TODAY, Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch whisky[1], celebrates a 200-year milestone, and looks to the next 200 years of Scotch, with the announcement of four exclusive limited editions. Each of these 200th anniversary releases – a new bottle design and three newly crafted whiskies – are a celebration of the incredible journey, pioneering spirit and dedication to quality that was started by founder, John Walker, in 1820.
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.”
Each anniversary release celebrates a unique part of this 200 year journey:
JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL 200TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION DESIGN
This new limited edition design features stunning illustrations that bring to life the 200-year journey of John Walker & Sons and Johnnie Walker, paying homage to some of the great cities and countries that have been part of this inspiring story since 1820.
JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL LEGENDARY EIGHT
This exclusive release celebrates 200 years of craft.. It is a smooth, mellow Scotch crafted using whisky hand selected from only eight legendary distilleries that all existed in 1820, including some very rare expressions from long-closed “ghost” distilleries.
JOHN WALKER & SONS CELEBRATORY BLEND
This limited edition release is inspired by a breakthrough moment in John Walker & Sons’ history – the launch of Old Highland Whisky in the 1860s. This rich and complex Scotch is inspired by the flavours found in the Walker family’s grocery store during that period and is crafted with whiskies from distilleries operating at the time.
JOHN WALKER & SONS BICENTENARY BLEND
This exceptional whisky 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. 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.
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[2].”
The launch of these 200th anniversary releases follows the announcement of a £185 million investment[3] in Scotch tourism from parent company, Diageo, with a host of new multi-sensory, immersive whisky experiences across Scotland and their most recent announcement of a new paper-based bottle launching with Johnnie Walker in 2021[4], a world-first in the drinks industry, to spearhead a more sustainable future for Scotch as the brand looks to the next 200 years.
All four exclusive releases will launch from October onwards, subject to market distribution and availability, for a limited period only.*
