Johnnie Walker has unveiled Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami, a whisky inspired by the fifth taste. To create the new expression, Master Blender Emma Walker joined forces with world-renowned Chef Kei Kobayashi.
The result is a beautifully balanced blended Scotch whisky of sweet and savory flavors with notes of blood oranges, red berries, sweet wood spice, a touch of smoked meat, a hint of salt and pepper, and a long, sweet fruit finish. To create the whisky, casks from inland and coastal distilleries were hand-chosen at the height of their maturation for their unique umami profile–only one in 25,000 casks succeeds in bringing this elusive character to life.
“When we set out to create Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami, it wasn’t just a blending experience, but a gastronomic exploration,” said Walker. “Getting acquainted with the intensity of the umami flavor was the key to creating this exceptional Scotch Whisky. Best served neat with caviar to unlock the full depth of this unique sensory experience.”
Chef Kei Kobayashi, who runs three Michelin starred restaurant Kei in Paris, added: “Umami possesses a mysterious quality that ignites our senses, revealing sumptuous taste, complexity and depth. Encapsulating that alluring flavor through Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami allows you to immerse your palate in an exquisite Scotch Whisky of subtle richness.”
Julie Bramham, Global Brand Director of Johnnie Walker, noted: “This limited edition release represents our commitment to push the boundaries of what’s possible in whisky – and Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami does just that. In partnering with Chef Kei to create this unique liquid, we’re driving intrigue and excitement to recruit a new generation of whisky lovers – enhancing a traditional drinking moment to create an immersive experience that elevates all of the senses.”
Elusive Umami is exclusively available at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh, Scotland beginning today, before pre-sales launch globally on October 2, 2023, and it becomes available to buy globally from October 16, 2023. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
Just last week, Johnnie Walker unveiled a new luxury Scotch whisky exclusively in global travel retail (GTR), Johnnie Walker Blue Label Xordinaire. Finished in former French XO Cognac casks, this Scotch offers all the depth of flavor one would expect from Johnnie Walker Blue Label, but with an inherent smoothness and sweetness.