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Viewer's Comments about Johnnie Walker
 The
Pioneers' Story Here's the story of the early days
- not about the bricks and mortar, but about the people
who still provide inspiration today. Three generations of
the Walker family each took defining steps along the road
to making Johnnie Walker® a world-famous Scotch Whisky.
There are some compelling parallels between them and today's
great entrepreneurs. The Walker family took risks, survived
wars and floods, and fought off the threat of Prohibition.
And perhaps their greatest achievement is that their story
is still an inspiring one today. July 25, 2005 marked a
milestone in the history of Johnnie Walker®, the world’s
number one Scotch Whisky brand, as it celebrated the birth
of its founder and namesake, John Walker. Two hundred years
ago, Walker was born, and not long after, the recipe for
the world’s favorite Scotch Whisky brand was created.
A Brand Is Born Walker’s story began
in Kilmarnock, Scotland, a humble beginning for what would
later become a global dynasty. As a young man, Walker left
the family farm to follow his entrepreneurial spirit. He
became a grocer, trading a wide variety of goods; tea was
his specialty. It was his skill at blending tea leaves that
gave Walker the idea for blending
grain and malt whiskies to create a smoother drink and more
consistent quality.
Walker’s son Alexander continued to build the family
Scotch Dynasty, when he joined the family business in 1856.
Advertising had not yet caught on as a marketing vehicle,
so Walker turned to other means to make the product memorable
to consumers. In 1867, Alexander registered his signature
black and gold slanting label, a design that is strikingly
similar to the present Black Label®. When copyrights
became available in 1876, Walker added that measure of protection.
By that time, Walker's whisky was already in its characteristic
and revolutionary square bottle.
Competition was fierce – even from products of lesser
quality – but Alexander was not concerned. "Other
brands may come into the market for a while, but as far
as we're concerned, we will make John Walker and Sons of
such a quality that no other whisky
shall come before it," Alexander famously promised.
Upon his death in 1889, Alexander Walker passed on the business
to his three sons: John, George Paterson and Alexander II.
It was Alexander II who continued the family expertise in
blending, while George bears responsibility for the marketing
innovation that endures today.
An Icon Emerges The earliest ads for the
Walker family whisky appeared in the late 1800s. However,
it wasn’t until after the turn of the century that
the familiar Walker & Sons logo was born. In 1909, George
Walker hired popular cartoonist Tom Browne to create a logo.
For his subject, Browne turned to a likeness of John Walker.
Initially attired in a top hat, waistcoat and high boots,
the famous figure has changed his clothes several times
and even adopted a few positions, but he has continued to
communicate progress and forward movement – two attributes
that are still championed by the brand today.
To accompany the Striding Man, the tagline “Keep Walking”
was later incorporated and is undeniably one of the most
memorable world-wide advertising campaigns today. It captures
the journey of progress and showcases Johnnie Walker’s
commitment to
evolution and success. The original line “Born 1820,
still going strong” used in 1908 may no longer be
in print, but it too still holds true today.
A Portfolio Approach While George was creating
marketing campaigns to grab consumer attention, his brother
was creating a product worthy of the effort; Alexander II
pursued his love of blending with a passion. In 1906, John
Walker & Sons offered three blends of "Old Highlands
Whisky": the basic blend with a white label; "Extra
Special Old Highland" with a red label; and "Walkers
Old Highland Whisky," 12 years old, with a black label.
In 1909, the brands were renamed to appeal to consumer preference
for calling for the spirit by their colored labels; White
Label, Red Label® and Black Label® were born.
 By
1920 and the end of the First World War, White Label had
been retired so the company could pursue more upscale and
discerning consumers. Sir Alexander had been knighted, and
the company was facing the challenge of "going global."
With a
global reach of some 120 countries, Johnnie Walker achieved
world-wide prominence well in advance of even Coca-Cola®.
By that time, John Walker & Sons had merged with the
Distillers Co. Ltd., to extend distribution throughout the
world. The arrangement, begun in 1925, lasted until the
late 1980s, when the holding company, which changed its
name to United Distillers, merged with Guinness.
The Labels Today, the Johnnie Walker portfolio
features five award-winning whiskies – Red Label®,
Black Label®, Green LabelTM, Gold Label® and Blue
Label® – imported and distributed in the United
States by Diageo North America. Johnnie Walker’s product
line covers a broad range of occasions for the whisky drinker
from every day to special moments. The five premium brands
represent a range of prices and tastes that share a remarkable
history and a commitment to quality.
RED LABEL® also known as “Extra
Special Old Highland Whisky,” was introduced in 1909.
By 1945, Red Label was the world’s best selling Scotch
Whisky, and today is still number one. It is described as
a powerful combination of spicy, smoky malts, such as Talisker
and lingering lighter grains.
