Johnnie Walker releases Private Collection 2016 edition

Created from rare casks from five Johnnie Walker distilleries, the Private Collection 2016 is a limited release of only 8,888 decanters launched for the Hong Kong market.

Describing it as the ‘most complex edition to date,’ John Walker & Sons master blender, Jim Beveridge said: “The 2016 edition, a blend of fine honeyed notes, is a glimpse of the elusive, delicate art of balancing aromatic layers of honey sweetness and soft, gentle fruit distillery notes. It also highlights the splendour and radiance that grain whiskies bring to John Walker & Sons blended Scotch whiskies.”

The Private Collection is a blend of whiskies drawn from over 100 single grain Scotch whisky casks from five Johnnie Walker distilleries, including four silent distilleries: Caledonian, Cambus, Carsebridge and Port Dundas – and aged in American oak for several months.

The Johnnie Walker Private Collection initially launched with the 2014 edition, which was described as “flawless” by whisky writer Charles MacLean, while the 2015 edition, was awarded a double gold medal and Best Blended Scotch – No Age Statement at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Guy Escolme, global brand director of Johnnie Walker said: “The 2016 Edition is a rare opportunity to taste the intriguing, subtle flavours from beautiful grain whiskies, together with a specially selected malt whisky, that bring discernible elegance to John Walker & Sons blended Scotch Whiskies. I cannot imagine a more luxurious expression of this art than the soft, creamy texture, golden layers of honey sweetness and hints of light fruits in this blend – stunning.”

The Private Collection 2016 Edition is a limited release of 8,888 individually numbered bottles, offered in an amber glass decanter with a retail price of HK$7,500 ($966).