Johnnie Walker Black Label's iconic square bottle makes it one of the world's most recognisable Scotch whiskies - and it's also one of whisky critic Jim Murray's favourite blends: 'If there is a silkier delivery on the market today, I have not seen it: this is sublime stuff...one of the world's most masterful whiskies back in all its complex glory'
An interesting twist on Johnnie Walker Black Label, Double Black was rolled out for general release in 2011. Double Black adds to the normal Black Label profile by including more Islay whisky and casks that have been heavily charred, giving a more intense flavour with a greater emphasis on smoke while keeping true to the sophisticated Johnnie Walker style.
Created using fruity Highland malts and lighter Speyside malts for sweetness and spice, combined with those from the Scottish islands for a signature smoky finish.
Johnnie Walker Red Label was launched in its current form by brothers George and Alexander Walker in 1909, though it had existed as Walker's Special Old Highland Red Label for some years previously. Alexander blended a type of whisky which is more suited to mixing with soda than the heavier, more old-fashioned whiskies, and named it after his grandfather, who had started the family business in 1820. Today it is the world's most popular whisky and is sold in more than 200 markets world-wide.
This unique blend contains only the finest single malt and grain Scotch whiskies, long aged in a variety of oak casks for many years before being blended and bottled in Scotland. The result is a whisky of top quality which is renowned throughout the world. Sweet vanilla toffee aromas with a pleasing spicy influence. On the palate it's creamy and warming, fruity with butterscotch. Finishes long and complex.
The secret to Laphroaig is that it benefits from the happy circumstances of where it is produced - next to ocean water and on land that gives Laphroaig a unique peaty taste. Laphroaig is one of only a few distilleries that still uses traditional malting floors, and dries and infuses its own malt with the thick blue smoke from old peat-fired kilns. Laphroaig is the #1 selling Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. One of only a few distilleries that still uses traditional malting floors, and dries and infuses its own malt with the thick blue smoke from old peat fired kilns. Characterized by the pungent, earthy aroma of the blue peat smoke; the sweet nuttiness of the barley; and the delicate, heathery perfume of Islay's streams. Laphroaig is the only Single Malt Scotch Whisky to bear a Royal Warrant bestowed by HRH Prince Charles.
Kentucky distiller Bill Samuels, Sr., founder of Maker's Mark, set out to make a better tasting bourbon whisky. What he discovered was that if you used winter wheat in the mash instead of the traditional distiller's rye, your bourbon whisky was smoother and less bitter...and that's made all the difference