Johnnie Walker is celebrating its 200th anniversary by releasing three new limited edition Whiskies: Blue Label Legendary Eight, Celebratory Blend, and Bicentenary Blend as well as a limited edition bottle design. Each anniversary release celebrates part of the famed brand’s two century journey. All four releases are expected to hit shelves across the globe in October.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Legendary Eight refers to the eight famous producers that are used in the composition of the Whisky. Spirits from Oban, Blair Athol, Lagavulin, and Teaninich are mixed with stocks from the closed distilleries of Brora, Cambus, Port Dundas, and Carsebridge. All eight distilleries existed in 1820.
John Walker & Sons Celebratory Blend is inspired by the launch of Old Highland Whisky in the 1860s, and tastes of flavours found in the Walker family’s grocery store during that period. Similar to the Blue Label Legendary Eight, it is crafted with whiskies from distilleries operating at the time.
John Walker & Sons Bicentenary Blend is “a sensorial journey down the fragrant aisles of John Walker’s original grocery store in Scotland with rich layers that re-imagine the exotic flavours that shaped John Walker’s imagination,” said the distillery in their release. “It is crafted with rare and exceptional whiskies, all aged for at least 28 years, including whiskies from long-closed “ghost” distilleries such as Pittyvaich, Cambus and soon to be re-opened Port Ellen.”
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label 200th Anniversary Limited Edition bottle design features illustrations that are inspired by the brand’s 200-year journey, and pays homage to many of the cities and countries that have been part of its story.
Diageo Global Scotch Director, John Williams, said: “We wanted to mark our 200-year journey with the launch of these four exclusive limited editions – they’re a celebration of where we’ve come from but, more than that, they are each expressions of what’s possible today and into tomorrow, and that’s exciting.
“John’s spark, vision and entrepreneurial fire were the impetus to growing the John Walker name, our business and ultimately a new future for Scotch whisky. This year we’re celebrating the steps he first took – steps that have inspired generations of our whisky makers and are at the heart of everything we do today and will do tomorrow.”
Johnnie Walker Master Blender, Jim Beveridge, said: “Each of these exclusive releases bring a fresh perspective to our 200th anniversary story and are the perfect way to celebrate this moment for Johnnie Walker. It feels very apt to be announcing them this week to coincide with John Walker’s birthday.”
Earlier this year, Johnnie Walker’s parent company Diageo announced a £185 million investment in Scotch tourism, which includes the creation of a Johnnie Walker Visitor Center in Edinburgh. Earlier this month, they also announced they will be launching a new paper-based bottle in 2021.