Johnnie Walker Red Soul – a sweeter, smoother Scotch crafted for a new generation of whisky drinkers

For the first time, Johnnie Walker Red Label is introducing a new global innovation: Johnnie Walker Red Soul.

With a sweeter, smoother take on the original icon, Johnnie Walker Red Soul is designed to offer a more accessible Scotch for non-whisky drinkers and will roll out globally from March.

Through a recommended signature serve of Johnnie Walker Red Soul and Lemonade with a pinch of sea salt and strawberry garnish, Red Soul invites consumers to take their first step into the whisky category.

The new innovation is underpinned by consumer insights around perceived taste barriers; over a quarter of non-Scotch whisky drinkers are open to the category but are seeking sweeter flavours (CCF 2023)¹, reinforcing the need for an innovation adapted to evolving preferences without compromising on quality.

Johnnie Walker Red Soul also plays into Diageo’s ambition to strengthen its portfolio at an entry-level price-point, the largest and fastest-growing market segment in global blended Scotch whisky (IWSR forecast to 2029)².

John Williams, Global Whiskey Director at Diageo, commented:

“One of the things that makes Johnnie Walker a global leader is our ability to offer choice at every price point and respond to the evolving needs of consumers, whether they are whisky lovers or totally new to the category.

“Red Label has been a market leader and global growth engine for over 35 years (IWSR 2025). It’s an icon of quality which has been recruiting new whisky drinkers – particularly females and younger audiences – yet, for some, it’s still not always considered a drink that feels easy and social.

“Johnnie Walker Red Soul shows another side to whisky – softer, a bit sweeter and perfect for mixing. We see it as a great choice for those looking for a quality spirit at a more affordable price point.”

Johnnie Walker Red Soul has been intentionally designed by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker and her team of expert whisky makers to reimagine how and when Scotch can be enjoyed – bringing a new energy to the whisky category.

Vibrant Scotch Character

Johnnie Walker Red Soul is crafted around rich vanilla sweetness, unfolding into notes of caramel fudge and gentle oak before settling into a smooth, creamy finish. Bright, balanced and bursting with vibrance, it delivers a sweeter, smoother profile with no smoky notes.

Inspired by the pioneering spirit of Johnnie Walker, Red Soul reimagines the iconic boldness of Johnnie Walker Red Label with a contemporary twist. Drawing from the same unparalleled reserves of aging casks, it offers a softer, more versatile style designed for today’s social occasions.

Flavour That Holds Its Own

When Emma and her team approached the concept for Red Soul, versatility for new drinkers was at the forefront of their thinking. This is a Scotch whisky that holds its character in longer, lighter tasting serves and shines in simple combinations that elevate spontaneous late afternoon and early evening moments with friends.

It is the culmination of years of experimentation and curiosity that’s at the heart of everything Johnnie Walker does – always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in whisky.

Compared to Johnnie Walker Red Label’s spicier, smokier, distillery-driven style, Red Soul highlights sweeter, smoother characteristics with no smoky notes, allowing maturation flavours to truly shine.

Made to be shared, this vibrant Scotch whisky comes to life in the signature Johnnie Walker Red Soul & Lemonade serve with a pinch of sea salt and strawberry garnish, where its balanced sweetness and softer oak flavours open up beautifully with lemonade, creating a vibrant drink that lets its distinctive Scotch whisky character shine through.

Emma Walker said: “I really welcomed the opportunity to develop Johnnie Walker Red Soul. Johnnie Walker Red Label has always held a special place for me – I’ve long loved its bold, spicy energy and the way it brings vibrancy to any occasion. It’s a blend with real character.

“With Red Soul, I wanted to explore a different expression of that spirit. We kept the lively, approachable core that defines Red Label, but chose to dial up the vibrant vanilla sweetness and smoothness, deliberately stepping away from smoky notes to create something brighter. It was a flavour profile designed to appeal to a younger audience who perhaps had not tried whisky previously. 

“The result is a whisky that feels open and incredibly versatile – one that shines in simple serves and is perfectly suited to relaxed, spontaneous times with friends.”

Johnnie Walker Red Soul will initially be launched in markets across Europe and MENA with additional markets to follow. RRP is £25 GBP (prices may vary).

*Legal Drinking Age +

¹ 26% of non-Scotch drinkers are open to the category but are seeking sweeter flavours, (Source: Consumer Choice Framework – Kantar/Diageo 2023 – sample 30,000 people across 10 countries)

North British North Star Single Cask Whisky 30 Year Old·1995 Vintage

£59.95

Bottled by North Star Spirits for the UK as part of the 10 Year Birthday Bottling series, this 1995 North British was released at 30 years old. Matured in a refill hogshead and bottled at 50.2% ABV, the cask yielded 436 bottles.

