Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Series Spins Triple Grain Into American Oak

There’s something to be said for the very active blending process that goes on over at Johnnie Walker. They produce a lot of expressions, there is no doubt, and each different bottling requires some variation in its make up in order to tell them apart. Some of the hundreds of experiments done in this regard are now getting yet another outlet to be showcased in, via the Blenders’ Batch program.

Now, to be clear, Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch has been around since at least last year via the overseas release of Red Rye Finish. It has now officially arrived in the U.S. with the introduction of Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Triple Grain American Oak. It is an experiment focusing on the influence of bourbon and rye whiskey flavors on Scotch. To that end, according to Johnnie Walker officials, this whisky was

“Aged for at least 10 years in American oak, including bourbon casks, Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Triple Grain American Oak is crafted using five whiskies including grain from the now closed Port Dundas distillery and malt from Mortlach on Speyside. This combination creates a whisky that is uniquely smooth, with notes of sweet fresh fruit and gentle spice. This style of whisky is excellent as the foundation for classic and signature cocktails.”

“Experimentation is the key to innovation and has been at the heart of Johnnie Walker from the very beginning,” said Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge in a prepared statement. “Our founder John Walker’s first experiments were with flavors inspired by teas and spices from the new world. Walker’s first blends weren’t bound by the traditional styles of particular whisky producing regions in Scotland, but were experiments in flavor using casks from all over the country and later the world. What we’re doing today is what we’ve done for nearly 200 years and we are thrilled to be opening our doors,  allowing people to experience the  vast array of flavor experiments happening every day.”

Plans call for this whisky to be available nationwide for around $30 a bottle “until supplies last.” It will be followed by future experimental releases.