The story of this famous whisky began about 200 years ago – more specifically, in 1819, when John Walker’s father died. Hard times followed, but John, who always had a flair for business, sold the family’s farm and opened a grocery store in the town of Kilmarnock. And because he loved to make whisky, but the offer back then was not to his liking, he began to produce it himself and sell it in his shop – it turned out to be a success. He quickly built his own clientele, as the whisky he produced was, every time, every bit as good. The business went well and thrived, so that on his death, in 1857, his son, Alexander, inherited a pretty nice fortune.
Ten years went by until Alexander launched the first whisky under the Johnnie Walker brand – the Old Highland Whisky. And he did everything in his power to make it known outside the city, so, shortly, his whisky was acknowledged in many places in the world.
At the company’s management followed his sons, Alexander II and George. In 1909, the two renamed the drinks after the labels’ colors on the bottles: and so, Johnnie Walker Red Label and Johnnie Walker Black Label were born.
In 1920, the brand was already present in 120 countries. It became the preferred choice among celebrities, film directors, politicians, and musicians. All savored it with great delight and took pride in it. In 1934, King George V granted the company the title of official provider for the Royal House.
At the end of the twentieth century, Johnnie Walker Blue Label was released. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve and Johnnie Walker Platinum Label followed it. Today, the story of this famous drink carries on all over the world, exactly as the brand slogan states: Keep walking.
In addition to the famous slightly squared bottles and lots of collectors’ assortments, in the Johnnie Walker line you’ll also discover Johnnie Walker Swing – the name is inspired by the balancing movement that the bottle makes when pushed slightly. It has a fresh aroma and a fruity taste, and is a more rarely available product, mostly found in selected stores. Try it and yourself! It’s a real experience that will just keep you walking for another sip.
