Launch of New, Super Luxury Blend Marks The Next Step In The Brand’s Evolution

NEW YORK, Jan. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — John Walker & Sons Odyssey Blended Scotch Whisky has completed its voyage across the Atlantic Ocean and is now available as part of the John Walker & Sons® portfolio of Scotch whisky in the United States. Inspired by Sir Alexander Walker’s passion for epic journeys, John Walker & Sons Odyssey is crafted from three rare, handpicked single malts to create the first triple malt Scotch whisky from the House of Walker.

John Walker & Sons Odyssey stands proudly amongst the rarest of Scotch whisky blends in the House of Walker portfolio, which includes The John Walker®, Johnnie Walker® XR 21 and King George V® Blended Scotch Whiskies. Developed by Master Blender Jim Beveridge using Sir Alexander Walker’s hand-written notes, it is a unique blend that captures the spirit of luxury and continues the House of Walker’s passion for whisky excellence through supreme craftsmanship, quality, heritage and innovation.

The lavish blend, which had previously only been available in select Asian and global markets, successfully balances hints of fresh citrus, smooth honey and creamy caramel flavors for a distinctive taste profile. It has been carefully blended and married in European oak casks to combine the flavors of the three rare malts and provide an expansive, multi-layered experience with exceptional smoothness. The blend is best enjoyed neat or with a dash of water, and always responsibly.

“I searched a number of distilleries in Scotland for the perfect three whiskies to blend for John Walker & Sons Odyssey,” said Master Blender Jim Beveridge. “The extraordinary single malts I’ve chosen have the right provenance and pedigree to create the aromas, tastes, flavors and sensations that Sir Alexander was looking for when he created the original blend almost 80 years ago.”

An ultra-modern interpretation of Sir Alexander Walker’s legendary 1932 ‘nautical’ decanter bottle created for Johnnie Walker® Swing® Blended Scotch Whisky, the crystal-grade glass decanter for John Walker & Sons Odyssey is a symbol of both the steadfastness and dynamic progression of the House of Walker. The bottle can rotate 360 degrees within the box and always rests in an upright position. It’s inspired by a gyroscope, as the bottle always remains steady while the world revolves around it.

“John Walker & Sons Odyssey is the perfect choice for truly progressive individuals celebrating life’s great journeys and most importantly, the potential of their next step,” said Brian Radics, Director of Scotch Whisky, Diageo. “This introduction pays tribute to Sir Alexander Walker while embodying the brand’s commitment to keep walking along its path of innovation and evolution. As with all of our blends, we encourage consumers to enjoy this unique triple malt responsibly.”

John Walker & Sons Odyssey is now available nationwide with a suggested retail price of $1,100 (750ml). For more information about Johnnie Walker, please visit http://www.johnniewalker.com/en-us/.

Johnnie Walker reminds you to please drink responsibly.

About Johnnie Walker®:

Johnnie Walker is the world’s number-one selling Scotch Whisky brand, representing the concept of personal progress for the many people who enjoy it in more than 200 countries worldwide, just as it did to John Walker, who founded the business in 1820. A combination of consumer insight, determination and commercial astuteness enabled three pioneering generations of Walkers to grow a small grocery store into an international Scotch whisky business selling stylish, globally recognized brands that today define the Scotch whisky category.

About Diageo:

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Windsor, Buchanan’s and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.