Johnnie Walker shares the joy of DIY mixology with exclusive Black Label Highball tutorials

The iconic Johnnie Walker Black Label has long been lauded as the benchmark for blended whisky-making. In truth, this comes as no surprise, particularly when you consider that its unmistakable smoothness and complexity have been skilfully derived by co-opting only the best whiskies from distilleries across Scotland and aging them for at least 12 years, all under the guidance of its master blenders. These factors have made the Black Label a particular favourite of discerning drinkers and bartenders the world over.

While many choose to enjoy the tipple in its simpler forms – neat, on the rocks, with a spritz of water – others may appreciate a more complex concoction. To that end, Johnnie Walker has partnered with five of Hong Kong’s most well-loved bartenders to create five exclusive Black Label Highball cocktails that you can enjoy from the comforts of your own home.

While the classic Highball – traditionally including a whisky, some ice, a garnish and a mixer – has been a staple on many bar menus, these unique recipes will bring that added sophistication to your at-home imbibement. Take, for instance, Irre-zest-ible, created by Quinary’s Shelley Tai, which blends the Black Label with light citrusy notes with the addition of an Asian twist in its dried plums. Then there’s Summer Isles, the tropical interpretation from Bar 001’s Henry Ho that enhances the whisky’s inherent flavours with a zing of pink pepper, mellowed by refreshing notes of passion fruit and yuzu jam.

To help enhance your home mixology experience, the online tutorial videos for these Johnnie Walker Black Label Highball cocktails and their recipes can be easily accessed online at https://www.mhdhk.com/en/JohnnieWalkerBlackLabelHighball.

Whisky expert Charles Maclean on the one whisky he’d take to a deserted island

For true-blue connoisseurs of the whisky world, Charles MacLean needs no introduction. However, for those who are less au fait with the bevvy, the Scotsman is the considered to be one of the most authoritative voices on whisky, especially the Scotch varietals, having published 17 books to date on the subject and having hosted numerous tastings and talks throughout the world. His recent marathon tour to China, of which Hong Kong was his last port of call, was a very special one though. He was here courtesy of the world’s leading blended whisky expert, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, ahead of the launch of two very special, very rare bottles to be unveiled next year. We sat down with him to talk about all things whisky. Catch some snippets of our interview in the video below. For the full interview, please scroll down.

You have famously said that you would prefer a blended whisky to a single malt when you are unwinding. Any reasons for this preference?

My work has largely to do with single malt whiskies. So whenever I am served malt whisky, I immediately go into work mode. But when I just want to drink and enjoy, which is everyday after 6 o’clock in the evening, I reach for a blended Scotch. If I could choose only one whisky on a desert island, that’d be blended Scotch, specifically a Johnnie Walker blended whisky.

Which of the offerings from Johnnie Walker is your most favourite?

That would be Johnnie Walker Black Label. Of course, I like drinking the Johnnie Walker Blue Label as well, it’s incredibly smooth, but I feel that the Black Label has more bite to it. If somebody else is paying, then I’d always order a Johnnie Walker Black Label.

With the demand for whiskies reaching astronomical levels, especially in auctions, what should we keep in mind while investing in whiskies?

It depends on who is buying, whether they’re consumers or collectors or investors. If you’re looking to buy to consume, go for any whisky distilled in the ’60s, ’70s and even ’80s. They’re good value for money and taste great. Collectors typically go for rarity. So they would buy limited editions, original bottlings. I would advise collectors to for whiskies that are not as collectable now but those that have more potential. I would avoid Dalmore, Macallan, Bowmore, and instead look for interesting labels, original bottlings, etc. Investors, meanwhile, can buy whiskies at any price point, and they drive the price up. Since the financial crisis, people are looking at alternative investments and whisky is currently the most popular alternative investment. Some rich Asians are, meanwhile, also investing in casks.

Tell us more about the two Johnnie Walker special releases that are being unveiled next year…

The first one is a super-exclusive limited-edition expression, an incredibly rich 40-year-old whisky that connoisseurs are sure to fall in love with.

The other exquisite offering is The John Walker Last Cask, which will be presented with a bespoke design by Hand Engraver of Glass to Her Majesty the Queen, Philip Lawson Johnston. Every hand-drawn image decorating the bottles is as beautiful as it is unique. These whiskies are hand-selected from just nine distilleries that were in existence during Johnnie Walker founder John Walker’s lifetime (1805-1857). According to Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge, this special cask, essential to balancing the flavours of The John Walker, will soon no longer bring the balance and depth of character that is so important for this elegant whisky. He has therefore decided to withdraw it from use, meaning only one final cask of The John Walker will ever be released..

Thank you.

Interview by Suchetana Mukhopadhyay, video by Lai Ti Yeung

On a High: Experience Johnnie Walker Black Label Highball this summer

Leading blended Scotch whisky maker Johnnie Walker has just introduced a whole new array of flavours to this year’s Taste of Hong Kong culinary extravaganza by inserting a wholly contemporary spin on that most classic of cocktails – the highball.

Under the deft behind-bar acrobatics of two particular guest bartenders at the Johnnie Walker Bar – Diageo Global Cocktailian, Lauren Mote, and World Class Bartender of the Year 2018, Orlando Marzo – lucky guests were treated to some delicious new Johnnie Walker Black Label, Double Black and Sherry Editions Highball creations.

First up is the Creamy And Fruity Coconut Highball created with Johnnie Walker Black Label. New and stylish, the sweetness of coconut makes an exceptional pairing with the rich flavours of the Black Label whisky. Second is the Classic Smoky Highball created with Double Black, that is topped off with a torched rosemary and a flavoured rosemary and honey lemon ice block handcrafted by Hong Kong local ice-pop manufacturer – N*ICEPOPS. Third is the Salted Lemon Highball – a traditional highball inspired by Hong Kong, created with a limited Black Label bottling, Sherry Edition.

The best part? They can be easily made at home… So wow your guests with three stylish highballs at your summer soiree, made even more exceptional by Johnnie Walker. Cheers!