To mark 25 years of Johnnie Walker Keep Walking, we sat down with Jennifer English, Global Brand Director, and Christine McCafferty, Diageo Archive Manager, to explore its enduring impact. From its beginnings as a rallying call for individual progress to its evolution into a celebration of collective growth, Keep Walking is so much more than just a slogan.

Jennifer English (Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director):

Christine, it’s remarkable to think that Keep Walking has been part of Johnnie Walker for 25 years. Keep Walking is not just a punchy ad line – it is the Walker mantra and connects deeply to our brand story, underpinning everything we do. It inspires us to keep pushing ourselves and finding new ways to stay relevant to consumers globally. Can you tell us a bit about the origins of Keep Walking?

Christine McCafferty (Diageo Archive Manager):

In the years running up to the launch of Keep Walking, Johnnie Walker was showing up very differently across the world, and it had lost it’s connection to its DNA. We took the time to deep dive into the Diageo Archive and revisit the brand narrative from the last 100 years to reconnect with what made it distinctive. From the slanted label and square bottle to the Striding Man figure, and the way the Walkers built their business – the stories of innovation and progress soon led the team to Keep Walking.

For me, Keep Walking celebrates progress – inspiring both personal and collective advancement. Its strength is its universality, speaking to something deep within all of us. Having worked in the Diageo Archive for 27 years, I’ve seen how this campaign has been used worldwide as a rallying call, a challenge, and an affirmation.

Jennifer: 

Absolutely. The idea of progress is something that everyone can relate to on a personal level. It’s not always about making huge leaps; it’s about taking the next step – whatever that means for you – and celebrating that.

I remember when I first came across a Keep Walking campaign. It was the ‘Fish’ TV commercial from 2003. Having studied the science of evolution, the commercial really caught my attention. It was beautifully shot with such a simple message – don’t be afraid to take that first step, even if it means breaking away from the pack.

Christine:

I love that example. When the campaign launched in 1999 with Harvey Keitel, it was right on the cusp of a new millennium – a time filled with possibility and potential. People were embracing the hope and optimism of a new era.

What I find remarkable, when looking through the Keep Walking, archives is that from the very beginning it was breaking new ground. Whisky advertising had been very masculine, and status driven. This was something different, connecting a whisky brand to a purpose that felt authentic and relatable. Really it opened the door to diversity and inclusion within whisky.

Jennifer:

And as the world has evolved, so has the campaign. After the initial run of advertisements, the brand made a shift to celebrating collective progress – the journey we share with others. We have amazing examples of work from around the globe such as Keep Walking Colombia – highlighting the human connection between communities on both sides of the civil war and Keep Walking Lesvos, shining a light on the people supporting refugees entering Europe.

Post-pandemic, our ‘Anthem’ advertising carried an important message of encouraging communities to come together again – and had a pretty killer soundtrack in my opinion! Today we’re seeing society shift again. Consumers are seeking our rich and varied experiences. Progress is still connected to others, but we’re approaching it in a more sensorial way – encouraging our consumers to enjoy what life has to offer.

Christine:

It’s amazing to see how Keep Walking has adapted. Personally, I’ve always been a fan of the first commercials such as the print adverts featuring quotes from Abraham Lincoln, Dr David Livingstone and Yoshida Kenko. But as a historian and storyteller, The Man Who Walked Around the World starring Robert Carlyle in 2009 was a wonderful way to combine the Keep Walking philosophy with the broader brand narrative.

Jennifer:

It was an incredible ad, and the journey of Keep Walking is far from over as we look to the future and how we can meet consumer demands for exploration, experiences and a fuller life.

Just this year, Johnnie Walker was awarded a Grand Prix at Cannes Lions for ‘Errata at 88’ – an incredible Keep Walking campaign in Brazil. That campaign goes to show how impactful this message still is and will continue to be. It’s an exciting place to be.

Christine:

That’s such a vital message. Keep Walking will continue to encourage people to live more expansive lives.

Jennifer:

Exactly. Whether it’s personal or collective, progress with a capital P or a small p, Keep Walking will always be about moving forward.

