Johnnie Walker recently launched a limited-edition scotch from its Johnnie Walker reserves. The Johnnie Walker Masters of Flavor is aged for at least 48 years and only 288 bottles will be released. This means it is an extremely limited run and that makes it an incredibly rare Scotch.
Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge says: “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 – 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, Jim brought together three masters of the whisky world who he has worked with over many years, Malt Master – Donna Anderson, Cask Master – James Carson, and Distillation Master – Douglas Murray.
“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.”
Johnnie Walker Masters of Flavour is the third and final whisky in the Johnnie Walker Masters series.
The series includes last year’s incredible 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. All three are presented in a Baccarat crystal decanter within a bespoke oak cabinet.
On the nose, Johnnie Walker Masters of Flavor has a soft and gentle smoke, reminiscent of seaweed and salty air, giving 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 rich 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.