The limited-edition Blue Label Festive Blend combines Indian culinary flavour notes with rare Scotch whiskies and will be distributed across India, the UK, the US and global duty-free markets
Johnnie Walker has introduced its first India-inspired Blue Label Scotch whisky, a limited-edition expression drawing on Indian culinary flavours and set to be distributed across markets including India, the UK, the US and global duty-free channels.
Named Johnnie Walker Blue Label Festive Blend, the expression marks the first time in the brand’s nearly 200-year history that a Blue Label edition has taken inspiration from India’s culinary heritage. The blend has been created by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker using rare whiskies from the brand’s reserves, which comprise more than 10 million casks.
The blend features notes of cardamom, saffron, rosewater and citrus, alongside honey, chocolate-dipped fruit, warm spices and a hint of smoke, according to the company. Johnnie Walker said only one in every 10,000 casks has the depth of flavour required for Blue Label, with an even smaller selection used in the Festive Blend.
Explaining the blending process, Emma Walker said the expression was inspired by Indian chefs and their approach to balancing bold spices and flavours. She said the blend brings together the aromatic notes of cardamom, saffron and rosewater with fruit, honey and smoke.
Ruchira Jaitly, Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo India, said India was playing an increasingly important role in shaping the whisky category. “As the world’s largest whisky market by volume, India is playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the category. At the same time, we are seeing consumers seek luxury experiences that feel more distinctive, immersive and culturally relevant,” Jaitly said.
The expression was unveiled at The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai on 30 October. The company has not disclosed its retail price, production volume or sales expectations for the limited edition.
