I can claim no pretensions to being a connoisseur as far as whiskies are concerned, for opinions which are based on extensive expertise there are a number of experts on MS.. However, over the years I have discovered that I do have some favorites among blended whiskies. When I make a beeline for the duty free shop at the various airports that I frequent, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Dubai, London (Heathrow) etc I always check to make sure they do stock Johnnie Walker Red Label. Fortunately I never seem to be disappointed-they always have it in stock.
Perhaps on reflection it is not surprising for I understand that Red Label is the world’s most popular Scotch whiskey and it is hugely in demand all over the world. Englishmen like myself should occasionally remember that this nectar from North of the Border really does get the UK a lot of foreign exchange earnings and aids the balance of payments.OK enough about boring old economics !
The roots of Johnnie Walker go back to Kilmarnock in the West of Scotland to 1820. He was the great pioneer in blending whiskies.When old Johnnie Walker commenced his business, he had an enormous respect for malt whiskies that had real flavor. I suppose they all have flavor but some are better than others. It is well known that he had a liking for robust Islay and Island malt whiskies-he considered they added depth and vigor to his blends.
His grandson, Alexander Walker, reputedly inherited all of his beloved grandfather’s blending skills and his preferences. Anyway, when he developed the Johnnie Walker Red Label blend, he was insistent that it had to be smoother and somewhat lighter than most of its contemporaries. That was around the beginning of the 20 th century and by 1920 Red Label had emerged as the first truly global brand of Scotch blended whiskey.
Scotch drinkers overseas were not the only folk who liked Red Label. British King George V liked it so much that he went on to grant a Royal Warrant to the company in 1933 and , it might be noted, Johnnie Walker has continued as an official purveyor of whisky to the Royal Family to this ver day.
Red label Scotch has often won awards in competitions including a Gold Medal in the International Wine and Spirit Competition in the blended Scotch Whiskey category.
Now I cannot just take refuge in its international popularity and the fact that it is supplied to the Royal Family. You are entitled to know why I like it ! Well it is my favorite blended Scotch because I think it has a very distinctive character and a delightful fulness of flavour. There are hints of peaty nuances and of a richness. It has lasting presence and I personally prefer to either drink it on the rocks or add a dash of soda, Sadly I do have to report Malaysian’s have a shocking habit of putting five or six ice cubes-otherwise they, believe me, are nice people.I understand some folk in North America have the same habit but enough about that.
Getting to know Red Label is a thoroughly satisfying experience and , touch wood, I rarely seem to suffer the next morning for the very occasional over-indulgence.
Frankly I rarely drink whiskey with food but when I am feeling extravagant I do enjoy having a glass of Red Label with a cigar. Then I am practically in heaven !