This aged version of the classic Red Label enjoys a similar cult following. Its unique complexity is achieved by expertly blending an extremely diverse, but complementary range of malt whiskies, each of which has been matured for a minimum of 12 years and some for much longer. In total, up to 40 malts and grain whiskies make up the Black Label blend. Island and Islay malts deliver spice, richness and lingering peat. Speyside malts make an important contribution to the depth of taste, bringing smoky malt, fruitiness, apple freshness and a rich sherry character to the blend. At the heart of Black Label lies 12 year old Cardhu, an outstanding malt from Speyside, which imparts silkiness, a characteristic which has made it famous as a single malt.

To date, Black Label has won more international awards for excellence than any other deluxe whisky. In the 1880s, Old Highland won medals in Sydney and Paris. Over 100 years later, in 1994, Black Label picked up gold medals at the 1994 Monde Selection Awards and the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), where it also won a trophy for Best Blended Whisky. In 1996, it won gold again at IWSC for the best deluxe Scotch Whisky. 40% Alc./Vol.

The final addition to the Johnnie Walker Explorers’ Club Series – “The Royal Route” was launched in 2013 as a Travel Retail exclusive.

Developed as a ‘luxury’ whisky, Walker’s Master Blender, Jim Beveridge comments, “We sought out only the very finest, beautifully balanced blends that have deep evocative flavours and a character to match. On the nose, there is a vast array of rich fruity flavours including apple, pear, fig and peach. Reflective of the beauty, rarity and exotic nature of the luxury goods that were exchanged on the royal trade route, it has an intense and complex flavour with notes of dried fruit and toffee, handsomely balanced with a subtle woody sweetness and a lingering wispy aromatic smoke. THE ROYAL ROUTE delivers far more depth of character, with richer, multiple layers on the palate.”This edition is inspired by the majestic history and the sights of the royal trading route, famed for bringing the luxuries of the world to the hands of Kings. The travelers’ tales of the legendary journeys that took place on this road, the precious silks, Persian ornaments, diamonds and pearls that were traded along it, inspired Jim Beveridge to create what is the most opulent variant in the series.