Originally known as Walker’s Kilmarnock Whisky, the Johnnie Walker brand is a legacy left by John “Johnnie” Walker after he started to sell whisky in his grocer’s shop in Ayrshire, Scotland. The brand became popular, but after Walker’s death in 1857 it was his son Alexander Walker and grandson Alexander Walker II who were largely responsible for establishing the whisky as a popular brand. Under John Walker, whisky sales represented eight percent of the firm’s income; by the time Alexander was ready to pass on the company to his own sons, that figure had increased to between 90 and 95 percent. Prior to 1860, it was illegal to sell blended whisky. During that time John Walker sold a number of whiskies—notably his own Walker’s Kilmarnock. In 1865, John’s son Alexander produced their first blend, Walker’s Old Highland. Alexander Walker introduced the iconic square bottle in 1870. This meant more bottles fitting the same space and resulted in fewer broken bottles. The other identifying characteristic of the Johnnie Walker bottle is the label, which is applied at an angle of 24 degrees and allows text to be made larger and more visible. From 1906 to 1909, John’s grandsons George and Alexander II expanded the line and introduced the colour names. In 1908, when James Stevenson was the Managing Director, there was a re-branding of sorts. The whisky was renamed from Walker’s Kilmarnock Whiskies to Johnnie Walker Whisky. In addition, the slogan, “Born 1820—Still going Strong!” was created, along with the Striding Man logo, a figure used in their advertisements to this day, created by illustrator Tom Browne, in honour of the founder, and given the same name. The company joined Distillers Company in 1925. Distillers was acquired by Guinness in 1986, and Guinness merged with Grand Metropolitan to form Diageo in 1997.

A very rare edition of Johnnie Walker Gold Label, bottled in the 1990s for the Far East at the unusual age of 15 years old.

The Master Blenders at Johnnie Walker have access to an unparalleled 10 million casks of maturing whisky when they come to create their outstanding expressions, but for this Blue Label special edition, only 1 in every 10,000 of them will hold the richness and depth of flavour required to create this sophisticated and intricate release. The finest single malt and grain whiskies are selected from some of the best distillery warehouses in the country and carefully blended together, resulting in a rich, complex and flavourful dram that is velvety smooth. As a Limited Edition bottling, released to celebrate Chinese New Year, this Auspicious Qilin bottling comes in a specially designed bottle featuring a “Qilin” – a mythological creature, similar to a dragon, that would soar around the country spreading it’s blessing. The delicate and intricate patterns on this bottle make it stand out among some of the best looking whisky on the market. It’s a stunning creation on the outside and in and one that will attract collectors and drinkers alike, given its limited nature.

Relaxed and easy-going. Tingling layers of exotic fruits, sweetness and spice. Finished in whisky casks conditioned by maturing Caribbean pot still rum.  This deliciously smooth whisky is the result of a series of experiments into carefully finishing Scotch in casks that previously held rum.  Sip on the rocks or try long with coke and a twist of fresh lime.

Smoke meets sweet in Sweet Peat from Johnnie Walker, a limited edition experimental blended Scotch whisky. The core of Sweet Peat features whisky from Caol Ila and sherry matured Glendullen, in a similar vein to the peaty deliciousness that is the Johnnie Walker Black Label.