Highgrove Royal Gardens Edition Single Malt Whisky

We are proud to announce the launch of our limited-edition Royal Gardens Single Malt Whisky, created in collaboration with Highgrove. This special edition whisky has been crafted using heritage Plumage Archer barley grown exclusively at Highgrove Estate and aged in a combination of ex-red wine and first-fill bourbon casks.

Please note, due to the limited bottles available, customers will only be able to buy one bottle per person. No discount codes can be redeemed when purchasing this product.

Limited Availability

Bottled on 21st October 2024, this special edition is limited to just 400 bottles in total. 300 bottles are available at Highgrove (online and in-store) and 100 bottles are available at the Cotswolds Distillery (online and in-store at our 3 shops). Each bottle is presented in a gift box which features a watercolour of Highgrove House painted by His Majesty King Charles III.

£250.00

Tasting Notes
Nose: Vanilla and orange peel.
Palate: Brown sugar, vanilla and candied ginger.
Finish: Lightly spiced and moreish.

50%

Supporting The Kings Foundation

The King’s Foundation is the custodian of Highgrove Gardens for the opening of Highgrove Gardens to the public, which generates an annual income for the charity. All profits from sales of the whisky will support The King’s Foundation for its charitable delivery of education and training initiatives, some of which take place at Highgrove. The King’s Foundation’s base at Highgrove accommodates education and training opportunities in furniture-making, fashion, and textiles, and building craft skills.

A warm autumnal welcome everyone to our now live 161st auction!  We have scoured the United Kingdom and beyond to put together a strong auction this month, with seven thousand bottles to choose from as well as some more ‘Buy it Now’ options from our friends at American Single Cask.  So, without further ado let’s delve into some of the highlights this month.

To begin with we have an excellent opportunity to buy an entire cask, a BenRiach 2014 Hogshead #25 currently being held at Whisky Broker.  Since it’s reinvigoration by Billy Walker Benriach has been going from strength to strength and produced some truly exceptional whisky.  If you have been looking for a chance to own your own cask of delicious whisky, then this could be the one for you.  Recently re-gauged at 62.6% and 211 litres this cask is currently held at Whisky Broker and the winning bidder will need to set up an account at Whisky Broker if they don’t already have one.

Next up is a jaw-droppingly old expression from one of the most collectable distilleries out there, this is the Macallan 1928 50 Year Old 75cl.  It’s hard to fathom just how old this liquid is, it was distilled the best part of a century ago and to put it into context John Logie Baird was transmitting the first transatlantic television signal while this delicious looking dram was coming off the still.  Finally bottled in 1983 this is a certified time capsule which offers the buyer a bona fide taste of a bygone era.

Our first highlight was a hard act to follow, but this Talisker 45 Year Old Glacial Edge will give it a go.  A truly unusual expression this one with an incredible back story.  Twelve heavily charred American oak casks were taken onto a voyage into Arctic ice fields in Canada. With the ends of the casks removed, they were left exposed to sub-zero temperatures for 96 hours! This allowed the extreme cold to fracture the wood which in turn increased the surface area of the casks that the whisky was able to interact with during the finishing period in Scotland.  At forty-five years old this unique dram is well-aged and well-travelled.

Now we have a terrific dram indeed from arguably Ireland’s finest distillery, this is the Redbreast 38 Year Old Dream Cask #38404 Zenith Edition.  Just when you were thinking “Glacial Edge” was a cool name for a whisky along comes the “Zenith Edition”.  The Dream Cask Series has produced some absolute belters but as the title suggest this one is at the top of the tree.  Aged for almost four decades in a single Oloroso Sherry cask and one of only 822 bottles produced this is one of the finest examples of Irish single pot still distilling there is.

Last but not least we have a something special from one of Scotland’s heavyweight distilleries, this special bottling is the Glen Grant 1956 Gordon & MacPhail Decanter.  Distilled way back when in 1956 and only bottled in 2015 by famed indie bottler Gordon & MacPhail, this lusciously dark dram is one of only 218 decanters made.  The decanter itself is a thing of understated beauty and is festooned with Insular Celtic images from the iconic manuscript, The Book of Kells.

A. Overholt: A. Overholt uses the same mashbill Overholt™ founder, Abraham Overholt used in 1810 – 80% rye grain and 20% soft malted barley – creating a fully warm yet deep spice, similar to rye whiskey from the 1800’s. The brand pays homage to its namesake Abraham Overholt with this new Monongahela Mash – our first foray back to our roots with a Pennsylvania Style-inspired classic rye. 

