Johnnie Walker Introduces A High Rye Blended Scotch

Johnnie Walker recently debuted the brand’s first high rye profile whisky, Johnnie Walker High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky.

With a profile inspired by Johnnie Walker Black Label tasting notes, the High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky features a mash bill of 60 percent rye aged in American oak barrels and blends with notable single malts that are central to the Johnnie Walker Black Label flavor profile.

This is the latest expression by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge and Whisky Specialist George Harper, and both say this is a taste crafted with spirit and years of tradition and layers of flavor waiting to be explored.

“Johnnie Walker High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky continues our tradition of pushing the boundaries for what a Scotch whisky can do,” Beveridge said in a prepared statement. “Our journey towards crafting something truly unique and fantastic was guided by Johnnie Walker Black Label and how flavors from rye whiskies present nicely in classic whisky cocktails. The tasting experience features familiar Johnnie Walker notes that are expressed and emphasized like nothing we’ve crafted before, perfectly complementing our existing portfolio of products.”

The new offering, noted those behind it, balances sweet orchard fruit notes from Cardhu, rich berry fruit notes from Glenkinchie, and subtle smoke from Caol Ila. Blended with rye and grain whiskies distilled at the Cameronbridge and Teaninich distilleries, Johnnie Walker High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky was crafted to be a whiskey you could mix in cocktails like a Manhattan, and still smooth enough to be enjoyed on its own.

Available starting this month, Johnnie Walker High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky has a suggested retail price of $34.99. Official tasting notes are below.

• Nose: Sweet wood spice, fresh cut fruit, creamy vanilla.
• Taste: Green apple, rich toffee, dried clove.
• Finish: Dry rye spice balanced with slight sweetness.