THE HISTORY OF WHISKY
THE WATER OF LIFE
The history of whisky goes back hundreds of years. The practice of distilling alcohol made its way to Europe in the 12th century, but the earliest written evidence of distillation in Scotland is from the 15th century. Records show an order from the king in 1494 for enough malt to make 500 bottles of aqua vitae, Latin for 'the water of life'.
IM SCHOTTISCHEN GÄLISCH IST DIES ALS „UISGE BEATHA“ BEKANNT. „UISGE“ WURDE DABEI IMMER WIEDER FALSCH AUSGESPROCHEN, BIS DARAUS SCHLIESSLICH DAS HEUTIGE „WHISKY“ WURDE.
The earliest whisky was fairly bracing stuff, distilled almost exclusively by monks. It was never left to mature and mainly seen as a medicine to treat everything from pox to palsy. Then along came Henry VIII, who dissolved the monasteries and turned out the monks. Whisky production made its way into the homes of regular Scots, who refined the process over time and discovered whisky could be enjoyable in its own right.
Fast forward to the early 19th century and a dram of whisky was a staple of life. The trouble was, these whiskies tasted different every time.
Ein junger Mann namens John Walker, Besitzer eines Krämerladens im schottischen Kilmarnock war nicht gewillt, diese Unbeständigkeit einfach so hinzunehmen. Er wollte seinen Kunden jedes Mal dieselbe Qualität und denselben Geschmack bieten können. Also begann er damit verschiedene Whiskys zu mischen, bis er einen Blend erschaffen hatte, der es ihm wert schien, seinen Namen zu tragen. Und der Rest ist eben Geschichte.
THOSE PIONEERING
WHISKY BLENDS
HAVE LED US
TO THE ICONIC
RANGE OF
TODAY.
JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL
Johnnie Walker Black Label is one of life’s true icons. A masterful blend of single malt and grain whiskies from across Scotland, aged for at least 12 years. The result is a timeless classic with depth and balance of flavor. Drink it with ice, neat or in a Highball.
JOHNNIE WALKER RED LABEL
Liebliche Blüten und lodernde Flammen. Johnnie Walker Red Label ist der meistverkaufte Scotch Whisky der Welt. Er ist wie geschaffen für schöne Stunden in guter Gesellschaft und passt perfekt zu erfrischenden Cocktails. Er entsteht aus besonders dynamischen, intensiven Whiskys, die ihm einen scharfen und feurigen Charakter verleihen.
JOHNNIE WALKER DOUBLE BLACK
Experience the bold and brooding intensity of Johnnie Walker Double Black, the embodiment of rebellion in the world of Whiskey. Handpicked from the west coast of Scotland, this blend features naturally smoky whiskies aged in charred barrels to deliver a full-bodied taste that's second to none.
JOHNNIE WALKER GOLD LABEL RESERVE
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is a whisky that plays nicely with others but always holds its own. This award-winning Scotch is made from whiskies chosen for their sweet, honeyed qualities. We select them when they're at their most vibrant for vivid flavor in every mouthful.
JOHNNIE WALKER GREEN LABEL 15 YEARS
Unser einziger Scotch, der komplett aus Single Malts geblendet wird. Johnnie Walker Green Label ist ein gut gehüteter Schatz mit spritzigen Geheimnissen, die es zu entdecken gilt. Seine Malts stammen aus den vier Whiskyregionen Schottlands sind und mindestens 15 Jahre lang gereift. Der Charakter der verschiedenen Landschaften kommt hier in perfekter Balance zusammen: ein Whisky in kompletter Harmonie mit der Natur.
JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL
Where velvety smooth flavors blossom on the tongue. Johnnie Walker Blue Label comes from hand-selecting rare Scotch Whiskies with a remarkable depth of flavor. Only one in 10,000 casks make the cut. Best served neat, along with an ice-cold water to enhance its powerful character.
VISIT THE
JOHNNIE WALKER FLAGSHIP
IN EDINBURGH
AND DISCOVER
OUR WHISKY
MAKING STORY