SRP: $39.99 | 47.5% ABV |

ARDRAY™ Blended Scotch Whisky: Developed by Beam Suntory’s Chief Blender for Scotch, Calum Fraser, and Suntory’s team of blenders from Japan, ARDRAY Blended Scotch Whisky presents a fresh perspective to Scotch Whisky. ARDRAY is an excellent Blended Scotch elevated by the precision and balance of Japanese blenders.  

SRP: $85.00 | 48% ABV |

Baker’s Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 13-Year-Old: The re-release of the much beloved Baker’s 13-Year-Old from 2023. It’s a limited-edition bottling of special 13-year-old single barrel liquid, bottled at 107 proof. This extra-aged expression explores how time and location in the warehouse drive distinction from barrel to barrel. From still to rickhouse to bottle, a lot of things happen with the liquid like weather, length of aging, and rickhouse placement all shape the distinct notes and flavors of each barrel.

SRP: $149.99 | 53.5% ABV |

Booker’s Bourbon Batch #1 “The Springfield Batch” + Batch #2 “The Beam House Batch”: Booker’s Bourbon has released two of the four annual batches thus far, “The Springfield Batch” and “The Beam House Batch”. Batch #1 is named after the small town in central Kentucky where Booker Noe was born and raised. Batch #2 is named after the house Fred’s great-grandad, Jim Beam, lived, as did his father Booker Noe, and now he does as well. In this batch, Fed has tried to capture some of the joyful memories he’s made in the Beam House for you to enjoy at yours.

“The Springfield Batch” SRP: $99.99 | 62% ABV |  AND “The Beam House Batch” SRP: $99.99 | 62% ABV |

Bowmore Master’s Selection Third Edition: The 5^th liquid collaboration between the two storied, ultra-luxury heritage brands. Double matured in purposefully selected European Oak, Oloroso Sherry seasoned casks along with the optimal mix of American Oak hogsheads, this 22-year-old single malt pays homage to the definitively constant character of Bowmore.

SRP: $400.00 | 51% ABV |

Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish: A testament to the seasoned artistry of the Yonezawa family aging tradition, crafted in small batches of no more than 10 casks. The blend, consisting of at least 51% rye, is aged in new charred oak and then finished in traditional Mizunara casks. This dual maturation allows the Mizunara to impart its distinctive character, resulting in notes of sandalwood, coconut, and Japanese incense – a refined encounter with Japanese elegance. 

SRP: $95.00 | 42% ABV |

Hatozaki Small Batch 12 Year Old Umeshu Cask Finish: A 100% hand-crafted malt whisky, a blend of premium single malts, each aged for a minimum of 12 years in American Oak casks before being married and then further finished in bespoke barrels that previously held superior Umeshu liqueur for an additional 6 months. Without coloring or chill filtration this perfectly balanced whisky is complemented with subtle accents of sweet infused Japanese plum. 

SRP: $130.00 | 46% ABV |

Laphroaig Càirdeas 2024 Cask Favourites: Developed in ex-Bourbon barrels, this single malt combines the distinctive peaty flavor of Laphroaig with notes of freshly ground ginger, charred citrus fruits, and a whisper of bonfire notes embers through on the finish. The celebratory malt is bottled at a fixed strength for a memorable experience to share with friends. 

SRP: $109.99 | 52.4% ABV |

Little Book Chapter 8: “Path Not Taken” is about reimagining the variety that rye grain has to offer and pushing the limits of what it can be. Freddie looked across America’s oldest whiskey frontier from a new vantage point and created a complex, redefined, and differentiated profile by blending ryes of different age, char, and mashbill. Chapter 8 is Freddie’s first concerted effort to blend an expression based on the influence and unique flavors of rye whiskey and the nuances of the rye grain primarily in the American Straight Rye styles selected, as well as its mashbill influence within high-rye bourbon.

