Johnnie Walker, a leading Scotch Whisky brand, has introduced a new blend called Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami. This blend is a collaboration between Master Blender Emma Walker and renowned Chef Kei Kobayashi. The duo aimed to capture the essence of umami, often referred to as the fifth taste, in this unique Scotch Whisky.
The blend features a balance of sweet and savory flavors, including notes of blood oranges, red berries, sweet wood spice, smoked meat, salt, and pepper. The whisky concludes with a long, sweet fruit finish. The casks used for this blend are carefully selected for their unique umami profile, with only one in 25,000 casks meeting the criteria.
Emma Walker described the creation process as not just blending but a “gastronomic exploration,” emphasizing that the whisky is best enjoyed neat with caviar to fully experience its depth. Chef Kei Kobayashi, owner of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Kei in Paris, highlighted the complexity and depth that the umami flavor adds to the whisky.
Julie Bramham, Global Brand Director of Johnnie Walker, stated that this limited edition release aims to attract a new generation of whisky enthusiasts by offering an immersive sensory experience.
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami will be initially available exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh starting September 18, 2023. Pre-sales will commence globally on October 2, 2023, and it will be available for purchase worldwide from October 16, 2023.