By Andy Young
Johnnie Walker has introduced its latest Scotch whisky, the Johnnie Walker Select Casks – Rye Cask Finish.
The new whisky is a 10-year-old, 46 per cent ABV, chill-filtered, blended Scotch whisky. Cardhu single malt is at the heart of the blend and Johnnie Walker’s master blender, Jim Beveridge has used other whiskies matured for at least 10 years in first-fill American Oak casks. Beveridge then finished the Scotch in ex-rye whisky casks, which creates “a complex new whisky with rich layers of flavour starting with creamy vanilla notes and transitioning to a more spicy finish”.
Beveridge said: ““From the early days when John Walker first blended whiskies in 1820 to the unique blends created today, Johnnie Walker has always thrived on experimentation. I believe that whisky is ever evolving and experimental in nature and I am pleased to present the first rye cask finished blended Scotch whisky.
“Johnnie Walker Select Casks is a unique style of Scotch that blends the flavour characteristics of bourbon and rye with some of the classic signature notes and smoothness of Johnnie Walker.”
The whisky is at a higher strength that other whiskies in the Johnnie Walker portfolio, which the company says helps to give it a more distinctive character, when used in traditional cocktails. The blend can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails like an Old Fashioned.
The Johnnie Walker Select Cask – Rye Cask Finish is now available nationally and has a recommended retail price of $70.