Released in October, Blue Festival Blend Whisky is Johnnie Walker’s latest product in a series of themed, limited releases.Supplied
As master blend at Johnnie Walker, Emma Walker is responsible for maintaining the consistency and tradition of its whisky portfolio while embracing innovation through experimentation and special releases. The latest is Johnnie Walker Blue Festive Blend Whisky, which was inspired by the culinary heritage and traditions of India.
Walker says the project gave her the opportunity to approach Blue Label with a fresh perspective, exploring the broad spectrum of flavours and spices found in Indian cuisine through the whiskies available to her. She sought out casks offering chocolate, honey and fruit notes, alongside those that offered warmth and complexity through spices such as clove, cinnamon and cardamom spice notes.
“We explored how different whisky styles could bring out those aromatic, spicy and sweet characteristics, and how they could work together in the glass,” she explains.
Emma Walker is the first female to take on the role of master blender at Johnnie Walker.Mike Wilkinson/Supplied
Blue Festive Blend was released in October at participating liquor stores in Canada. It’s the latest in a series of themed, limited releases, such as Ice Chalet, Umami and Azure, that give Walker and her team an opportunity to reinterpret the Blue Label flavour profile through the inspiration of a particular place, occasion or experience. “It is about respecting what makes Blue Label so special while continuing to explore what else it can be,” she says.
Chivas Regal 16 Year Old Charles Leclerc Limited Edition (Scotland), $134.95
Formula One driver Charles Leclerc’s role as brand ambassador for Chivas Regal inspired this limited-edition blend of 16 whiskies, each aged for a minimum of 16 years, in a nod to his racing number. It’s the first 16 year old blend in the brand’s history and suggests a mix of marmalade, honey, sultana raisins, cinnamon and coffee flavours as part of its rich and persistent character. This has 40 per-cent ABV. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $132 in Quebec.
Johnnie Walker Blue Festive Blend Whisky (Scotland), $419.95
The latest reimagination of Johnnie Walker Blue Label features upfront warm spice aromas (cinnamon, cardamom) that gain depth and complexity from chocolate, leather and honey notes. The finish offers a lingering impression of smoke and sweet spice. This has 40.8 per-cent ABV. Available at the above price in Ontario, $389.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta.
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition Whisky (Scotland), $99.95
The fragrant and floral whisky is shaped by aging in a mixture of wine casks from white and sweet wine producers in France. The result is mellow and balanced spirit with pleasing stone fruit, citrus pear, spice and vanilla flavours. This has 40 per-cent ABV. Available at the above price in Ontario ($92.95 until Nov. 29), $85.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta.