Johnnie Walker rolled out Black Ruby – a “sweeter and smoother” version of its Black Label blended whisky – in the UK.
Black Ruby was developed to be enjoyed both neat and in cocktails, and offered “a modern, flavour-forward take on scotch” that would appeal to “a new generation of whisky drinkers whilst also delighting seasoned whisky lovers”, according to Johnnie Walker.
It has launched across grocery multiples including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Asda (rsp: £39/70cl).
The whisky features malts from the Johnnie Walker Black Label reserves, matured in Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso-seasoned, ex-red wine and bourbon casks.
It offered “vibrant notes of rich raspberry jam, blackberry pie, and deep honeyed sweetness,” according to Johnnie Walker master blender Dr Emma Walker.
“At the heart of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby is an expression from the boldly progressive distillery of Roseisle,” said Walker. “Its sweet red berry notes and light, delicate green grass character are driven by our newest and one of our most innovative single malt distilleries.”
To amplify the “fruity notes” in Black Ruby, the Johnnie Walker distilling team experimented with a longer-than-usual fermentation time, as well as a longer distillation period to “remove some heavier notes”, present in Black Label, Walker added.
Johnnie Walker volumes fell by nearly a quarter in the year to April, though this was primarily driven by a decision from brand owner Diageo to delist a one-litre bottle of its Red Label blended whisky. [NIQ 52 w/e 19 April 2025].
Value sales of Black Label, meanwhile, dipped by just £111k to £20.4m – on volumes down 5.4%.
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