Johnnie Walker – Pioneer of the 1800s

The distilling process was originally used to produce perfume, then wine, and finally adapted for fermented mashes of cereals. The spirit was generally made in monasteries and mainly used for medicinal purposes; the preservation of health and life and cure for colic, palsy and even smallpox. Legend has it that St Patrick brought distilling to Ireland and that the Dalriadic Scots took its secrets with them when they landed in Kintyre, in around AD500.

Some 1300 years later in 1805 in Kilmarnock, was born Johnnie Walker who was to become head of an entrepreneurial and pioneering family that grew into a global dynasty. He left the family farm as a young man to become a grocer selling various goods including his specialty – tea. His skill in blending tea gave him the idea of blending grain and malt whiskies to create a smoother drink with consistent quality.

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The distinctive slanting black and gold label was registered in 1867 by Johnnie’s son Alexander and placed on the distinctive square bottle. In 1889 the business was inherited by Alexander’s sons, John, George Paterson and Alexander II. George hired popular cartoonist Tom Browne in 1909 to create a logo. Browne used an image of John Walker clothed in top hat, waistcoat and high boots. This famous figure has changed its attire and position several times but continues to communicate progress and forward movement, qualities that are still advocated by the brand today.

The Johnnie Walker portfolio features five award-winning whiskies – Red, Black, Green, Gold and Blue Labels. These five premium brands represent a range of prices and tastes that share a remarkable history and a continuing commitment to quality.

By Jan Maytum
Photo: britainonview, iStockPhoto

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