Latest news with #JohnnieWalkerBlueLabel
News18
08-08-2025
- Business
- News18
Why Johnnie Walker Whisky Is The Ultimate Luxury Drink; Know Its Price In India
Last Updated: Johnnie Walker is the world's favourite Scotch whisky, known for its range from Red Label to the luxurious Blue Label, blending tradition, quality, and rich heritage Any special celebration calls for a unique drink. Often, people choose champagne or fine wine for such occasions. However, sometimes we want to gift our loved ones something that lasts beyond just one evening; something to display proudly in their home bar and enjoy over many days. For that, there is no better choice than Johnnie Walker, and when it comes with a Blue Label, it becomes truly exceptional. Johnnie Walker: A Global Favourite Johnnie Walker is the world's most beloved Scotch whisky, with millions of bottles sold each year. Yet, the finest of these is undoubtedly Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Anyone would be thrilled to receive a bottle of this exquisite Scotch, personalised with their name in a gift bag. But what makes Johnnie Walker Blue Label so special? As Master Blender Dr Emma Walker, the first woman to hold this position in the brand's history, explains, 'Johnnie Walker Blue Label epitomises luxury, crafted using only the highest quality whisky-making skills." Johnnie Walker is a staple at restaurants, parties, and celebrations worldwide. It has marked its presence not only in the whisky market but also globally. The brand offers a range of blended whiskies catering to every taste, occasion, and budget, from the perfect cocktail mixer Red Label to the premium Blue Label, which blends old and rare whiskies. The spirit itself is as extraordinary as expected from a premium Johnnie Walker blend, a true gastronomic experience. The Red Label and Black Label remain two of the most popular blended whiskies globally. Founder And Early Years The story of Johnnie Walker began with its founder John Walker, born on July 25, 1805 at Todrigs Farm near Kilmarnock, Scotland. Following the death of his father in 1819, John sold Todrigs Farm and invested in a grocery store in Kilmarnock in 1820, aged just 14. By 1825, he had expanded his business and started working as a spirit merchant selling rum, brandy, gin, and whisky. Despite not drinking alcohol himself, John Walker sold blended whisky and single malts prepared to order. In 1850, he launched his own brand of blended malt, 'Walkers Kilmarnock Whisky'. However, a devastating flood in 1852 destroyed his stock, nearly forcing the family business to close and significantly impacting Scotland's blended whisky industry. In 1856, John's son Alexander Walker joined the business, forming John Walker & Sons. John Walker passed away in 1857, leaving the company to Alexander. Alexander Walker's Innovations Under Alexander Walker's management, the company became a dedicated whisky blender. In 1860, he introduced Johnnie Walker's iconic square-edged bottle for exporting 'Walkers Kilmarnock Whisky'. The square bottle was designed to allow more bottles to be packed in the same space and reduce breakage. In 1865, Alexander prepared the 'Old Highland Whisky' blend and registered its copyright in 1867. By this time, John Walker & Sons was selling 100,000 gallons of blended whisky annually. The distinctive slanted label of the Johnnie Walker brand was trademarked by Alexander Walker in 1877, becoming a hallmark of the brand. Following Alexander Walker's death in 1889, control of the company passed to his sons, Alexander II and George P. Walker. In 1893, John Walker & Sons purchased the Cardhu distillery to secure stocks for their blends. Cardhu remains a vital ingredient in Johnnie Walker whiskies today. The brand continued its expansion by acquiring more distilleries during the 20th century, including Colburn (1915), Clynelish, Dieluain & Talisker (1916), and Mortlach (1923). The 20th Century And Brand Development The 20th century was a period of growth for John Walker & Sons. In 1906, the Old Highland blended whisky range was expanded to three versions. From 1909, the Old Highland range was renamed Johnnie Walker, with products named Red Label, Black Label, and briefly White Label. The brand gained global recognition and became a pioneer of innovation in the Scotch whisky industry. In 1934, Johnnie Walker was awarded a Royal Warrant by King George V, recognising its quality and prestige. Today, the main Johnnie Walker range includes eight different blends and special releases, some of which are exclusive to particular markets. Johnnie Walker Red Label: When the Johnnie Walker brand was created in 1906, it was initially released as Walker Special Old Highland. In 1909, its name was changed to Red Label. Since 1945, Johnnie Walker Red Label has been the world's best-selling Scotch whisky, available in 180 countries. Interestingly, Red Label disappeared from the UK market between 1977 and 1983 before making a return. Johnnie Walker Black Label: Originally sold as 'Old Highland Whisky', the Black Label blend was created by Alexander Walker in 1865. When the Old Highland range expanded in 1906, it was renamed 'Extra Special Old Highland'. Upon the creation of the Johnnie Walker brand in 1909, it was renamed Black Label. Johnnie Walker Black Label: It is aged for 12 years and blended from 40 different whiskies sourced from all four corners of Scotland. Johnnie Walker Double Black: A newer addition to the brand's main range, Johnnie Walker Double Black is bottled in a semi-transparent black square bottle designed to keep the whisky's dark colour intact. Johnnie Walker Green Label: Initially launched in 1997 as Johnnie Walker Pure Malt 15-Year-Old, the name was changed to Green Label in 2004. This blend combines malt whiskies from Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and Island regions, matured for at least 15 years. Johnnie Walker Gold Label: The 