In celebration of Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge’s 40 years in the industry, the brand has announced Master’s Ruby Reserve.
This new release is made from eight Scotches in the brand portfolio chosen by Beveridge. All the whiskies included in Johnnie Walker Master’s Ruby Reserve are at least 40 years old. Only 398 bottles are being released.
Working with his team of whisky makers, Beveridge picked whiskies from the ‘ghost’ distilleries of Cambus, Carsebridge, Pittyvaich and Port Ellen, balanced with expressions from Talisker, Royal Lochnagar, Glendullan and Cragganmore.
“Every whisky that has gone into the creation of this new expression holds a special place in my heart,” says Beveridge. “I worked at each of these distilleries during various points of my career and the flavours and smells of those whiskies transport me back to very happy times throughout my career at Johnnie Walker.”
“The ‘ghost’ whiskies from Cambus, Carsebridge and Pittyvaich bring layers of rich fruit flavour,” he adds. “We’ve combined this with the flavours of dark chocolate, plums and cherries found in the wonderfully aged expressions of Royal Lochnagar, Glendullan and Cragganmore and the soft aromatic sea salt notes of Talisker and Port Ellen – creating a beautiful, full-bodied whisky.”
This whisky is presented in a hand-crafted, golden-red Baccarat crystal decanter. This color is a tribute to Beveridge’s ruby anniversary, and a hallmark of Baccarat’s pieces. Clear crystal is gradually fused with 24-carat gold powder at 540°C to achieve the golden red finish.
In addition to marking Beveridge’s ruby anniversary, in 2020 Johnnie Walker will celebrate 200 years with a number of new releases, and the opening of Johnnie Walker Princes Street — a visitor experience in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Johnnie Walker Master’s Ruby Reserve has an ABV of 43% and retails for a suggested price of approximately $19,700 per 750-ml. bottle.