Long-aged single grain whisky often shows a particularly smooth and polished style, and the refill hogshead allows that maturity to shine without excessive wood influence. Here, the extended ageing brings together vanilla, soft toffee, gentle oak and sweet grain notes in a mellow, easy-going profile with plenty of depth.

The A-Z of Scotch Whisky

Our essential glossary featuring 150+ words every whisky lover needs to know. Whether you’re swirling your first dram or you’re deep in your whisky education journey, this A–Z is your gateway to better understanding the world of Scotch.

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ralfy review 1125 Extras – A micro-blend of malts.

Teeling Whiskey Unveils Fourth Release in Rising Reserve 21 Year Old Single Malt Series

Teeling Whiskey, the pioneering Irish whiskey renowned for its innovation and commitment to quality, is proud to unveil the fourth bottling of “Rising Reserve”, our limited edition, super premium series of unique 21-Year-Old Irish Single Malts. This follows on from the highly successful previous editions, that are crafted to celebrate the true global Renaissance of Teeling, Dublin and Irish Whiskey. Each release embodies the spirit of innovation that has made Teeling a trailblazer in the industry, while respecting the time-honoured traditions that underpin the art of Irish whiskey-making.

The Rising Reserve is part of our range of award-winning Irish whiskeys, which have collected over 650 international awards over the last thirteen years including the triple titles of “World’s Best Single Malt”, “World’s Best Pot Still” and “World’s Best Single Grain” at the World Whiskies Awards making it the World’s Most Awarded Irish Whiskey*. The Rising Reserve Series consists of a range of 5 different releases containing handpicked casks of the oldest and most interesting Single Malt whiskey in the Teeling Whiskey reserves, which will be released over the next few years, highlighting the quality and diversity of Irish, and in particular Teeling Single Malt.

The fourth bottling of the Rising Reserve Series consists of 21-Year-Old Single Malt that was aged initially in ex-Bourbon barrels for over 18 years before being finished in high quality ex-white wine casks, for a further 3 years. This dual maturation and in particular long finishing time in the white wine casks imparts notes of bright tropical fruits with white chocolate complimented by hints of honey and toasted barley. Limited to just 6,000 bottles, the resulting Single Malt is then bottled at 46% with no chill filtration, a signature of all Teeling Whiskeys.

Jack Teeling, Founder and Managing Director of Teeling Whiskey, commented;

“The Rising Reserve Series celebrates the storied journey of Irish whiskey, from its rich heritage to its bright future. Each release reflects our commitment to crafting whiskeys of exceptional quality and character, and this fourth bottling is no different. With 21 years of maturation in a combination of ex-Bourbon and ex-White Wine casks, it delivers a unique Irish Single Malt whiskey with a distinctive depth of character and flavour, continuing our mission to push the boundaries of what Irish whiskey can be.”

Bottled in a unique, dark amber, tall decanter bottle this Irish Single Malt stands tall and proud on any shelf. With a RRP of €225 for a 70cl bottle in gift box The Rising Reserve 21-Year-Old Single Malt will be available in Ireland at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery in Dublin 8, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, Australia, Singapore and Japan among other international markets.

To find out more information on the Teeling Whiskey and the Teeling Whiskey Distillery visit www.teelingwhiskey.com or visit Teeling Whiskey on our social media channels.

* Based on World Whiskies Awards, 2019-2025

ABOUT THE TEELING WHISKEY RISING RESERVE SERIES

The Teeling Whiskey Rising Reserve is a celebratory bottling of some of Teeling Whiskey’s oldest and most interesting Single Malt reserves, released to celebrate the continued Rising of Dublin as the epicentre of world class, city based distilling. Irish Whiskey has continued its amazing success story as the fastest growing premium spirits category in the world and since the Teeling Whiskey brand was reborn in 2012 the category has nearly tripled. With the added energy and vibrancy now in the category from the numerous new entrants, Dublin and Irish Whiskey will continue its triumphant rising from the ashes and this bottling celebrates this success.

Each release in the Series will consist of rare, aged Irish Single Malts that have had unique cask maturation and bottled at 46%. Each bottling comes in a high end, very distinctive dark amber decanter style packaging. Released every 9 – 12 months, the Series will consist of 5 unique bottlings.

