Johnnie Walker is one of the world’s best-selling whisky brands. Its products are sold in more than 200 countries and have become a symbol of Scottish culture.

According to figures from Statista, this brand, owned by Diageo, recorded a global sales volume of approximately 19 million 9-liter cases in the year 2020. In that same year, Chivas Regal had a sales volume of 4.1 million 9-liter cases and Jameson, 7.7 million cases.

“Sales reported net revenues of approximately 15,400 million British pounds for Diageo in the fiscal year 2022, ending on June 30 of that year. This represented an increase of more than 1,800 million compared to the figure recorded the previous year. The British company is behind well-known brands such as Scottish whisky Johnnie Walker, Russian vodka Smirnoff, or Guinness beer,” Statista reports.

Who was Johnnie Walker?

Johnnie Walker was a Scottish businessman, founder of the whisky brand Johnnie Walker. He was born in Kilmarnock, Scotland, in 1805. At 20, after selling his father’s farm, he bought a small grocery store in the same town. There, he began to sell his own whiskies, mixing different types of Scotch whisky to create a unique product.

In 1867, he launched the first commercial blend of Johnnie Walker, which he called “Old Highland Whisky”. This whisky was an immediate success, and in a short time, the brand became one of the most popular in Scotland.

Walker was a visionary man who knew how to take advantage of new technologies to promote his whisky. In 1870, he was one of the first to use the railway to transport his whisky throughout the country. He was also one of the pioneers in using marketing to promote his brand, using posters and advertisements in newspapers.

Walker died in 1889, but his legacy continued. His sons, Alexander and George, continued the business and expanded the brand internationally. In 1909, they launched the famous Striding Man logo, which became one of the world’s most recognized logos.

In 1908 the famous Striding Man logo was launched, becoming one of the most recognized logos in the world. A hundred years later, in 2009, the brand launched its new slogan: “Keep Walking”.

Why are Johnnie Walker’s whiskies called Red, Black, and Blue Label?

The brand has a range of over 20 different whiskies, ranging from Red Label, the youngest and most affordable whisky in the range, to Blue Label, the most exclusive and expensive whisky. There are also other special editions that are more expensive.

This labeling system was introduced in the 1900s when John Walker’s grandchildren expanded the brand’s whisky range.

• Red Label is the youngest and most affordable whisky in the range. It is made with a blend of malt and grain whiskies and has a light and fruity flavor. Its label is bright red, representing energy and youth.
• Black Label is a mid-range whisky, made with a blend of malt and grain whiskies that have been aged for at least 12 years. It has a more complex and balanced flavor, with notes of dried fruit, spices, and smoke. Its label is black, representing elegance and sophistication.
• Blue Label is the most exclusive whisky in the range. It is made with a selection of the finest malt and grain whiskies from Scotland and has been aged for at least 15 years. It has a complex and rich flavor, with notes of dried fruit, spices, smoke, and chocolate. Its label is blue, representing exclusivity and luxury.

Johnnie Walker’s labeling system is a simple and effective way to differentiate the different types of whisky from the brand. The colors of the labels are striking and easy to remember, helping consumers choose the whisky that best suits their tastes.

What are the characteristics of a good whiskey?

The characteristics of a good whisky are subjective and depend on the personal tastes of each individual. However, there are some general characteristics that are considered common to high-quality whiskies.

• The color of whisky is an indicator of its age and quality. Young whisky is usually light in color, while aged whisky tends to be amber or brown.
• The aroma of whisky is one of the most important characteristics. A good whisky should have a complex and pleasant aroma, with notes of fruit, spices, vanilla, caramel, or other flavors.
• The taste of whisky is another important characteristic. A good whisky should have a balanced and complex flavor, with notes of fruit, spices, wood, or other flavors.
• The finish of whisky is the impression it leaves on the palate after drinking. A good whisky should have a long and lingering finish.

In addition to these general characteristics, there are some specific characteristics that can be found in high-quality whiskies. For example, malt whiskies tend to have a more intense and complex flavor than grain whiskies. Aged whiskies usually have a smoother and rounder taste than younger ones.

What are the main types of whisky?

Based on their origin, whiskies can be divided into the following types:

Scotch Whisky

This is the most well-known type of whisky. It is made in Scotland from malted barley and aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. Scotch whisky can be classified according to its region of origin, malt type, or age.

Irish Whisky

Another very popular type of whisky. It is made in Ireland from malted barley and aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. Irish whisky is characterized by its smooth and fruity flavor.

American Whisky

Made in the United States from grains other than barley. It is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. American whisky is known for its smoky flavor.

Canadian Whisky

Made in Canada from grains other than barley. It is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. Canadian whisky is known for its smooth and sweet flavor.

Japanese Whisky

Made in Japan from grains other than barley. It is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. Japanese whisky is known for its smooth and complex flavor.

Based on their production, whiskies can be divided into the following types:

• Malt Whisky: Made from malted barley. Aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. Malt whisky is characterized by its intense and complex flavor.
• Grain Whisky: Made from grains other than barley. Aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. Grain whisky is often used in the production of blended whiskies.
• Blended Whisky: A blend of malt and grain whiskies. Aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. Blended whisky is the most popular type of whisky.
• Bourbon: A type of American whisky made from at least 51% corn. Aged in new charred oak barrels. Bourbon is known for its smoky flavor.
• Rye: A type of American whisky made from at least 51% rye. Aged in new charred oak barrels. Rye is known for its spicy flavor.
• Corn Whiskey: A type of American whisky made from at least 80% corn. Aged in new charred oak barrels. Corn whiskey is known for its sweet and creamy flavor.

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