THE HISTORY OF WHISKY
THE WATER OF LIFE
The history of whisky goes back hundreds of years. The practice of distilling alcohol made its way to Europe in the 12th century, but the earliest written evidence of distillation in Scotland is from the 15th century. Records show an order from the king in 1494 for enough malt to make 500 bottles of aqua vitae, Latin for 'the water of life'.
THE SAME NAME IN SCOTTISH GAELIC IS UISGE BEATHA. 'UISGE' WAS MISPRONOUNCED TIME AND TIME AGAIN, AND EVENTUALLY BECAME 'WHISKY'.
The earliest whisky was fairly bracing stuff, distilled almost exclusively by monks. It was never left to mature and mainly seen as a medicine to treat everything from pox to palsy. Then along came Henry VIII, who dissolved the monasteries and turned out the monks. Whisky production made its way into the homes of regular Scots, who refined the process over time and discovered whisky could be enjoyable in its own right.
Fast-forward to the early 19th century and a dram of whisky was a staple of life. The trouble was, these whiskies tasted different every time.
For one young man named John Walker – the owner of a grocer's in Kilmarnock – this inconsistency wasn't good enough. He wanted his customers to enjoy the same quality and flavour time after time. So he started to blend them together until he created a whisky he was happy to put his name to. And the rest, as they say, is history.
THOSE PIONEERING
WHISKY BLENDS
HAVE LED US
TO THE ICONIC
RANGE OF
TODAY.
JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL 12 YEARS
Johnnie Walker Black Label is one of life’s true icons. A masterful blend of single malt and grain whiskies from across Scotland, aged for at least 12 years. The result is a timeless classic with depth and balance of flavour. Drink it with ice, neat or in a Highball.
JOHNNIE WALKER RED LABEL
Flowers that bloom into flames. Johnnie Walker Red Label is the world’s best-selling Blended Scotch Whisky. And is made for mixing, both in exhilarating cocktails and with your favourite people. It brings together whiskies specially chosen for their bold, vibrant flavours that add a fiery kick to any mix.
JOHNNIE WALKER DOUBLE BLACK WHISKEY
Experience the bold and brooding intensity of Johnnie Walker Double Black, the embodiment of rebellion in the world of Whiskey. Handpicked from the west coast of Scotland, this blend features naturally smoky whiskies aged in charred barrels to deliver a full-bodied taste that's second to none.
JOHNNIE WALKER GOLD LABEL RESERVE
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is a whisky that plays nicely with others but always holds its own. This award-winning Scotch is made from whiskies chosen for their sweet, honeyed qualities. We select them when they're at their most vibrant for vivid flavour in every mouthful.
JOHNNIE WALKER GREEN LABEL 15 YEARS
Our only Scotch blended entirely with single malts. Johnnie Walker Green Label is a hidden gem with vibrant secrets to reveal. And with malts from the four corners of Scotland, aged for at least 15 years, it captures the distinct flavours of each landscape in perfect balance. A whisky that’s in harmony with nature.
JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL
Where velvety smooth flavours blossom on the tongue. Johnnie Walker Blue Label comes from hand-selecting rare Scotch Whiskies with a remarkable depth of flavour. Only one in 10,000 casks make the cut. Best served neat, along with an ice-cold water to enhance its powerful character.
VISIT THE
JOHNNIE WALKER FLAGSHIP
IN EDINBURGH
AND DISCOVER
OUR WHISKY
MAKING STORY