18-Year-Old Blend was added to the core range in 1995. Walker's Centenary Blend was discontinued during World War II due to whisky shortages for blending. Johnnie Walker Gold Label was reformulated by blending 15 whiskies aged at least 18 years. Though popular, it was discontinued in 2011 and later returned as Platinum Label 18-Year-Old. Johnnie Walker Platinum Label: Introduced in 2011, initially for the Asian and Far Eastern markets, the Platinum Label joined the core range in 2012 as the brand's oldest age statement expression. Johnnie Walker Blue Label: First released in 1992 as 'Johnnie Walker Oldest', it was rebranded as Blue Label in 1994. Blue Label is one of the most expensive blended Scotch whiskies on the market and is considered the pinnacle of the brand. Limited Edition Releases: Johnnie Walker has also produced collectible and rare limited editions. In 2007, the Johnnie Walker King George V Decanter was released, commemorating the Royal Warrant granted in 1934. In 2012, a limited-edition decanter was launched for the UK market to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Johnnie Walker Prices In India Approximate prices for 750ml bottles of Johnnie Walker in India are as follows: Red Label: Rs 1,700 to Rs 2,200 Black Label: Rs 3,310 to Rs 3,800 Green Label: Rs 4,100 to Rs 5,200 Double Black Label: Rs 3,200 to Rs 5,400 Gold Label Reserve: Rs 7,650 to Rs 8,250 Platinum Label (now known as Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old): Rs 7,865 to Rs 11,450 Blue Label: Rs 31,760 to Rs 35,000 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Economic Times
30-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Big Scotch tariff cut to bring little cheer for Indians after UK trade deal
Agencies Representative image. At first glance, halving import tariffs on Scotch to 75% under the India-UK trade deal should bring the biggest cheer to India's whisky lovers. But there is little to celebrate once you look closely at India's complex tax regime. In the world's most populous nation, each of the 28 states and eight federally-controlled territories regulate alcohol independently and impose heavy local taxes that contribute richly to the exchequer. That means the price consumers pay for their drink in India includes state excise tax, handling charges, a social welfare fee, and distribution and retailer margins, and once they are taken into account the industry estimates final prices of imported Scotch will come down by less than 10%, four liquor industry executives said. Some fear states may even increase taxes, cancelling out the reduction from the trade deal. One executive at a foreign company said the tariff cut "won't be a gamechanger." Another said the share of customs duty as a percentage of the total product price was less than 25% in most states. Both declined to be named as they were not authorised to speak to the media. Naveen Malpani, consumer and retail industry leader at consultants Grant Thornton Bharat, said the import duty made up only about 10% to 20% of the retail price on average across India, with the rest from local levies and other costs. "The deal is likely to enhance premiumisation and brand variety rather than trigger an immediate spike in demand," he said. A breakdown provided on the website of the government of southern Kerala state shows the high taxation regime: a bottle of Pernod's Chivas Regal blended Scotch aged for 18 years costs 6,288 rupees ($72) with import tariffs, but local taxes and levies take the price to 13,560 rupees ($156). Similarly, Johnnie Walker Blue Label costs 30,570 rupees ($352) in Kerala. In California, after discounts, that brand costs around $180, according to shopping website Despite the high taxes, Euromonitor estimates India's spirits market was worth $37 billion last year, lagging only China and the United States, and it remains an attractive market - Diageo, which produces Johnnie Walker, and Pernod Ricard together had India revenues of almost $6 billion last year. India is Scotch whisky's largest export market by volume, with the equivalent of more than 192 million bottles exported to the country in 2024, and the volume growing by more than 200% in the past decade, according to the Scotch Whisky Association. But doing business in the whisky-loving country is challenging. As well as the layers of taxation, companies must contend with a web of regulation, which requires they seek approval for bottle labels and prices each year. In 2022, Pernod's then South Asia CEO told Reuters in an interview that India was "probably the most complex market" in the world for the industry. Amid the complexity, local producers have also stepped up. Made-in-India single malts are offering stiff competition to the established international brands as Indians develop a taste for bespoke cocktails and more sophisticated drinks. Young Indians "are all going for Indian single malts rather than Scotch," said Rajesh Chopra, director general of Indian Malt Whisky Association, adding lower tariffs could spur collaboration among Indian and UK whisky makers.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Big scotch tariff cut to bring little cheer for Indians after UK trade deal
