Johnnie Walker Just Dropped an Ultra-Rare Whisky With an Impressive Age Statement

Johnnie Walker unveiled a new Scotch whisky made by blending six rare single malts and two grain whiskies. Officially dubbed Johnnie Walker Aged 52 Years, the expression features liquid from some of the brand’s oldest casks, including Scotch from shuttered distilleries. that 

Limited to just 200 bottles, Johnnie Walker Aged 52 Years honors founder John Walker and his son Alexander Walker by choosing blends that are at least 52 years old—because both whisky masters coincidentally died at that age. 

The limited-edition release is a blend the following whiskies:

• Grain whisky from Cambus (closed in 1993) 
• Grain whisky from Carsebridge (closed in 1983)
• Single malt from Glenury Royal (closed in 1985)
• Single malt from Glenlochy (closed in 1983)
• Single malt Glen Albyn (closed in 1983, relaunched in 2022)

The bottling also includes single malt whisky from still-open Dalwhinnie, Blair Athol, and Brora.

The Lowland grain whiskies deliver notes of vanilla, butterscotch, orange peel, wood spice, subtle tea leaves, and menthol. The Highland single malts, meanwhile, contribute berries, cured meat, cacao, blue cheese, and subtle notes of smoke and salinity, along with hints of raisins and currants.

“Alongside my small team of whisky experts, we hand-selected some of our oldest and most precious casks of Highland single malt and Lowland single grain whiskies for my first ultra-rare release as master blender,” says Johnnie Walker master blender Emma Walker. “With this deceptively simple cask combination, our intention was to create a new, masterful blend in homage to our founders’ achievements. The rare aromas, flavors, and character in this blend, combined with their shared age and small number, make this super-limited edition a testament to the art of whisky blending.”

Bottled at 41.2 percent ABV, Johnnie Walker Aged 52 Years is priced at $25,000 and can be purchased through Diageo’s private client teams as well as selected luxury retail outlets.

Related: I've Tasted Hundreds of Whiskies. This Classic Luxury Scotch Is the Best You Can Buy