Johnnie Walker is celebrating the fine art of whisky making with the recent launch of its latest in the Masters Series, the Johnnie Walker “Masters of Flavour.”
This Scotch is crafted from what’s described as some of the rarest maturing whiskies in the Johnnie Walker reserves, with all of the whiskies used to create Johnnie Walker Masters of Flavour aged for at least 48 years. Only 288 bottles will be released in total from this bottling.
Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge said in a prepared statement it is fascinating to craft a Scotch that pays tribute to each of the four main steps in whisky making – malting, distilling, cask maturation and blending. “And to shine a light on how each craft contributes something very special to the extraordinary flavors that Scotch has to offer, from grain to glass.”
In one of his final releases before he retires at the end of the year, Beveridge brought together three masters of the whisky world who he’s teamed with over many decades … Malt Master Donna Anderson, Cask Master James Carson and Distillation Master Douglas Murray … to create this expression paying tribute to the skill of whisky making.
“This incredible blend showcases how masters of the art of whisky-making combine generations of Scotch knowledge and craftsmanship with their own expertise of malting, distillation, cask maturation and, of course, blending, to create a truly exceptional Scotch,” Beveridge said.
Johnnie Walker Masters of Flavour is the third and final whisky in the Johnnie Walker Masters series of rare Scotch.
The series includes last year’s Johnnie Walker Master’s Ruby Reserve, a celebration of Jim Beveridge’s 30 years working in whisky. Before that, the John Walker Masters’ Edition was a whisky crafted using Scotch aged for a minimum of 50 years from distilleries that were operational during the lifetime of Johnnie Walker founder John Walker.
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All three are presented in a Baccarat crystal decanter within a bespoke oak cabinet.
For Johnnie Walker Masters of Flavour, Beveridge and his team selected so called fleetingly rare expressions from the “ghost” distilleries of Glyn Albyn, Port Dundas, Brora and Glenury Royal, balancing them with the distilleries of Cameronbridge, Blair Athol and Dalwhinnie.
Beveridge said that on the nose, Johnnie Walker Masters of Flavour has a soft and gentle smoke, reminiscent of seaweed and salty air, which then gives way to rich dried fruits. Notes of molasses linger with leather-bound books before smoke gently weaves back through the senses.
These aromas give way to fruit flavors bursting with currants before a gentle spice starts to build on the palate. Cinnamon-infused apples combine with star anise, crushed peppercorn and warming oak embers, enveloped in waves of baked caramel and rich butterscotch, before culminating in a gentle and warming smoke in the finish.
Johnnie Walker Masters Of Flavour comes in at 83.6 proof and has a suggested retail price of GBP 20,000 in the UK (including duties and taxes). It is also available in the United States for $25,000.