John Walker & Sons

One of the most recognizable and best-selling whisky brands in the World, Johnnie Walker has a long history since John Walker began making and selling his own whisky in a grocery store in Kilmarnock during 1820.

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John Walker began to make a reputation for his whisky as he was selling blended malt and grain whisky. After he passed away, his son, Alexander Walker led the family business and reputation to even greater glory.

The Spirits Act in 1860 legalized blending of malt and grain whiskies and Alexander Walker introduced the famous square bottle and the “Walker’s Old Highland Blend”, the ancestor of the brand we know today.

In 1908 a cartoonist named Tom Browne drew the legendary “striding man” which since then is connected with the brand’s image.

In 1893, John Walker and Sons acquired the Cardhu distillery in order to control the production of single malt required for their blend.

After several mergers since 1925, Diageo are the current owners of Johnnie Walker brand.

CountryScotland
Established1820
OwnerDiageo
StatusActive