Up to thirty-five individual whiskies are used in the creation of Johnnie Walker Swing, each carefully selected by the master blender, whose task it is to consistently reproduce the original character of the blend devised by Sir Alexander Walker. The blend contains a high proportion of malts from Speyside, where the single malts are noted for their elegance and complexity. Complementing them are malts from the northern Highlands and Islay, adding richness, spice and weight. Some have been matured in sherry casks over several years to gain richness, whilst others are lighter and aromatic. The results: a luxurious flavor that’s light in the foreground, with sweet mouth-watering depth developing on the palate.
The flavor of Johnnie Walker Swing is interesting and sweet, or at least sweet for a Scotch. There is a bit of bourbon to the flavor, not unlike a smokier, peatier Maker’s Mark. It is more subtle and relaxed than Johnnie Walker Blue, though with a lot stronger finish. Whereas Blue seems to evaporate off the tongue, Swing pleasantly lingers with some smokiness and spice. The Scotch can pleasingly be sipped neat, but for the real body to open up it seems best served on ice. Like many other whiskies, the flavor is really at its most pleasing when it is in the 30-35% alcohol range. 3 or 4 ice cubes and 10 minutes really open up the flavor.
The Seafaring Scotch
Johnnie Walker Swing was originally created by Sir Alexander Walker, Master Blender par excellence and grandson of John Walker, during the golden age of travel in 1932. On transatlantic voyages, barmen desperately stowed loose bottles onto racks to prevent breakages caused by the unrelenting pitch and roll of stormy weather on the high seas.
But one bottle rode the ocean waves like the most experienced of sailors, swinging elegantly back and forth and — in keeping with the Johnnie Walker philosophy — never losing its balance. Its unique glass decanter allows it to swing to and fro on a convex base. And cradled within this bottle lay a blend of Scotch whisky with a light yet luxurious depth of flavor.
Today, a global audience of sophisticated international travelers continues to recognize Swing as one of the most luxurious blends of Scotch whisky available, duty-free, proving that true quality is indeed timeless.
A Blend of Luxury
Up to thirty-five individual whiskies are used in the creation of Swing, each carefully selected by the Master Blender, whose task it is to consistently reproduce the original character of the blend devised by Sir Alexander Walker.
The blend contains a high proportion of malts from Speyside, where the single malts are noted for their elegance and complexity. Complementing them are malts from the northern Highlands and Islay, adding richness, spice and weight. Some have been matured in sherry casks over several years to gain richness, while others are lighter and aromatic. The result: a luxurious flavor that’s light in the foreground, with sweet mouth-watering depth developing on the palate.
Equilibrium in a Glass
Swing strikes the perfect balance between luxuriousness and sophistication. At first glance, its rich, golden tones effortlessly tease out the indulgent nature within each of us. At first taste, the deeper Swing experience will move you.
Ideally, Swing is served on the rocks, neat or diluted with water. Its nose is complex and sophisticated with almost perfumed sweetness. Unquestionably soft and accessible, you are sure to notice the fanciful vanilla and sherry-cask wood notes wafting through. Its palate is smooth and sweet. But its light freshness cloaks a deeper fruitiness, with some smoke and restrained flavors lingering beyond. Finally, a lengthy and rich finish, reverberating with sweetness, completes the movement.
