasions:
- Black Label: A taste of creamy toffee, sweet fruit and spice, with a smoky finish.
- Double Black: The sweet smoke and spicy aroma highlight the taste of rich peat, dried fruits and vanilla.
- Blue Label: The flavours of caramel and hazelnuts coursing through dark chocolate before ending off on a luxuriously long, warming, smoky finish.
- Red Label: A fresh, citrusy smell gives way to bursts of black pepper and cinnamon. It all ends on a lingering, smoky finish.
- Gold Label: The smell of heather honey is punctuated with the vibrant flavour of tropical fruits and smooth, creamy vanilla.
- Green Label: Rich wood notes with Highlands oak and cedar, and the distinctive finish of peated island whisky.
Food pairings
Johnnie Walker, with the varied flavour profiles of its blends, offers several food pairings that can enhance your dining experience:
- The strong Black Label pairs well with heavier, richer dishes such as red meat or strong cheese.
- The lighter Gold Label is a good match for seafood or poultry.
- The smoky notes of Double Black make it a great pairing with barbecued or grilled meats.
- The sweet and fruity notes of Johnnie Walker Green Label go well with dessert or spicy foods.
- The sophistication of Blue Label makes it the perfect choice for rich, decadent dishes like foie gras or truffles.
- For a more casual gathering, the spicy notes of Red Label pair well with salty snacks like potato chips or pretzels.
How to drink Johnnie Walker?
There is no right or wrong way to drink your favourite Johnnie Walker blend as long as you savour the flavour. Feel free to experiment with a multitude of ways to enhance your appreciation, from using different glasses and serving temperatures to adding a drop of water.
Here are some important things to remember when drinking whisky:
- Choose your glass: The glass you drink from can affect how you drink your whisky. For neat whisky, use a tumbler. For longer drinks, use a highball glass that’s tall, slim and straight-sided.
- Inhale the scent: Always start by inhaling your whisky’s aroma. The smell of your drink is an important part of the taste.
- Savour the taste: Take a sip and let the whisky roll over your tongue in order to truly appreciate the flavours.
- Take your time: Don’t rush! See what flavours you recognise – what might be brand new to you. Don’t be afraid to discuss what you tasted with your friends.
What is good to mix with Johnnie Walker?
Experiment with some cocktail mixes! The fruity notes of the Black Label blend ensure that it will pair up perfectly with any mixer of your choice. Mint, lemonade, peach or even green tea – try out different combinations, and you might find the perfect mixture for your cocktail party.
Notable Awards
The quality of Johnnie Walker’s whiskeys is recognised by the strong scores they have won at international spirits rating competitions and from liquor review bodies. Here are some of the accolades it has won:
- Awarded “Best Distiller in the World” by the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 1996.
- Green Label was named Top Blended Scotch in the 2006 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Top Blended Malt Scotch in the 2007 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Gold Label received double gold medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2008 and 2009 and won a gold in 2010.
- Gold Label won World’s Best Blended — Best Scotch Blended in World Whiskies Awards 2018.
What is the price of Johnnie Walker in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, Johnnie Walker’s price varies depending on the label. Most labels cost several hundred ringgit, while the highly sought-after Blue Label costs around RM1,000 at the lowest, depending on the edition.
Experience the classic taste of Johnnie Walker Whisky
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the taste of a Johnnie Walker is one that you’ll never forget.
One sip and you’ll learn why Johnnie Walker is a king amongst whiskies and the biggest whisky brand in the world. Buy a bottle of Johnnie’s whisky now and savour a legend!
Other Popular Whisky Categories: Single Malt Whisky | Scotch Whisky | Blended Scotch Whisky | Japanese Whisky | American Whisky
