Johnnie Walker reveals Blenders' Batch series

Diageo has revealed the latest in its Johnnie Walker range, with the release of the Blenders' Batch series.

Two expressions, Blenders’ Batch Espresso Roast and Rum Cask Finish will be available in the UK on and off-trade from October.

The blends have been developed over the last ten years in collaboration between Johnnie Walker master blender, Jim Beveridge and his team of blenders, alongside global bartenders and whisky influencers.

Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Espresso Roast was headed up by Aimée Gibson, one of the new generation of Johnnie Walker blenders. Diageo claims Espresso Roast was inspired by her mission to make scotch the spirit of choice amongst more consumers. The blend is steered by leading flavour and coffee expert, James Hoffman, supported by industry figures including Ali Reynolds, and backed with practiced guidance from Ryan Chetiyawardana.

Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Rum Cask Finish signifies ten years of experiments conditioning Scotch in casks that previously held rum. Inspired by whiskies originating from distilleries in Speyside and the Lowlands, Chris Clark, Johnnie Walker expert blender, was responsible for rum quality at Diageo for 16 years and contributed his knowledge and curiosity for merging rum and scotch to developing Rum Cask Finish.

Ali Reynolds, Johnnie Walker brand ambassador at Diageo Reserve comments: “Blenders’ Batch paves the way for crafting truly exceptional cocktails and unlocks a wealth of opportunity for both the bartender and consumers. Blenders’ Batch is all about perfecting flavours by getting the balance right. Both new variants have been crafted by leading taste influencers who’ve shared years of expertise to now offer discerning whisky drinkers and those new to the spirit the chance to discover and explore whisky at its best.

19 October 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor