Diageo has celebrated its partnership with HBO and Game of Thrones with the release of Johnnie Walker White Walker.
The limited-edition is said to be inspired by the character the White Walkers and is released ahead of the final season of the show.
Created by whisky specialist George Harper, alongside the blenders at Johnnie Walker, this whisky is said to be best served directly from the freezer.
The bottling brings an icy white and blue design along with the iconic Johnnie Walker Striding Man now fashioned in armour to fit in among the ranks of the Night King’s forces. Utilising temperature-sensitive ink technology, fans will be reminded that “Winter is Here” from an unexpected graphic icy reveal on the bottle when frozen.
Blender George Harper used the Frozen North as his starting point for creating White Walker by Johnnie Walker. He says: “Whiskies from Clynelish have endured long, Scottish winters, not dissimilar to the long periods endured by the Night’s Watch who have ventured north of the wall - so it was the perfect place to start when creating this unique whisky.”
“We knew there was fan appetite for a Game of Thrones whisky and once we saw the vision from Johnnie Walker for a way to collaborate we knew the idea was perfect and the time was now. From the beginning, they understood that we wanted to create something special, and they’ve accomplished that with White Walker by Johnnie Walker. We’re confident fans will enjoy sipping this delicious whisky as they wait for season eight and beyond,” said Jeff Peters, Vice President, Licensing & Retail at HBO.
White Walker by Johnnie Walker is part of a wider partnership with HBO and Diageo which will also see the launch of the Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection available starting in February 2019 until supplies last. The collection features eight scotches that are each paired with one of the iconic Houses of Westeros and the Night’s Watch giving fans an authentic taste of the Seven Kingdoms and beyond. More information about the collection will be the subject of future announcements.
White Walker by Johnnie Walker will be available globally, including in all leading airports, starting October 2018 until supplies last with a US RRP: $36 for 750ml (41.7% ABV).
17 October 2018 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, editor