Johnnie Walker Private Collection 2017 Edition Blended Scotch Whisky

The 2017 Edition is the fourth annual release in the John Walker & Sons Private Collection and the first time in the series that we’ve celebrated the full richness that cask character brings to our Blended Scotch Whiskies. This expert distillation and the mastery of oak and artistry of our Master Blender Jim Beveridge and his team combine to great effect in the 2017 Edition, a sumptuous whiskywith an abundance of oak-rich fruit notes. Jim sought casks with three main styles of oak character to complement and bring richness to the mature fruit distillery character.

Firstly, active American oak. He blended handpicked malt and grain whiskies matured in first fill, ex-bourbon, American oak casks for creamy toffee and soft spice notes.The malts and grains in the second vatting had matured in refill casks, mostly American oak, a few European. These less active casks are ell-suited for a long, gentle maturation that lets the distillery character continue to shine. Highland and Speyside distilleries were picked for their warm, sweet fruit characters.

Finally, Jim turned to his treasured stock of experimental casks, in particular Matrix, a detailed study into the flavour effects of cask treatments. A number of malts and grains matured in highly active, fresh American oak from this Matrix have generously provided an intensity of sweet vanilla for structure and depth in the final blend.