The makers of Johnnie Walker announce the launch of Johnnie Walker Double Black, a new limited edition Scotch whisky debuting in the United States this month. Imagine your favorite song; now turn up the volume. Double Black amplifies the signature style of Black Label, including its hallmark smokey flavor, to produce a bold blend of extraordinary depth, richness and character.

Johnnie Walker Black Label has withstood the test of time. Over the past 100 years, this iconic brand has grown from a grocer’s blend to a whisky enjoyed around the world. Year after year, the liquid inside a bottle of Black Label honors the legacy of its creators. The heart of the whisky is the pioneering spirit of innovation passed down by John Walker and his sons, and Double Black is the product of this legacy.

“Johnnie Walker Double Black begins with Johnnie Walker Black Label as its starting point. From here we explored the characteristics that define this beloved blend and thought how can we offer a new perspective on it,” said Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge. “With access to the world’s most diverse stocks of aged whiskies in the world, I was able to create something entirely new inspired by the cornerstone of this whisky house, and arguably the most beloved Scotch whisky in the world, Johnnie Walker Black Label. It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to share it with the US.”

By reaching deep into some of the House of Walker’s most distinctive – and unparalleled – single malts reserves, Master Blender Jim Beveridge has created a powerful whisky that stands tall when placed shoulder to shoulder against its brethren blends and stands apart from all other whiskies on the market. Rich peaty single malts are combined with whiskies matured in deeply charred oak barrels. The result is a powerful intensity of flavor that is undeniably Johnnie Walker, and undoubtedly drawn from the signature style of Black Label.

“Since debuting in Duty Free shops globally, there has been great excitement around Johnnie Walker Double Black. We’ve received countless inquiries on our Facebook page and at House of Walker tastings asking when it will be available in the United States,” said Adam Rosen, Diageo Brand Director, Scotch Whisky Portfolio. “People want to try it. They are attracted to what the blend offers by being Black Label, amplified. As with all of our Johnnie Walker blends, we ask that adults enjoy responsibly.”

Johnnie Walker Double Black went on sale October 1, 2011 with a suggested retail price of $40. The limited supply is expected to last just until the holiday season.

The much talked about but ever so elusive Johnnie Walker Double Black is back. Well, in March 2011 anyways. Originally launched and tested at six leading international airport locations in January 2010, Double Black was received so well that it will be distributed globally early next year. Taking the already smoky Johnnie Walker Black Label, Master Blender Jim Beveridge would take the characteristics found in that and amplify them, creating a new intensity to the spirit. Continue Reading »

What better way to communicate the history of one of the most well known brands of Scotch than with 28 Weeks Later star Robert Carlyle, bagpipes, a seemingly useless door on a hillside, and a possible wildfire dangerously close to the bagpipe player in a one shot, unedited six minute video? Well… I guess you could throw in some infected, zombie-like humans, but still, this is very cool. However, I’m not exactly sure what they intend on doing with this six minute long film unless airing six minute commercials in London is common or they are planning to spend $36 million for a slot in the Super Bowl.

Age verification pages on websites are insane to me. They are the equivalent to a blind, deaf, paralyzed old woman working the door of a nightclub. They baffle me. It’s the ultimate example of going through the motions…Obviously the alcohol companies don’t have much of a choice in the matter, so you can’t fault them. Here are ten age verification screens for your viewing pleasure. Continue Reading »