Celebrate the rare spirit of Scotland with Johnnie Walker and Timorous Beasties
The heritage whisky maker is celebrating all things Scottish with a limited-edition bottle available just in time for Christmas…
Words: Anna Galbraith
In association with:
The French philosopher Voltaire once wrote, “we look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation”, and it is certainly true that few places on Earth can claim to have inspired, beguiled and played home to quite so many artists, poets and pioneers as our Northern neighbours. It should come as no surprise then, that the world’s favourite Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker has turned its attention homeward to find its latest source of inspiration.
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Rare Side of Scotland is a limited edition bottle, which has been designed by Timorous Beasties, the award-winning Glasgow-based textile design studio. The new pack brings to life the beauty of the flora and fauna found across the Scottish countryside, and its design is dominated by one of the rarest natural beauties in the world — the Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights). Below this iconic backdrop soar three of Scotland’s rare large birds – the majestic white-tailed eagle, the unmistakable curlew and the rapid eider duck.
Illustrated in beautiful detail alongside these ‘beasties’ are two of Scotland’s smallest rare wonders: the narrow-bordered bee hawk-moth, and Scotland’s smallest butterfly – the Small Blue. Floral depictions of machair, saxifrage and mountain havens complete the evocative scene. This remarkable eco-system has pollinated and nurtured the perfect environment for creating the signature flavours of Johnnie Walker whisky for almost two centuries.
Johnnie Walker Master Blender Dr. Jim Beveridge says, “Exploring the rarest spirits from the four corners of Scotland has been a remarkable privilege and a personal passion throughout my four decades at Johnnie Walker. The celebration of rare, exceptional Scotch whiskies – paired with the rare craftsmanship of our team of expert whisky makers – will always be at the very heart of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. We know that our devotion to our craft is mirrored by Timorous Beasties, and this is highlighted by these beautiful bottle designs.”
Inside every bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label are remarkably rare, handpicked whiskies from Scotland – each bringing unique flavours and a distinctive character of their own. Only 1 in 10,000 casks of Johnnie Walker’s unparalleled reserves of over ten million maturing Scotch whiskies has the richness and character required to intricately craft Johnnie Walker Blue Label —including some irreplaceable casks from long-closed “ghost” distilleries. The result is a velvety-smooth whisky, with a remarkably rare depth of character.
Alistair McAuley, co-founder and one half of Timorous Beasties, says: “We’ve always been passionate about seeking out the rarest beauty to be found in Scotland and showcasing it to the world, and that’s definitely a passion shared by the Johnnie Walker team. We take great inspiration from the natural beauty of the local landscape, and it was a privilege to mark this with a bespoke design – an invitation to everyone to come and experience the rugged and rare charm of the Scottish wilderness.”
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Rare Side of Scotland is bottled at an ABV of 40% and is exclusively available at Selfridges until 30th November. From 1st December it will also be available at The Whisky Shop, The Whisky Exchange, Royal Mile Whiskies, Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Master of Malt at a RRP of £225 for a 700ml bottle.
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