Johnnie Walker releases Song of Fire and Ice whiskies

Blended Scotch Johnnie Walker has revealed further details of its new Game of Thrones-inspired whiskies, which were influenced by House Stark and House Targaryen.

Johnnie Walker A Song of Ice and A Song of Fire whiskies convey the “dynamic relationship” between House Stark and House Targaryen

In June this year, Johnnie Walker’s Twitter account teased the release of the limited edition A Song of Ice and A Song of Fire whiskies with a short video.

Inspired by House Stark, A Song of Ice features single malts from Clynelish Distillery in the Highlands and is said to have a “crisp, clean taste”. It is recommended served over ice.

Bottled at 40.2% abv, the design “evokes an icy setting” with frosted blue and grey colours inspired by the North – a region of the fictional Westeros and home to the Starks. The bottle also features an image of a direwolf, which is depicted on the Stark’s house sigil.

A Song of Fire is described as “rich and spicy” with “subtle smoke” from the peated malts of the Caol Ila Distillery in Islay.

Bottled at 40.8% abv, the whisky pays tribute to the dragons of House Targaryen with a design that depicts a “fiery setting” and deep-red colours.

Best enjoyed neat, the expression is said to have a “full-bodied” flavour and a “warm, smooth finish”.

The new bottlings convey the “dynamic relationship” between the two houses.

The whiskies have launched as part of Diageo’s partnership with the hit show’s network HBO, which began with the launch of a blended Scotch whisky in October 2018, called White Walker by Johnnie Walker. 

It was followed by the launch of a range of single malt Scotch whiskies earlier this year, in celebration of the eighth and final series of Game of Thrones. The collection features eight whiskies, each matching one of the show’s Houses of Westeros, as well as the Night’s Watch.

“Johnnie Walker and Game of Thrones are an epic pairing,” said Sophie Kelly, senior vice president, whiskies for Diageo North America.

“There is as much for people to discover and explore within the world of whisky as there is within the world of the show.

“Johnnie Walker A Song of Ice and A Song of Fire perfectly capture the essence of House Stark and House Targaryen, from the bottle designs to the unique Scotch whiskies within.

“Each new blend brings to life a different profile of flavours – one crisp and clean, the other rich and spicy. We hope people enjoy trying both while reliving the series with friends.”

Jeff Peters, vice president of HBO Licensing and Retail, added: “We were very proud to partner with Johnnie Walker again to bring more whiskies to the realm.

“The Game of Thrones audience continues to both engage with the culture fostered around the series and look for the special collectibles that let it live on.

“After seeing the excitement there was for White Walker by Johnnie Walker, we are thrilled to celebrate the end of an epic tale by offering more quality whisky for fans of the show and whisky enthusiasts to collect and enjoy.”

Johnnie Walker A Song of Ice and Johnnie Walker A Song of Fire will both be available in the US this month “until supplies last” and globally from October 2019. Both expressions have an RRP of US$36 per 750ml.