Cutting Scotch whisky import tariffs to 75% under the India-UK trade deal may offer limited benefit to Indian consumers due to India's complex tax regime. State levies, excise duties, and fees still keep prices high, reducing the impact of tariff cuts to under 10%. Despite growing demand and Scotch being India's top import by volume, local single malts are gaining ground. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads At first glance, halving import tariffs on Scotch to 75% under the India-UK trade deal should bring the biggest cheer to India's whisky lovers. But there is little to celebrate once you look closely at India's complex tax the world's most populous nation, each of the 28 states and eight federally-controlled territories regulate alcohol independently and impose heavy local taxes that contribute richly to the means the price consumers pay for their drink in India includes state excise tax, handling charges, a social welfare fee, and distribution and retailer margins, and once they are taken into account the industry estimates final prices of imported Scotch will come down by less than 10%, four liquor industry executives said. Some fear states may even increase taxes, cancelling out the reduction from the trade executive at a foreign company said the tariff cut "won't be a gamechanger." Another said the share of customs duty as a percentage of the total product price was less than 25% in most states. Both declined to be named as they were not authorised to speak to the Malpani, consumer and retail industry leader at consultants Grant Thornton Bharat, said the import duty made up only about 10% to 20% of the retail price on average across India, with the rest from local levies and other costs."The deal is likely to enhance premiumisation and brand variety rather than trigger an immediate spike in demand," he said.A breakdown provided on the website of the government of southern Kerala state shows the high taxation regime: a bottle of Pernod's Chivas Regal blended Scotch aged for 18 years costs 6,288 rupees ($72) with import tariffs, but local taxes and levies take the price to 13,560 rupees ($156).Similarly, Johnnie Walker Blue Label costs 30,570 rupees ($352) in Kerala. In California, after discounts, that brand costs around $180, according to shopping website the high taxes, Euromonitor estimates India's spirits market was worth $37 billion last year, lagging only China and the United States, and it remains an attractive market - Diageo, which produces Johnnie Walker, and Pernod Ricard together had India revenues of almost $6 billion last is Scotch whisky 's largest export market by volume, with the equivalent of more than 192 million bottles exported to the country in 2024, and the volume growing by more than 200% in the past decade, according to the Scotch Whisky doing business in the whisky-loving country is challenging. As well as the layers of taxation, companies must contend with a web of regulation, which requires they seek approval for bottle labels and prices each year. In 2022, Pernod's then South Asia CEO told Reuters in an interview that India was "probably the most complex market" in the world for the the complexity, local producers have also stepped up. Made-in-India single malts are offering stiff competition to the established international brands as Indians develop a taste for bespoke cocktails and more sophisticated Indians "are all going for Indian single malts rather than Scotch," said Rajesh Chopra, director general of Indian Malt Whisky Association, adding lower tariffs could spur collaboration among Indian and UK whisky makers.
Time Out
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Tryson Quek from Side Door crowned World Class Singapore 2025 champion
After months of fierce competition, Singapore has crowned its new World Class Bartender of the Year. At last night's finale held at Baia, Tryson Quek, the affable chef-turned-bartender and owner of Side Door, emerged as the winner of one of the country's most prestigious cocktail competitions. He beat out a strong field of finalists: Marco Maiorano (КОМА), Zana Möhlmann (Manhattan), Kelvin Saquilayan (Republic Bar), Ooi Foo Giap (Last Word), and Sam Pang (Night Hawk), who each brought their own distinct style and skill to the competition. This year's final unfolded in two parts, designed to push the boundaries of innovation, speed and bartending finesse. First up was the Drink to the Future challenge, which asked contestants to imagine what the world of cocktails might look like in the decades to come. Their creations had to incorporate either Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Don Julio 1942, or Zacapa XO, and make use of technology. What we saw was a forward-looking display of imagination: plants turned into music to suggest a future where we might converse with our food, magnetic stirrers and ultrasonic infusers aimed at improving bar efficiency, and thoughtful ingredients like hydroponically grown tomatoes and carbon-capturing seaweed that point towards a more sustainable approach to drinking. Next came The Showdown, a speed challenge that tested both composure and technical skill. Finalists had five minutes to shake, stir and present five elevated classic cocktails: a highball with Johnnie Walker Blue Label, a Paloma with Don Julio 1942, an Old Fashioned with Zacapa XO, a Manhattan using Singleton 15 Year Old, and a Martini with Tanqueray No. Ten. They were free to interpret the drinks, as long as the core of each cocktail remained intact. It was a tight, high-energy round where each finalist had to work with precision and pace while demonstrating showmanship and brand knowledge. The judging panel comprised Ervin Trykowski, Diageo's global brand ambassador for New Age Whisky; Pedison Kao, Taiwan's World Class Bartender of the Year and global third-place winner; Adam Bursik, director of beverage at Shangri-La Singapore; and Nicole-Marie Ng, Time Out's regional content director for APAC. Together, we assessed a strong showing of ingenuity, technical precision and excellent drinks. In the end, it was Tryson's blend of bold flavours, charming confidence and relentless creativity that earned him the top spot. While he hasn't been behind the bar for long, he used his background as a chef to his advantage. His win also marks a full-circle moment for Singapore's cocktail scene. The last time World Class was held in Singapore was in 2019, when Bannie Kang, Tryson's wife, took home both the national and global titles. Now, five years on, she passes the baton to her husband to represent Singapore at the World Class Global Finals in Toronto this September.
