Johnnie Walker Blue Label is among the most recognizable scotch whiskies on the planet, and it’s a dependable reply to anybody who knocks blends as inferior to single malts. It’s not a one-and-done expression, nonetheless, because the model has simply introduced Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami, a brand new, restricted version whisky that leans into the enigmatic taste of umami.
To make it occur, Johnnie Walker Grasp Blender Emma Walker teamed up with Kei Kobayashi, the chef behind three Michelin-starred restaurant, Kei, in Paris. He’s an skilled in taste pairings and mixtures, so he was a invaluable companion within the undertaking.
Walker defined the Elusive Umami expression as greater than a mixing expertise, calling it a gastronomic exploration. “Getting acquainted with the depth of the umami taste was the important thing to creating this distinctive Scotch whisky,” she mentioned.
The whisky was created with choose casks from inland and coastal distilleries, hand-picked on the peak of their maturation and chosen for his or her distinctive umami character. Just one in 25,000 casks was deemed match for the job.
“Umami possesses a mysterious high quality that ignites our senses, revealing luxurious style, complexity, and depth,” mentioned Kobayashi. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami encapsulates that taste, and lets drinkers immerse their palate in a singular and subtly wealthy whisky.
Model-provided tasting notes describe the whisky as having candy and savory aromas, with notes of purple and inexperienced apples, plus confectionary sweetness, cashews, and salt brine. The palate brings apples, white peaches, blood oranges, and purple berries. There’s additionally candy wooden spice, a contact of smoked meat, and a touch of salt and pepper resulting in an extended, candy fruit end.
As for tips on how to drink it, Walker says that Blue Label Elusive Umami is finest served neat with caviar to unlock the complete depth of the distinctive sensory expertise.
Blue Label Elusive Umami is presently obtainable at Johnnie Walker Princes Road in Edinburgh, however you’ll quickly have the ability to discover it on retailer cabinets and on-line. Pre-sales start on October 2, and bottles might be available for purchase globally beginning on October 16, with a instructed retail worth of $400.
