Johnnie Walker

Today, Johnnie Walker is the world's largest whisky brand, and our slogan is accepted and welcomed everywhere as a call to progress, a source of courage in difficulties, a happy expression of optimism, and the best advice you'll ever hear.

The story of Johnnie Walker begins with the man who gave his name to our whisky.

The year is 1819 and John Walker's father has just died. A tough start for a humble farmer's son, you might think, but there was something special about John. A glint in his eye, a fire in his heart, even a more energetic stride than others. The world in those days was not the friendliest of places and John knew it. There was no time for sadness. He had to work for a living. Within a year, the family farm was sold, and the money used to open his own grocery shop in the bustling local town of Kilmarnock. This was a smart decision. John had a natural nose for business. He also had an ingenious understanding of whisky. In those days, most grocers offered a selection of single malts, but they were never consistent in taste and quality. This wasn't good enough for John and he began blending them so that his whisky tasted just as good every time. This proved to be an extremely popular product.

When John died in 1857 after a full life, his son Alexander took over the successful business. These were dynamic times. Great Britain was the pulsing heart of the Industrial Revolution, which was about to change everything. The first train arrived in Kilmarnock, carrying goods to the large ships that regularly traveled to the 4 corners of the world. Alexander knew a golden opportunity when he saw one. In 1867, he began producing the first commercial blend and called it Old Highland Whisky. He then made the shrewd decision to make ship captains his agents, who would distribute his whisky as far as their routes reached. It wasn't long before his unique blend was available all over the world. Soon after, Alexander started using his famous square bottle to reduce breakage losses and ensure more of his whisky arrived safely at its destination. He also added the familiar iconic label, tilted at precisely 20 degrees, to make it stand out even more among the others.

In 1889, it was Alexander's turn to pass on the family name, leaving the company to his two sons, Alexander II and George – one a master blender, the other a businessman.

In 1909, Alexander and George renamed their successful new whisky series after the colours of their distinctive labels. Johnnie Walker Red Label and Johnnie Walker Black Label were born. At the same time, one of the leading young illustrators of the era, Tom Browne, sketched the idea for a logo on the back of a menu during lunch. Alexander and George immediately started using the Striding Man. In an instant, the Victorian grocer, John Walker, became the dapper Johnnie Walker.

By 1920, Johnnie Walker whisky was available in 120 countries. As the century progressed, it became part of global culture: immortalized by singers and in films, adored by high society and stars, loved by statesmen and accompanying the great athletes of the time. From January 1, 1934, John Walker & Sons received a Royal Warrant from King George V to supply whisky to the royal family. This order is still valid today.

At the end of the 20th century, the pinnacle of blending artistry – Johnnie Walker Blue Label – joined the pioneering Johnnie Walker Red Label and the iconic Johnnie Walker Black Label. Our multi-award-winning assortment continues to grow today with the addition of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve and Johnnie Walker Platinum Label.