Rising Reserve 21 YO Single Malt Series 4 – Tasting Notes

Nose: Candied lemons, vanilla, cookie dough, toffee with hints of toasted barley

Taste: Bright tropical fruits, soft tannins, citrus and white chocolate

Finish: Long mellow finish with complex undertones of orchard fruits and honey

THIS ARTICLE APPEARS HERE WELL AFTER THE ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE AS A MATTER OF INTEREST

Our April 2026 Auction ENDS SOON!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 26th April.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Port Ellen – 37 Year Old (1981) Casks Of Distinction #1297

Glenlivet – 21 Year Old (1963) For The Chairman

Laphroaig – 1976 Vintage (75cl)

Talisker – 8 Year Old (1970s) 75cl

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

AWARD-WINNING SCOTCH BOTTLER EXPANDS INTO CALIFORNIA AS US GROWTH CONTINUES

Scotland / California, April 2026; Award-winning independent Scotch whisky bottler Saltire Rare Malt is strengthening its presence in the United States with two exclusive tasting events in California this spring, bringing its rare single cask Scotch whiskies to new audiences on the West Coast.

Named ‘Best Newcomer’ at the 2025 Scottish Whisky Awards, the Falkland-founded company will host back-to-back showcases in partnership with two respected California retailers – Hi-Lo Liquor Market and Vintage Wine & Spirits.

The events will introduce guests to a hand-selected range of ultra-rare single cask releases from some of Scotland’s most respected distilleries, offering Californian whisky lovers the opportunity to discover the diversity, craftsmanship and character of Scotland’s whisky regions.

Guests will explore a rotating collection of expressions from distilleries including Tormore, Ardmore, Dailuaine, Glenburgie, Linkwood, Benrinnes and Teaninich, alongside Falkland, Saltire Rare Malt’s sister Speyside single malt brand.

The California programme follows Saltire Rare Malt’s recent expansion into Texas and Louisiana last month, where a successful run of tastings introduced the brand to new US audiences. After strong demand in the South, California marks the next step in the company’s growing American presence.

Saltire Rare Malt Global Brand Ambassador David McCallum will travel over specially to host the evening, guiding guests through the collection and the stories behind each whisky. He will be joined by Laura Sol, Business Development Manager, with both in attendance making this a particularly special occasion as Saltire Rare Malt continues its growth in the US market.

The first event takes place at Hi-Lo Liquor Market, a popular independent California retailer known for its strong community spirit, quality-led range and carefully curated drinks selection. Its modern neighbourhood approach and focus on discovery make it a fitting partner for Saltire Rare Malt’s West Coast debut.

The second tasting will be held at Vintage Wine & Spirits in Los Angeles, a fast-growing specialist retailer that has built a reputation for premium spirits, fine wine and expert curation. Located in Lake Balboa, the store has quickly become a destination for enthusiasts seeking rare and distinctive bottles.

Keith Rennie, Co-Founder & Director of Saltire Rare Malt, said: “California is an exciting market for premium spirits and we’re delighted to bring Saltire Rare Malt to two fantastic independent retailers on the West Coast. These tastings are about sharing Scotland’s whisky heritage, the stories behind each cask and the remarkable diversity of flavour that single cask whisky can offer.”

Founded in Falkland – the historic birthplace of Scotch whisky more than 530 years ago – Saltire Rare Malt specialises in sourcing exceptional single casks from Scotland’s finest distilleries and bottling them only when the whisky has reached peak character.

Founded by lifelong friends Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie, the company continues to connect Scotland’s rarest whiskies with collectors, hospitality partners and enthusiasts around the world.

CALIFORNIA TASTING EVENTS

Wednesday, 29th April 2026
Hi-Lo Liquor Market
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM PST

Friday, 1st May 2026
Vintage Wine & Spirits
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM PST

About Saltire Rare Malt Whisky

Saltire Rare Malt are bottlers of a unique range of limited-run single malt whiskies. The independent bottling company was born from a longstanding partnership between friends & founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie – the pair have collected fine and rare single malts over three decades. A shared passion for the ‘water of life’ led to the creation of Saltire Rare Malt – a global vehicle to share their outstanding collection of Single Malt Whiskies.

www.saltireraremalt.com
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Recent travels, riverside painters and daydreaming about warmer weather led us from Porto to France inspiring the name behind the Douro to Roussillon pair. Cask No. 36.234: Curiouser and curiouser and Cask No. 95.113: Popcorn in bloom offer the kind of sweet, rich and jammy notes found eating pastries while on holiday on the continent. They’re stunning examples of additional maturation from our Whisky Team with a muscat rivesaltes barrique and tawny port barrique.

These two whiskies make for a dreamy two-dram flight – whether you’re away soon, or simply looking for a moment to picture future summer holidays.

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The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Brave New Spirits

Islay/Speyside Blended Malt 19 Years Old

ABV: 54.4% 70 cL