Johnnie Walker has launched the John Walker & Sons Private Collection 2016 Edition by Master Blender Jim Beveridge.
The limited release consists of 8,888 individually numbered decanters and is the third in series which is part of the prestige range from Johnnie Walker.
The 2016 Edition, called Fine Honeyed Notes, is a blend of single grain Scotch whiskies with a special highland single malt whisky. According to Johnnie Walker, this edition is the “most complex edition to date” with whiskies were drawn from over 100 casks to create three vattings.
The blenders selected mature casks from five Johnnie Walker distilleries, including Cameronbridge and irreplaceable stocks from four now silent distilleries: Caledonian, Cambus, Carsebridge, and Port Dundas. They were brought together into two styles – vanilla, woody, fudge notes most expressive of cask character, and a sweeter, estery, honey character from both cask and distillery.
For the third vatting, Beveridge accessed his experimental casks, selecting a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in American oak with a “rich yet refined, soft fruit distillery character”.
Master Blender, Jim Beveridge, says that the high quality of the new edition is only possible through the amazing whiskies the company has on offer.
“We couldn’t have achieved the soft sweetness and sophistication of the John Walker & Sons Private Collection 2016 Edition without the incredible access we have to rare casks of single grain Scotch whiskies and our experimental stock,” he says. “We chose samples from over 100 casks to experiment with at the blending table, and it was wonderful work with the many subtle variations of grain whisky flavours and such a refined highland single malt to marry into this elegant expression of Fine Honeyed Notes.”
Guy Escolme, Global Brand Director, Johnnie Walker, agrees: “The John Walker & Sons Private Collection 2016 Edition epitomises what our blenders can achieve through access to the greatest reserves of whiskies, incredible skill, and attention to detail in the making. The fine honey notes highlight a precision and lightness of touch to integrate beautifully the many facets of flavour – a worthy addition to this acclaimed series.”
The John Walker & Sons Private Collection launched in 2014 with Unique Smoky Blend, which was declared “flawless” by whisky writer Charles MacLean. The 2015 Edition, Rare Fruit Character, was awarded a Double Gold Medal and “Best Blended Scotch – No Age Statement” at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The John Walker & Sons Private Collection 2016 Edition Fine Honeyed Notes (43.0% ABV) is a limited release of 8,888 individually numbered bottles. The amber glass decanter has a discreet, angled cut to reflect the slanted label on the iconic Johnnie Walker square bottle, and is set in a golden cream box with copper foil detail.
It is available exclusively at Dan Murphy’s with a recommended retail price of $977.