In Music, Blended Whisky is a Symphony

Whisky is said to derive its name from “Uisge-beatha,” meaning “water of life” in the language of the Gaelic people, ancestors of the Scots and Irish. Thus, while Scotch and Irish whiskies are the originals, whiskies produced in America, Canada, and Japan are also sometimes referred to as the world's five major whiskies.

If we compare it to music, single malt is like a solo performance, while blended whisky is an orchestra's symphony or concerto. Numerous whiskies are harmonized by the blender, each enhancing the others' character to create a perfect harmony.

JOHNNIE WALKER, the world's No. 1 brand, has greatly contributed to the creation and development of blended whisky, with Blue Label being its highest expression.

Page02.Only one in ten thousand casks reaches the peak of maturation for Blue Label

 

Only one in ten thousand casks reaches the peak of maturation for Blue Label

Yuma“A few years ago, I attended an event hosted by a British brand to enjoy Blue Label. They taught me a method of rinsing my mouth with ice-cold water for about 10 seconds before drinking Blue Label neat. It was a peculiar experience as the complex, rich flavors and aromas unfolded and transformed.”

Abe“It’s called the ‘perfect serve.’ Adding a few drops of water to whisky opens up its aroma, and this method does the same in your mouth. Furthermore, as the temperature in your mouth returns to body temperature from the cold water, you can enjoy the evolving taste of Blue Label.”


Yuma“Does a higher number of blended whiskies result in a more premium whisky?”

Abe“No, the skill of the blender is what's important. The 12 blenders at JOHNNIE WALKER select and blend whiskies based on aroma alone through nosing, followed by tasting. Jim Beveridge, the sixth Master Blender who makes the final decisions, has a sense of smell four times sharper than the average person.”

Yuma“The Master Blender is like a conductor, a maestro. I'd love to meet him.”

Abe“JOHNNIE WALKER's recipes are a closely guarded secret, so the data exists only in the blenders' minds. It cannot be quantified. That's why they say they never travel on the same bus, stagger their arrival times, or eat the same meals.”

Page03.Blended Whisky: A Testament to Human Ingenuity and Pursuit

 

Blended Whisky: A Testament to Human Ingenuity and Pursuit

John Walker, the founder of JOHNNIE WALKER and its first Master Blender, opened a grocery store in the small Scottish town of Kilmarnock in 1820 at the age of 14. He also sold single malt whiskies, but at the time, quality varied depending on the distillery and cask. Taking inspiration from tea blending, he succeeded in offering high-quality, consistent blended whiskies by combining single malt whiskies.



Since then, JOHNNIE WALKER has continued to innovate with stylish square bottles, labels tilted at 24 degrees, and the iconic Striding Man illustration, earning the honor of Royal Warrant for many years and remaining the world's most beloved blended whisky.

In 1992, Blue Label was born from the belief of creating a truly superior whisky unbound by age statements, overturning the conventions of the traditional whisky industry.

Abe“Among the world's five major whiskies, only Scotch and Japanese whisky, which was inspired by Scotch, produce blended whiskies. In Scotland, there are distilleries that were established specifically to create delicious blended whiskies.”

Page04.To Savor Blue Label, the Drinker Also Needs a 'Performance'

 

To Savor Blue Label, the Drinker Also Needs a 'Performance'

Yuma“In Minio Kageyama's essay, there's a passage describing drinking a single malt neat with a chaser at a hotel on Loch Ness. I was inspired by that writing and drank single malts for a while. However, I've recently found blended whiskies more approachable.”

Abe“With neat and chaser, you can enjoy it slowly while also drinking water, which is gentler on the body. Beyond raisins and chocolates, the versatility of blended whiskies to pair with a wide range of snacks is also a testament to their depth.”

Yuma“I often feel like drinking blended whisky while eating Italian or French cuisine. But I restrain myself because of the atmosphere that suggests enjoying a 'wine pairing.'”

Abe“When I drink a good blended whisky, I feel like eating meat.”

Yuma“That's true. When drinking a fine spirit, it's important to create the right setting yourself. Blue Label isn't a whisky for a boisterous gathering with many people, is it? It would be wonderful for two or three close friends, usually dressed casually, to dress up impeccably and go to a high-end steakhouse to drink Blue Label.”

Abe“There are still few places in Japan where adults can enjoy sophisticated settings.”

Yuma“If they don't exist, we have to create them ourselves. Thinking about the kind of occasion where you want to enjoy Blue Label – that time itself enriches life.”

About 200 years ago, John Walker's desire to create a more delicious whisky led to trial and error, a wish passed down through generations of Master Blenders, resulting in Blue Label, an ultimate blend using rare whiskies said to be one in ten thousand casks. It is a blissful amber, a harmony of nature's bounty and human ingenuity. Yuma and Mr. Abe suggest that to savor this spirit, the drinker too must create a 'performance.' The time required for cask maturation and the nature that watches over the barrels. And the blenders, and you who venture to a bar tonight. Perhaps this harmony is what creates the finest blended whisky.

Please be 20 years or older to consume alcohol. Drunk driving is prohibited by law. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy or breastfeeding may have adverse effects on fetal and infant development. Please enjoy alcohol responsibly and in moderation.