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When you think of a quintessential summer drink, whisky may not be the first libation that comes to mind. After all, it’s a season that seems to be ruled by the almighty Spritz: light, effervescent and refreshing. But as Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker reminds me, whisky can be that. “Summer is such a vibrant time,” says Walker (the shared name is pure coincidence). “It’s all about easy experimentation and bringing in bright, fresh flavours.” Walker loves serving highballs made with Johnnie Walker Black Label, soda water and a twist of citrus. “It’s always a crowd-pleaser. Crisp, refreshing and lets the whisky’s character shine without overpowering the palate,” she explains. There’s more summery drink ideas where that came from, like a floral Johnnie and Elderflower or a creamy and tangy Whisky Sour. Established back in 1820 in Scotland, Johnnie Walker is the world’s best-selling whisky brand. Over 200 years later, the brand is committed to never standing still. “Our history is fundamental to everything we do, and while we honour this rich heritage, we’re always looking ahead to what comes next,” says Walker, who made history herself as the first woman to hold the title of master blender at Johnnie Walker. As part of her role, Walker gets access to countless new whiskies. For the launch of Johnnie Walker Vault, she got her hands on 500 rare, aged and “ghost” whiskies (the rarest ones, made by now-shuttered distilleries), selected from an inventory of 10 million maturing casks found all over Scotland. “This gives me an incredible range of flavours, textures and stories to draw from,” she explains. Combine this access with Walker’s background in organic chemistry and her years spent at every stage of the whisky-making process, and the result is an approach that’s creative but anchored by Walker’s deep understanding of how flavour develops.”
Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker with Olivier Rousteing
Oh, and about that whole “never standing still” thing, Johnnie Walker has taken a note from the fashion world and entered the world of designer collaborations. To that end, they teamed up with Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing on a reimagining of what whisky can look like via a special edition collection of four “couture” blends inspired by the four seasons. “Olivier brings a bold, fearless sense of identity to everything he touches,” says Walker, noting that the designer’s energy fit the MO of Johnnie Walker to a tee. [instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DKKNo5NN3W0/?img_index=1″ /] As for how you can embrace summer whisky (or whisky in general, really), Walker recommends tasting “with intention” and trying different styles, regions and blends side-by-side while paying attention to what stands out. “Whisky isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about curiosity. Don’t worry about getting the tasting notes ‘right’—just ask, what do you notice?” she offers. As for Walker, she’s noticed an overall shift in our drinking culture. “We continue to see consumers drink better, not more.” And that less-but-better philosophy extends to a growing appreciation for the story behind the craft, like who made something and where it comes from (again, a note that echoes the growing call for transparency in the fashion industry). Ultimately, it’s about quality and meaning, according to Walker. “Whether that’s sipping slowly at home or trying a beautiful whisky in a cocktail.” I’ll drink to that. Continue Reading