BLACK LABEL® created in 1820 and originally
known as “Walker’s Old Highland Whisky,”
was re-launched in 1909 under its new name. As many as 40
whiskies, each aged 12 years or more make up this satisfyingly
complex blend.
GREEN LABEL™ is the newest addition
to the Johnnie Walker portfolio. Introduced in 2004, Green
Label is a pure malt scotch whisky, blended from four characteristic
single malts (each at least 15 years old), which together
create a balanced whisky evoking freshness and smoke.
GOLD LABEL® launched in 1995, is the
ultimate whisky pleasure with notes of honey. A skillful
fusion of rare aged whiskies inspired by the notes originally
kept by Sir Alexander Walker, Gold Label is crafted from
only a small number of Scotland's most renowned distilleries,
each matured for a minimum of 18 years.
BLUE LABEL® is heralded as Our Rarest
and Most Exclusive Blend. Released in 1992, Blue Label is
the ultimate luxury Scotch Whisky and is created from the
most unique and premium whiskies in the world. Blue Label
is also known as the whisky for connoisseurs, and as such,
each bottle is individually numbered.
About Johnnie Walker® With more than
120 million bottles sold every year in some 200 countries,
and more than four bottles of Johnnie Walker consumed every
second around the world, it’s no wonder that IMPACT
ranks Johnnie Walker as the world’s most valuable
spirits brand. In fact, in 2004 alone, more than 33 million
bottles of Johnnie Walker were sold around the world and
approximately 43 glasses of Johnnie Walker® Black Label®
are enjoyed by consumers each second.
At the 2007 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, The
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Anniversary Pack created to honor
the 200th birthday of founder and original blender John
Walker was named “Best Blended Scotch” and Green
Label was named “Best Blended Malt Scotch.”
More than 4 bottles of Johnnie Walker are consumed every
second, and more than 120 million bottles are sold every
year in more than 200 countries. The product line covers
a broad range of occasions for the whisky  drinker
from every day to special moments. The five premium brands
represent a range of prices and tastes that share a remarkable
180-year history and a commitment to quality.
Johnnie Walker is owned by Diageo - the world's leading
premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of
beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer
categories.
Courtesy of Johnnie Walker |
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The Vibrant Blend Johnnie Walker® Red Label™,
with its distinctive and exuberant flavour was created
to be drunk as a long drink - a favourite choice for
celebrating every day. It was originally known as
Extra Special Old Highland Whisky, and was introduced
as Red Label™ in 1909 to suit a new generation
of whisky drinkers.
Now this adventurous blend can be found in more
than 200 countries. It's always been a drink that
captures a truly international spirit, and as it
has proved over the decades, it is the world's favourite
whisky.
Red Label ™ is a powerful combination of spicy,
smoky malts, such as Talisker™, and lingering,
lighter grains. Its robust qualities are what make
it so good for drinking long. |
The Definitive Blend The colour black has always been
associated with style and elegance. The little black
dress is always a sophisticated choice whereas the
traditional tux can transform any man's appearance.
But black is also intriguing. It has a hint of
mystery, of something waiting to be revealed.
This is Johnnie Walker® Black Label™
- a deep and complex flavour which is also an unquestionable
mark of power and refinement. It is a luxury blend
and a luxury brand, with a completely individual
personality.
As many as 40 whiskies, each aged 12 years or more,
make up this satisfyingly complex blend. |
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The Sensual Blend Few whiskies offer as indulgent
an experience as Johnnie Walker® Gold Label™.
Exceptionally smooth, creamy and delicate, Gold Label™
is the ultimate whisky pleasure.
A skillful fusion of rare aged whiskies inspired
by the notes originally kept by Sir Alexander Walker,
and crafted from only a small number of Scotland's
most renowned distilleries each matured for a minimum
of 18 years.
The true hedonists of the world freeze their Gold
Label™ for 24 hours to release its light fruity
flavours and true honey sweetness, as the whisky
warms in the mouth. Other whiskies either lack these
distinctive light characters or have flavours that
can be overpowering when suddenly released, for
example strong woody or smoky characters. Gold Label™
is perfect when served frozen, in a frozen glass
and perhaps even served with a bitter chocolate
dessert for a truly indulgent experience. |
The Rarest Blend Johnnie Walker® Blue Label ™
is our rarest blend. This isn't a whisky for beginners.
It's challenging and an acquired taste, but like the
finest rewards in life is worth it.
Created from the rarest and most expensive whiskies
in the world, Blue Label™ has the authentic
character and flavour of a traditional nineteenth
century blend, just like those that John Walker
and his son Alexander developed for their most valued
customers.
Blue Label™ is the ultimate luxury Scotch
Whisky and supplies of Blue Label™ are limited
by the rarity and expense of the whiskies used in
the blend.
