The Scotch giant celebrates Year of the Ox and 200th anniversary with special releases Share Photos/Johnnie Walker
Three recent Johnnie Walker limited editions showcase temporal significance. The renowned blended Scotch brand just released Year of the Ox, a special packaging of Blue Label that honors the Chinese New Year that begins today. The other two John Walker & Sons Celebratory Blend and The Legendary Eight Blue Label were designed for the company’s 200th anniversary and evoke whiskies from long ago.
The limited “Ox” bottling could not have been better timed given recent history, and all who have endured 2020 hope the message on the packaging is correct. The huge beast of burden is a symbol of strength in the Chinese 12-year cycle and the wording on the box heralds a year of good fortune, prosperity and growth. The bottle illustration, created by the artist Shirley Gong, is colorful with the rearing ox posed high
Glen Scotia 11 Year Old Sherry Double Cask Finish
When the weather calls for wrapping up, sherried whiskies – the stuff that smells of Christmas spices – are everything. It’s the same as clothes: leave the light florals for the summertime. This limited edition, non-chill filtered release has all the hallmarks of a sherry classic: no smoke or brine at all, all sweet and buttery to taste, a nod to mince pies, alongside cloves, nutmeg and a gentle, broad heat. The time aging in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso casks dominates to the point the usual Glen Scotia character is muted, but it means the punchy cask strength – 54.1% ABV – isn’t overwhelmingly alcoholic. No need for water or ice with this one.