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'.

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.

Black and white photo of three men in the office. A man is writing in front of a table covered with bottles. Two other men stood, one holding a phone. Posters and bottles are displayed on shelves in the background.

For one young man named John Walker – the owner of a grocer's in Kilmarnock – this inconsistency wasn't good enough. He wanted his customers to enjoy the same quality and flavour time after time. So he started to blend them together until he created a whisky he was happy to put his name to. And the rest, as they say, is history.

THOSE PIONEERING

WHISKY BLENDS

HAVE LED US

TO THE ICONIC

RANGE OF

TODAY.

A bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label with dark glass and a light label stands upside down against a bright yellow background. The light casts patterned shadows from the bottom, creating a geometric design on the surface.

JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL 12 YEARS

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 flavour. Drink it with ice, neat or in a Highball.

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