Johnnie Walker celebrates 200th birthday of John Walker

On July 25^th 2005, Johnnie Walker whisky raises a toast to its founder, John Walker, on his 200th birth anniversary.

John Walker was born on 25th July, 1805 at Todriggs Farm, near Kilmarnock, Scotland. As a young man of 15, he established a small grocery business in Kilmarnock, taking the first step on a journey that would span generations and circle the planet. John Walker used his specialist tea blending skills to create the original recipe for what is now the world's leading deluxe Scotch whisky – Johnnie Walker.

John Walker's legacy was assured as the Walker family remained at the forefront of the Scotch whisky industry, working to establish standards of quality and business practise to create what is now a truly global iconic brand.

As a tribute to John Walker, Jim Beveridge, master blender at Johnnie Walker, has specially created two special, ultra exclusive whiskies.

The first is aptly named "1805". The blend is housed in stylish packaging and only 200 bottles have been created making it an unbelievably exclusive whisky. It is a one-off blend and is a combination of some of the rarest and finest whiskies in the world. Given its rarity, the value of the whisky alone is estimated to be well over £10,000.

This ultra limited edition whisky is housed in a hand made Victorian style writing case and comes with an antique nib pen. In addition, 200 replicas of the original hand-written recipe book of Alexander Walker, John Walker's grandson (with all the ingredients except, of course, the quantities), have been made and is included in this astounding commemorative gift.

None of the 200 bottles will be available for retail sale. The bottles will be presented to 200 individuals deemed to have made the most significant contribution to modern life.
The second edition is a cask strength blend of Blue Label to celebrate John Walker's pioneering spirit and groundbreaking style. The full power of the whisky flavours can be experienced; each true to the Johnnie Walker tradition, and only 4,000 bottles will be available worldwide.

It is packaged in an exclusive decanter that was specially designed by Baccarat to mark the occasion. This exclusive pack will only be sold in very top end outlets such as Harrods in London or La Fayette Gourmet in Paris.

Over the decades, Johnnie Walker brands have picked up an array of prestigious awards. The trend continued in 2005 at the recently held Monde selection awards where Johnnie Walker Black Label won a gold medal and Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Johnnie Walker Gold Label won a grand gold medal.