World Whisky Day with Johnnie Walker and The Singleton

World Whisky Day takes place on Saturday 20th May and, with 2023 seeing in a new ‘golden age’ of Scotch whisky there’s no better time than now to start exploring the world of whisky. And what better way to celebrate than with Johnnie Walker Black Label: an exquisite blend of Scotland’s most exceptional whiskies?

Johnnie Walker Black Label was first created over 100 years ago by the Walker family, crafted with care and expertise. Using whiskies that have been matured for 12 years – often a sweet spot for ageing whiskies – to the exact point where they’ve reached their peak of vibrant flavour, the blend brings together subtle smoky notes to sweet and fruity flavours in one bottle in the unmistakably rich and smooth taste that is Johnnie Walker Black Label. So, if you’re looking to take your first steps into discovering the world of whisky, it’s the perfect choice to start your journey.

Johnnie Walker GB Ambassador, Adam Hussein, says: “At Johnnie
Walker we have some of the world’s most talented whisky makers, who bring together over
twenty-nine of the best whiskies to create the beautifully smooth and smoky flavours of Johnnie Walker Black Label. Johnnie Walker Black Label masterfully showcases a spectrum of big flavours, where no matter how loud one note is, it never drowns another one out.

“The multitude of flavours in Johnnie Walker Black Label means that is the perfect base
for delicious, light and effortless highballs. Its balance allows it to work perfectly with a
wide range of mixers – the possibilities are almost endless.”

Looking at recent search data, more and more people are searching for how to enjoy whisky, So, this World Whisky Day, Johnnie Walker GB Brand Ambassador Adam Hussein is giving you his top tips, from glassware to how best to mix up a whisky cocktail.

Johnnie Walker’s tips on how best to enjoy whisky:
1. Which glassware should I use to drink whisky? A great whisky glass should give you the best enjoyment of your drink, but there are some good rules of thumb to follow: we’d recommend a short glass if you’re drinking neat, and a highball filled with ice if you fancy mixing the whisky.

2. Are whisky stones better than ice? Whisky stones are a cooling device for your whisky: literally small stones stored in the freezer that you can add to your drink to cool it while not diluting it. Whisky stones allow you to appreciate the full flavour profile of your favourite whisky neat, yet chills it down to a perfect temperature. But if you’ve only got ice to hand, we wouldn’t let that stop you from enjoying a dram.

3. Why isn’t whisky stored in the fridge? Why not start cold if you prefer to drink your whisky with ice? Simply put, storing in the fridge will dull the taste so when you do come to enjoy it, it won’t have the same vibrancy. In Johnnie Walker Black Label this would mean losing the spectrum of flavour profiles that make it so distinctive.

4. What whisky is the best for new drinkers? There are many contributing factors to what different people love about whisky: do you prefer fruity drinks, sour drinks or more savoury notes? Many people start with unpeated whiskies, which are less smoky and tend to be sweeter: we, of course, recommend Johnnie Walker Black Label with its subtle sweetness wrapped in smoke that’s a favourite for many.. Combining Scotch with a mixer is also a good way to ease yourself into the world of whisky, without compromising on flavour. Try it in a cocktail such as an Old Fashioned or a Whisky Penicillin.

5. What’s the difference between whisky and whiskey? Whether it’s spelled ‘whisky’ or ‘whiskey’ usually depends on where it’s made. In Scotland, Canada, Japan and other parts of the world, it’s without the ‘e’, while in the US and Ireland it’s normally spelled with an ‘e’. The key differences between the main types of whisky are down to four things: the grain used, how it’s made, where it’s made and how long it’s been matured for.

6. How is whisky changing in recent years? One of the biggest steps the whisky category has been taking is seeing a fairer representation of gender both in the industry and amongst enthusiasts, with women now making up almost a third of whisky drinkers. Johnnie Walker is proud to be supporting gender equity in the whisky industry as well as in wider society, as shown through their support of IFundWomen and She Should Run. As Johnnie Walker Master Distiller Emma Walker says, “Johnnie Walker is founded on seeking out the best of the best, from whiskies to the people who we work with who strive to maintain our quality and standards. Ever since that time, we’ve never wanted to stand still: we want to be future facing in all aspects of our craft. More women in whisky can only be for the better.”

Available: thebar.com
● RRP: £30
● ABV: 40%