Master blender, Dr Jim Beveridge, brings to the series over 40 years of experience. Beveridge and his team have experimented throughout the blending process, focussing on the development and understanding of alternate flavours.
“At any one time, there are hundreds of experiments into flavour being carried out by our blenders which involve making adjustments to atmospheric conditions, the types of wood and grain used, cask finishes and other elements of whisky-making in the pursuit of exceptional new flavours.” Beveridge stated.
The first product to become available on the market this month is the Johnnie Walker Blender’s Batch Red Rye Finish, inspired by Beveridge’s time spent blending bourbons and rye whiskies in Kentucky during the 1990s.
The expression has been created with a small number of malt and grain whiskies drawn exclusively from first fill ex-bourbon casks, including whisky from the Port Dundas distillery that has since closed its doors. Finished in ex-rye casks for up to six months, the Johnnie Walker Blender’s Batch Red Rye Finish presents a balance of intense sweetness, layered fresh fruit and spice.
“We wanted to focus on what happens when the intensely sweet flavours that can be found in bourbon and rye whiskies are brought together with the depth and subtlety of carefully crafted Scotch.” Beveridge said of the expression.
The Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Red Rye Finish is now available in the Australian on-trade, followed by availability to off trade specialist stores from early October. The release of other whiskies in the series will be announced in the coming months.
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