Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the pinnacle expression from this popular blended scotch brand produced by drinks company Diageo. Over the years, various special editions of Blue Label have been released, as master blender Dr. Emma Walker tweaks the blend and selects special whiskies from the many casks at her disposal. The latest special release is called Johnnie Walker Blue Label Indian Festive Blend, a new expression that is meant to celebrate “India’s festive season,” and was inspired by the culture and flavors of that country.
Diageo owns 31 whisky distilleries across Scotland, most of which produce malt whisky with a few grain distilleries in the mix as well. That means there are more than ten million casks of aging whisky across the portfolio to choose from, and the Johnnie Walker lineup is produced by blending together malt and grain whiskies from many of these distilleries. Blue Label, however, is expensive and more limited for a reason—according to the brand, just one in 10,000 casks will make it into a bottle. For certain editions, that means whisky from ghost distilleries, or distilleries that closed their doors decades ago, is added to the blend.
According to Walker, this new blend was designed to be a whisky that would complement Indian cuisine. “I was captivated by the artistry of Indian cuisine, the way chefs balance bold spice with harmony, elegance and depth,” she said in a statement. “That sense of balance became my inspiration for this special Blue Label blend. By layering aromatic notes of cardamom, clove, and cinnamon with smooth sweetness and our signature depth of flavor, we’ve created a whisky that complements the richness of India’s festive table while remaining unmistakably Johnnie Walker Blue Label.” As far as specific whiskies that were used in the blend, this new release includes whiskies from Port Dundas (for “sweet depth”), Clynelish (tropical brightness and a silky mouthfeel”), Blair Athol (“warm spice”), and Talisker (“gentle maritime smoke”).
