In a historic and pioneering endeavour, global whisky brand Johnnie Walker has unveiled a premium, ultra-exclusive blended Scotch whisky collection in honour of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. The unveiling event, held in Lagos, recently, pays tribute to the nation’s enduring legacy and marks a first-of-its-kind luxury release in Nigeria.
The limited-edition collection features only 10 bottles, each uniquely crafted as a collector’s item. The bespoke release was created by Master Blender Dr Emma Walker as part of the Johnnie Walker Vault, a new luxury platform celebrating blending artistry.
The Vault, located deep beneath the Johnnie Walker Experience in Edinburgh, holds a curated selection of 500 rare, aged, and ghost casks at any given time, rotated by Dr Walker to showcase the very best of the 10 million casks of Scotch available to her. From these rare whiskies, Dr Walker blends bespoke, luxurious whiskies that encapsulate special stories of people, places, and moments in time.
For this exclusive release, Dr Walker meticulously drew upon the most precious and elusive ghost stocks from six distilleries: Brora, Glenury Royal, Convalmore, Caledonian, Carsebridge, and Port Dundas.
All six distilleries were part of Johnnie Walker’s storied inventory in 1960, the same year Nigeria gained its independence. The blend is designed to encapsulate the dynamism and resilience that define the nation, offering a celebration of heritage while also embodying forward-looking ambition.
“Crafting this blend has been a deeply personal journey for me, a tribute to history and a celebration of a nation’s spirit,” said Master Blender Dr Emma Walker. “I brought together the most precious liquids from just six of our revered ghost distilleries, each holding a liquid memory from our operations around 1960, the year Nigeria claimed its independence. This exceptional liquid is a shared journey, a testament to the progressive spirit that connects Johnnie Walker with Nigeria.”
The rarity of this collection is unparalleled. The ghost whisky stock selected for this blend can never be repeated, making each of the six whiskies a drop of history, marking a moment in time at distilleries now silent forever, with the notable exception of Brora.
This blend is a symphony of flavour crafted through the perfect harmony of heritage, creativity, and emotion. On the nose, it offers richness and depth in abundance, with aromas of salt and toasted spices countered by hints of raisins and apricots. The palate is richly sweet, featuring notes of moist raisins and madeira sugar syrup, finished with a gentle whiff of highland smoke.
“This is more than just a whisky; it’s a testament to the power of a shared vision,” said Johnnie Walker’s Brand Representative. “We are thrilled to honour Nigeria’s incredible journey with a blend that is as rare and dynamic as the nation itself. By unlocking the Johnnie Walker Vault for Nigeria, we are not only offering an unparalleled product but are also celebrating a progressive spirit that resonates with our core value of ‘Keep Walking.’”
The artistry of the collection extends beyond the liquid. Each of the 10 bottles is a one-of-one creation, uniquely designed with its own Aso-Oke fabric, ensuring every owner possesses a truly individual piece of art and history. The collection is available by invitation only to a select group of connoisseurs, further cementing its status as an unparalleled collectible and luxury product.