At the heart of Blue Label™ is Royal Lochnagar™a
rare malt distilled near Balmoral, the Queen's holiday
home. Around 15 other mature and precious whiskies
are added to balance Blue Label™ perfectly
- 'a blend that cannot be beat' (Alexander Walker,
1888) |
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JOHNNIE WAKER GREEN LABEL
BLENDED MALT SCOTCH WHISKY Its fresh and
distinctive flavor is created by blending only the
finest single malts rather than grains. Each of
these mature malts has been specially selected for
the intensity of its flavors and aromas.
Four signature malts, each bringing its own character,
provide the key taste influences. Talisker produces
the character and depth with pepper and oak exploading
on the palate. Linkwood brings a whole garden of
fruit and woody aromas, touching it with finesse.
At the heart is Cragganmore, with its exceptional
malty sweetness and delicate aromas. And the sweetly
floral, gently smoked and very maritime Caol Ila
gives Green Label its intensity and complexity.
Combined, they create a vibrant, fresh, smooth flavor
that evokes the freshness of the outdoors.
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JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL
200th ANNIVERSARY (Rare)
The almost famous Blue Label isn’t a whisky
for beginners. It’s exclusive flavour needs
to be handled by real Gentleman. Created from the
rarest and most expensive whiskies in the world,
Blue Label has the authentic character and flavour
of a traditional nineteenth century blend, just
like those that John Walker and his son Alexander
developed for their most valued customers. This
cask strength Johnnie Walker Blue Label commemorates
the 200th birthday of the man himself, and comes
packaged in a contemporary baccarat decanter - $3,200
JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL 200th ANNIVERSARY Picture
Gallery - CLICK
HERE
Inquire Here
Other Rare Investment Whisky:
THE MACALLAN 55 Picture
Gallery - CLICK
HERE
LAPHROAIG 40 YEAR OLD Picture
Gallery - CLICK
HERE |
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Scotland is the spiritual home of Scotch and Johnnie
Walker®. It is a country of harsh beauty and hardy people,
where the landscape is dominated by those natural elements
essential to the making of pure, perfect whisky - snow,
rain, sunshine and mountain water. We have strong connections
throughout the country, from Kilmarnock where John Walker
was born in 1805, to many of the country's 80 or so distilleries.
These are at the heart of the Johnnie Walker® blends
that are distributed and enjoyed worldwide.
Benrinnes Distillery
 Tucked
away in the folds of the hills above the River Spey is the
beautiful distillery of Benrinnes, producing a malt for
Johnnie Walker® Blue Label™. As a malt, Benrinnes
is ranked top class by blenders and it's also one of the
handful of whiskies rated first class. Benrinnes practices
a form of partial triple distillation, which helps to give
this whisky a real creamy rich character. More...
Caol Ila Distillery
The road in Caol Ila snakes down the hill to the distillery
that produces a little-known malt used in the Blue Label™
blend. Caol Ila is an easy-going single malt whisky of dry,
sea air aromas and pleasing smoky-smoothness. The Distillery
is situated on the north eastern shores of Islay, with magnificent
views across the Sound of Islay to the spectacular Paps
of Jura. Anyone who visits this magical island soon finds
that Islay is home to some of the great malt whiskies. More...
 Cragganmore
Distillery
At the heart of Green Label™ is Cragganmore, with
its exceptional malty sweetness and delicate aromas. Cragganmore
Distillery is located on the banks of the river Spey and
is ome to one of the most complex and characterful malt
whiskies of the revered Speyside region. More...
Lagavulin Distillery
Also known as the Whisky Island of Scotland or, perhaps
more appropriately, the Happy Isle, because although it's
only 40km long, it has 7 distilleries. One of these is Lagavulin,
used in Black Label™. Lagavulin™ is a wonderfully
rounded pleasure. Its description as awesome and marvellous
complexity of flavours" are enjoyed by a small but
growing band of malt lovers, for whom this big, dark, intense
character
just is malt. More...
 Royal
Lochnager
At the heart of Blue Label™ is Royal Lochnagar™a
rare malt distilled near Balmoral, the Queen's holiday home.
Royal Lochnagar Distillery is situated on the south side
of the River Dee close to Balmoral Castle. Age old traditions
and craftmanship produce one of Scotland's most exclusive
whiskies. More...
Talisker Distillery
Talisker Distillery produces one of the central malts in
Black Label™. Located on the shores of Loch Harport,
the village of Carbost is home to Skye’s only distillery
producing a wonderful award-winning Island
malt bottled at above average strength. Talisker's soft,
peaty process water is drawn from twenty-one underground
springs that rise from Hawk Hill (Cnoc nan Speirag) beside
the distillery. More... |
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