Diageo plc is a British multinational beverage alcohol company, with its headquarters in London, England. It operates in more than 180 countries and produces in more than 140 sites around the world. It is a major distributor of spirits and the world’s largest producer of Scotch whisky.
Brands include:
Scotch whisky: Johnnie Walker, Cardhu, Justerini & Brooks, Bell’s, Black & White, White Horse, Caol Ila, Vat 69, Oban, Talisker, Lagavulin, Glenkinchie, Dalwhinnie, Cragganmore, Clynelish, Singleton, Dimple, Glen Elgin, Knockando, Blair Athol, Dailuaine, Glenlossie, Mannochmore, Mortlach, Strathmill, Teaninich.
American whiskey: Bulleit, Seagram’s
Canadian whisky: Crown Royal
Vodka: Smirnoff, Cîroc, Ketel One
Rum: Captain Morgan,
Gin: Gordon’s, Tanqueray, Gilbey’s, Aviation Gin
In my collection, there are a few open bottles that I have not written about yet. One of them is nearly empty – the Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 year old blended Scotch whisky. This release has been discontinued and replaced with something else, so I better capture the tasting notes quickly, while I still have something left to drink.
I can’t even remember where we got this bottle Johnnie Walker XR 21 year old blended Scotch whisky. It has been in my cupboard for ages. I think John picked it up in Dubai when he was travelling to India. It is such a beautiful bottle. The rectangle shape with the gold embossing and the XR raised in the glass.
Today I look at an affordable brand with a memorable catchphrase. It was also my dad’s every day drinking whisky. So it has been around for quite a while; the Bell’s blended Scotch whisky.
To kick of this bourbon heritage month, I try a Slate blended bourbon whiskey. This one is a budget bourbon again. And after my last two budget bourbon experiments, I attempt this one with some level of trepidation.
Today I look at the Bell’s Special Reserve blended malt Scotch whisky. One of my favourite whiskies during my student days was Bell’s whisky. It was a bit more upmarket than the cheap nasty bottles with “whiskey” printed on it. Best of all, it was affordable and accessible. We spent many a night solving world problems around a bottle of Bell’s.
It is time for a blended whisky again, and this week I look at the Johnnie Walker Premier Rare old Scotch whisky. Johnnie Walker needs little introduction. I have various bottles of this brand in my collection, and the Johnnie Walker Black is one of my favourite easy-drinking whiskies.