Johnnie Walker adds sherry to the mix

Diageo Australia's Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker has been re-imagined with the addition of sherry.

The limited-run Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Edition was crafted by blender Chris Clark, and matured in former sherry casks, giving the whisky a richer fruitiness, according to the company.

The expression uses malts including Blair Athol, Cardhu, and Strathmill, resulting in a taste of complex fresh fruit with orchard character, sweet vanilla, and gentle smoke.

Diageo's head of international brands, Jonathan Morgan, said flavour-led expressions within scotch are gaining popularity with Australian consumers and recruiting new drinkers into the category.

“This is an accessible blend, making it a great introduction to scotch for new consumers, while re-introducing drinkers back to the classic Black Label blend,” he says.

The limited-edition Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Edition (ABV 40%) is now sold in liquor stores nationally at RRP $60 per 700ml bottle.