Introduction
I recently had the opportunity to try a limited-edition blend from Johnnie Walker that caught my attention partly for its collaboration with fashion designer Olivier Rousteing, but mostly because it was described as one of their more richly sherried expressions. I was curious to see how this luxurious presentation would hold up in the glass. Being familiar with Johnnie Walker’s core range, I was expecting something bolder—a style I hoped would deviate from the familiar notes I associate with their more accessible offerings.
Nose
As soon as I poured a dram, the deep color suggested some serious sherry influence. The aroma confirmed it right away. Dried figs and raisins came forward first, followed by a wave of Christmas spices—clove, cinnamon, and a faint nutmeg warmth. There’s an undercurrent of dark chocolate and a touch of leather, which gave the nose a slightly more mature feel. It’s a layered aroma, with nothing jumping out too aggressively, but enough going on to invite a few deep sniffs.
Palate
On the palate, it arrived with more intensity than I expected. The oily texture carried bold flavors of blackcurrant jam, dried dates, and candied orange peel. That’s wrapped in a sweet spice core—cinnamon bark and allspice. A distinct sherried character drives the profile, but it doesn’t overwhelm. There’s balance here; hints of vanilla and toasted almonds smooth out the richness. Towards the mid-palate, a slight smoky tone emerges—not peat-driven, but more of a light char, almost as if from a toasted oak barrel. That grounding effect prevents it from becoming overly sweet.
Finish
The finish is long and slightly drying, but not in a sharp way. What stays with me is a note of bitter dark chocolate mingling with dried fruit and a touch of warming black pepper. There’s also a faint touch of nuttiness at the end—hazelnut or chestnut—that makes the fade-out feel rounded and full.
Price and Value
This release comes with a premium price tag, certainly positioned toward collectors or those looking for something exclusive. While you’re definitely paying in part for the design and presentation, the whisky itself stands up well. It’s richer and more complex than standard expressions in the Johnnie Walker lineup, and it feels like a carefully constructed blend rather than a marketing piece with fancy packaging. If you’re someone who enjoys a full-bodied, sherried profile and appreciates good blending work, I can see the justification for the spend—though it’s not an everyday bottle for me.
Background
This limited edition was born from a collaboration between Johnnie Walker and Johnnie Walker's creative team and Olivier Rousteing, creative director of Balmain. It’s positioned as a luxury expression, both in terms of visual design and what’s inside the bottle. From what I understand, the whisky includes a higher proportion of sherry-matured malts than other blends in the range, with possible contributions from distilleries like Clynelish and Glen Elgin. It’s bottled at 40% ABV, which might disappoint some purists, but the richness of the profile helps compensate for the lower strength.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? For me, it’s more of a special occasion dram—something I’d keep for gatherings or when I want to share something unique with whisky friends. If you’re new to Scotch, you might find the richness and depth a bit intense at first, but it’s not inaccessible. It leans into sherried notes, so if you’re into that style, there’s plenty to enjoy here.
It sits apart from the standard Johnnie Walker range—not as smoky as the Black Label, and far more layered than the Red. Compared to other blends, especially ones at this price point, it offers a lot in terms of depth and character, though clearly part of what you pay for is exclusivity. And in terms of when I’d drink it—this feels best suited for colder evenings and slower moments when you actually want to spend time appreciating a dram, rather than knocking one back.