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
A Day of Prestige: Johnnie Walker Blue Polo Unites Icons of Fashion, Whisky & Polo in Johannesburg
Set against the glittering skyline of Africa's richest square mile, the event brought together polo enthusiasts, whisky lovers, celebrities, and cultural tastemakers for an unforgettable afternoon that blended sport, style, and storytelling, all under the banner of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Image: Supplied Set against the glittering skyline of Africa's richest square mile, the event brought together polo enthusiasts, whisky lovers, celebrities, and cultural tastemakers for an unforgettable afternoon that blended sport, style, and storytelling, all under the banner of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Image: Supplied Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with signature Johnnie Walker Blue Label cocktails. Image: Supplied The highly anticipated return of the Johnnie Walker Blue Polo on Sunday, June 8th, transformed the heart of Sandton into a dazzling celebration of rare craftsmanship, bold fashion, and timeless sophistication. Set against the glittering skyline of Africa's richest square mile, the event brought together polo enthusiasts, whisky lovers, celebrities, and cultural tastemakers for an unforgettable afternoon that blended sport, style, and storytelling, all under the banner of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with signature Johnnie Walker Blue Label cocktails, setting an elevated tone for what would become an immersive journey into the world of Blue Label, one defined by excellence, elegance, and experiential richness. 'On behalf of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, we are honoured to welcome our guests to an afternoon where legacy meets contemporary luxury, this event is a celebration of excellence, a convergence of whisky, fashion, and sport, curated to honour the rare craft of Blue Label and the cultural icons who continue to inspire and shape the future,' said Mpimy Mashimbye, Senior Brand Manager Reserve Scotch (South, West & Central Africa). The event was graced by some of South Africa's most influential figures, a reflection of the brand's deep connection to those driving local culture forward. Among the high-profile guests was fashion designer Mmuso Maxwell, who collaborated with Johnnie Walker Blue Label to dress the brand's official Blue influencers, offering a stunning display of contemporary African design. Also showcasing their creative flair was BamCollective, known for their bold, avant-garde fashion perspective. Bringing further star power to the afternoon were Sarah Langa, Natasha Joubert, Siya Bunny, and former Bafana Bafana footballer Teko Modise, the official Johnnie Walker Blue influencers who embodied the brand's prestige and style with effortless charisma. The event featured a curated line-up of immersive experiences that allowed guests to explore the depth of Johnnie Walker Blue Label through every sense: The event was graced by some of South Africa's most influential figures, a reflection of the brand's deep connection to those driving local culture forward. Image: Supplied A polo-inspired fashion showcase staged in elegant stables, where equestrian heritage met high fashion. staged in elegant stables, where equestrian heritage met high fashion. The Blue Label Discovery Lounge , where guests were guided through a personalised whisky tasting journey featuring ambient visuals, immersive soundscapes, and rare storytelling. , where guests were guided through a personalised whisky tasting journey featuring ambient visuals, immersive soundscapes, and rare storytelling. A bespoke Personalisation Station , offering engraved miniature Blue Label bottles — a lasting memento of an exceptional day. , offering engraved miniature Blue Label bottles — a lasting memento of an exceptional day. Styled content zones throughout the venue, from horse-led photo moments to high-design backdrops, provided picture-perfect opportunities to capture the elegance of the day. throughout the venue, from horse-led photo moments to high-design backdrops, provided picture-perfect opportunities to capture the elegance of the day. More than just a polo match, the Johnnie Walker Blue Polo was a celebration of legacy, culture, and aspiration. Every element from fashion and sport to whisky and design came together to reflect the Blue Label ethos Set against the glittering skyline of Africa's richest square mile, the event brought together polo enthusiasts, whisky lovers, celebrities, and cultural tastemakers for an unforgettable afternoon that blended sport, style, and storytelling, all under the banner of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Image: Supplied