SRP: $149.99 | 59.1% ABV |

Photo Credit: Suntory Global Spirits & Hatozaki Whisky

Killowen Distillery makes the list as the second highest ranked Irish Whiskey in The World’s Most Admired Whiskies 2024 

Killowen Distillery has just been ranked as number 37 out of 50 in the list of the ‘World’s Most Admired Whiskeys’

This is simply amazing news for us to be ranked so highly amongst thousands of distilleries, making us the second highest ranking Irish Whiskey in this list. This is all down to the Killowen Team and of-course the absolutely amazing people who enjoy Killowen on a regular basis. We always love to meet these folks and will continue to do our best for them.

We look forward to more brilliant whiskies in the future.

Thank you wholeheartedly to our  brilliant supporters.

See full list HERE 

Click here to purchase

Sláinte

The Killowen Distillery Team

53.8Vol

Cigar Malt IV

The fourth expression in our renowned and award-winning Cigar Malt collection, Cigar Malt IV.

Cigar Malt IV is a 53.8% ABV, non-chill filtered, annual batch release single malt. Rich in texture and flavour that perfectly complements the complexity of both the aroma and mouthfeel of a handcrafted luxury cigar.

The expressions within the Cigar Malt range are always a highlight of the year for the team, due to its richness and depth of flavour. For the same reason, we know it’s a favourite, and we’re confident this release will be no exception. It’s a magnificent dram.

Each bottle of Cigar Malt IV comes with a stainless steel Tamdhu cigar cutter.

£235.00

As with all Tamdhu whiskies, Cigar Malt IV is exclusively sherry matured. Though unique from many other expressions from the distillery, Cigar Malt IV uses only a small selection of first fill European oak sherry casks. Similar to each leaf of a cigar, these casks deliver richness in both colour and taste. The commitment to quality and craftsmanship of Cigar Malt IV ensures an exceptional whisky, making it the perfect accompaniment to a high quality cigar for connoisseurs, or of course a magnificent dram on its own.

On the nose, Tamdhu Cigar Malt IV presents sticky ginger pudding with aromas of warm sherried oak. The palate opens with crème brûlée, followed by notes of plum crumble steeped in sherry. The finish reveals notes of apricot and almonds, with crisp and sweet honeycomb.

Equinox & Solstice Autumn 2024

Our Equinox & Solstice Autumn 2024 edition launched recently—an 11-year-old Caol Ila single malt packed with salty sherry, deep smoke, and a savoury finish. Due to a technical glitch, it was briefly out of sight on the webshop, but it’s back now.   Grab a bottle while you can!

SHOP NOW

1986 Redacted Bros (Thompson Bros) 38 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $179.99 View

 Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

ralfy review 1051 – Tamnavulin red wine cask finish @40%vol:

The Distillers One of One ® Auction Returns in 2025:

A Whisky Industry Collaboration of Creativity, Craft and Charity

One of the most exciting events in the global Scotch Whisky calendar, the Distillers One of One ®  Charity Auction, in partnership with Sotheby’s, will be returning to Hopetoun House in Scotland for its third instalment in one year’s time, on 10th October 2025.

This special event, which sees collectors of fine and rare whisky from around the world gather for the opportunity to own a truly unique piece of liquid history, has so far broken 37 auction records globally: 19 in 2023 and 18 in 2021.

Unlike other auctions in the rare spirits categories, 100% of the hammer price from the auction goes directly to charity, principally to the Youth Action Fund, with £4.3million raised so far to help transform the lives of disadvantaged young people in Scotland.

With over 35 confirmed donors so far, including some exciting new entrants (full list below), collectors from around the world are already anticipating the reveal of the 2025 lots. The lots themselves are created from across the breadth of the Scotch Whisky industry, with 43 donors having taken part to date. Each lot is a coveted, one-of-a-kind creation that has never been available previously, and is often created in partnership with an artist or master craftsman to ensure a truly spectacular final product, offering a unique opportunity for not only collectors of ultra rare whisky, but collectors of art and luxury goods as well.

“For Suntory Global Spirits, the Distillers One of One ® is not just a highlight of our calendar, it’s an opportunity to unite in a shared purpose,” says Cain Hayward-Hughes – Senior Global Creative Manager Prestige Malts at Suntory Global Spirits. “There is something truly special about coming together with our peers to craft these unique expressions. It is a singular opportunity to showcase the rarest and most valuable of whiskies, and to celebrate our industry — all while improving the lives of those who most need support and encouragement.”

