Johnnie Walker debuts high-rye whisky

Diageo-owned Johnnie Walker has added a high-rye profile blended Scotch whisky to its core range.

The brand’s new High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky contains a mash bill of 60% rye, for a ‘bold’ profile, and was aged in American oak barrels.

It was crafted by the brand’s master blender Jim Beveridge, who recently announced his retirement after four decades in the industry, and whisky specialist George Harper.

Beveridge commented: “Johnnie Walker High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky continues our tradition of pushing the boundaries for what a Scotch whisky can do.

“Our journey towards crafting something truly unique and fantastic was guided by Johnnie Walker Black Label and how flavours from rye whiskies present nicely in classic whisky cocktails.”

The whisky presents layers of balanced flavours, comprising sweet orchard notes from Cardhu, rich berry fruit notes from Glenkinchie and subtle wisps of smoke from Caol Ila blended with rye and grain whiskies distilled at the Cameronbridge and Teaninich distilleries.

“The tasting experience features familiar Johnnie Walker notes that are expressed and emphasised like nothing we’ve crafted before, perfectly complementing our existing portfolio of products,” Beveridge added.

The brand will soon launch a marketing campaign for the new expression that will include a social media push, digital advertising, sampling and more.

Sitting at 40% ABV, the new whisky is available to purchase in the US for RRP US$34.99 per 750ml bottle.

Recently, Diageo created a limited edition bottle design for Johnnie Walker Red Label inspired by the Netflix series Money Heist.