Diageo is introducing three experimental Johnnie Walker whiskies from its Blenders’ Batch range for both whisky aficionados and cocktail lovers.
The blends are designed to form the foundation of Scotch cocktails and can also be enjoyed straight up over ice.
Blenders’ Batch is available as three different blends: a wine cask blend, rum cask finish and espresso roast. Johnnie Walker said the range is ‘the result of bold experimentation that pushes the boundaries in flavour’.
The first blend to be released, Johnnie Walker wine cask blend, is more than a decade in the making.
It is said to be fruity with fresh berry and sweet toffee hints as well as ‘delicate fragrant aromas’.
Johnnie Walker blender Aimée Gibson said: “My goal at Johnnie Walker is to make whiskies that can be enjoyed by people with a range of taste preferences, especially by those who might previously have thought that whisky isn’t for them. As blenders, we draw upon almost 200 years of whisky-making experience and take inspiration from flavour pioneers from around the world.
“Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch wine cask blend is light and fruity. It’s perfect for enjoying in an after-work cocktail with friends or for savouring on its own during quieter moments.”
And master blender Jim Beveridge said: “At Johnnie Walker, we know how to make exceptional Scotch. That was true when we first created Johnnie Walker Black Label over 100 years ago and it is still true today. Our philosophy and our commitment to creating exceptional Scotch Whiskies is central to everything we do.
“Our blenders are given free rein to take inspiration from anything and everything around them when making whisky: experiences they’ve had, personal passions, sounds, and flavours. Their passion drives them to challenge the whisky-making status quo and to tap into other flavour cultures to create the best possible flavour combinations for all of our blends, every day.”
The wine cask blend is launching in selected countries from September with a recommended retail price of $29.99. Meanwhile the rum cask finish and espresso roast variants will go on sale from October.
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