Bidders from 21 countries globally have participated so far, with the vast majority of lots being won on the day by buyers who were present at Hopetoun House, to experience the groundbreaking auction in person.

With over 2,000 young people having been engaged through the programme so far, and over 1,380 whose life chances have been transformed, The Distillers One of One ®  demonstrates the power of what can be achieved when the industry and its associates collaborate.

“We’re thrilled that over thirty-five companies have already confirmed their participation in the 2025 Auction, reflecting both the success of our past Distillers One of One auctions and the dedication these brands have to supporting our charitable cause,” says Beanie Geraedts-Espey, MD of Distillers One of One. “We’ve had a glimpse of some of the lots in progress, and we’re incredibly excited – and deeply grateful – for the remarkable thought, craftsmanship, and time poured into these extraordinary creations.”

Key returning sponsors for the 2025 auction include Glencairn Crystal, Mclaren Packaging and Simpsons Malt.

About the Distillers One of One ® Auction

The Distillers One of One® Auction is a biennial series of ultra-rare whisky auctions. The Auctions have raised a total of £4.3 million for charitable purposes since 2021 and uniquely, 100% of the fundraising goes to grant making, with 90% of that amount going to the Youth Action Fund and 10% going to The Distillers’ Charity for its general charitable purposes.

With a total of eighty-one unique lots created across the past two auctions, the Distillers One of One® has earned its reputation as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for collectors. Each lot is imbued with the spirit of craftsmanship and exclusivity, representing the pinnacle of Scotch whisky. No two bottles are the same, and no lot will ever be recreated – a powerful draw for the most discerning collectors.

The Distillers One of One is a trading name of The Distillers’ Ventures Limited, a company registered in England & Wales under company number 13264121 and registered office at 1 The Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3JT

https://www.distillers1of1.com/ I Instagram I Facebook I X I LinkedIn

Current confirmed donors for Distillers One of One ® 2025:

Adelphi – Ardnamurchan

Arbikie Distillery

Artisanal – Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Atom Brands – That Boutique-y Whisky Co.

Bacardi – John Dewar & Sons

Ballindalloch Distillery

Beam Suntory

Berry Bros & Rudd

Bladnoch Distillery

Borders Distillery

Brown Forman

Campari – The Glen Grant

Coachbuilt

Diageo

Gleann Mòr

Greenwood – Ardross

House of Hazelwood

Hunter Laing – Ardnahoe

Ian MacLeod

InchDairnie

International Beverage – Old Pulteney

J & G Grant – Glenfarclas

La Martiniquaise – Glen Moray

Lindores Abbey

Livingstone

Loch Lomond Group

Morrison Distillers

Pernod Ricard

R&B Distillers – Isle of Raasay

Remy Cointreau – Bruichladdich

The Last Drop

Whyte & Mackay

William Grant & Sons

Young Spirits – Ferg & Harris

One of One® and Distillers One of One® are registered trademarks of The Distillers’ Charity

About The Distillers’ Charity

The Distillers’ Charity (registered no. 1193683) is the philanthropic arm of The Worshipful Company of Distillers. The Charity’s vision is to make a difference especially to young people, and those within the distilled spirits trade, helping them to reach their full potential, improve their life chances and make a positive contribution to their communities. Distillers’ Charity mission is manifested through three distinctive grant-making areas:

• Vocational Training & Education: to provide educational and development support to new and recent entrants to the UK spirits trade, encouraging high standards of distilling practice and service.
• Livery & City giving: to fulfil our wider civic duties as a Livery, supporting the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, the Master’s charity and other good causes aligned with our vision.
• Youth Action Fund: created by The Distillers’ Charity to use proceeds from The Distillers One of Oneä auctions to support young people in Scotland, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits achieved a record total of $159 million in 2023, surpassing the previous record total of $158 million in 2022. Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private collection of wine ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction (The Macallan 1926, sold for £2.2m), in addition to the highest total ever achieved for a charity wine auction (Hospices de Beaune) and a charity spirits auction (The Distillers One of One®).

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Pinterest | WeChat | Weibo |  Youku 

* Estimates do not include buyer’s premium or overhead premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and overhead premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a work of art, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at sothebys.com, and by downloading Sotheby’s apps for iOS and Android.