Blended Scotch comes of age

Premium expression relaunched with a new label

Diageo has relaunched its Johnnie Walker brand’s Platinum Scotch whisky with a new name – Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years.

The 40% ABV blended Scotch whisky features a new-look bottle, as well as updated packaging.

A blend of up to 18 different whiskies, each said to be chosen for their “depth of flavour and character”, Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years’ tasting notes describe the Scotch as having “intense sweet fruit flavours and aromas, with just a gentle wisp of smokiness, embodying the classic Johnnie Walker style of blending – striking the perfect balance between distillery character and the influence of casks over time”.

The whiskies are said to have been drawn from across Scotland’s whisky-producing regions.

Created by Johnnie Walker master blender, Dr Jim Beveridge, the whisky is being promoted as best-served neat or on the rocks.

Beveridge said the whiskies he chose for the blend “have a wonderful balance”.

“The challenge with this blend was to create a smooth and complex whisky with distinctive, big flavours,” he said.

The myriad of flavour is unlike any other, giving this Scotch an unparalleled quality.

“I have chosen up to 18 different whiskies with remarkable flavour and character, including classic Speyside malts, such as Cardhu, Glen Elgin and Auchroisk, for their sweetness and elegance; fruity and complex Highland malts including Blair Athol and beautifully aged island malts that enable me to introduce such a subtle smokiness.”

Nick Temperley, head of Diageo Reserve GB, said Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years “is crafted using our unrivalled reserves of mature whiskies”.

“The myriad of flavour is unlike any other, giving this Scotch an unparalleled quality,” he said.

“We know there’s a real consumer demand for 18 year old whiskies, and hope to see the new name and packaging resonate with customers.”