Johnnie Walker ushers in a bold new era for scotch with Black Ruby, a sweeter, smoother twist on the classic blend.
Fans of Johnnie Walker gathered at Medusa at The Palace for the launch of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, the latest varietal from the storied brand. Created for a new generation of whisky drinkers, Black Ruby offers a playful, indulgent twist that’s easy to sip neat or mix into cocktails, marking the brand’s bold step into a more vibrant, approachable whisky experience.
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Expertly Crafted And Full of Character
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby was expertly crafted by Master Blender Emma Walker, whose mission was to captivate a new generation of enthusiasts with a Scotch that elevates the drinking experience to thrilling new heights. She accomplished this with a carefully curated blend of ingredients, namely the luxurious fruit malts from the Black Label Reserves, which are matured in a variety of casks before being combined with the smooth caramel malts of the advanced Roseisle distillery. The result is liquid gold: a rich Scotch brimming with character and just the right touch of sweetness, balanced by that signature Johnnie Walker smokiness.
To celebrate this remarkable creation, guests were welcomed onto a striking ruby-red carpet that set the tone for the evening, reflecting the whiskey’s vibrant character. Inside, Medusa lived up to its reputation as the city’s newest hotspot for immersive nightlife. Dancers, bottles in hand, moved through the crowd with infectious energy, captivating everyone and making the whisky tasting as theatrical as it was delicious.
A Night to Remember…Or Better Yet, To Savor
The highlight of the night, of course, was being among the first in the country to taste the Black Ruby. For the special occasion, Johnnie Walker created three cocktails showcasing the whisky’s unique balance of smokiness and sweetness.
First came the Ruby Reverie, a Medusa exclusive featuring Black Ruby with Italian bitters, sweet vermouth, red Italian bitter cream, and a dash of chocolate bitters. Velvety and dessert-like, it sent taste buds straight to gastronomic bliss. Next was the Ruby Strawberry Sour, a simple yet refreshing mix of Black Ruby, fresh strawberry syrup, and lemon juice, an ideal kickstarter to an evening of revelry. Finally, the Ruby Negroni offered a sophisticated twist with mezzo vermouth, red Italian bitters, and chocolate bitters, a nod to the classics but with a playfully bold glow.
Whichever cocktail guests chose, each highlighted the versatility and distinct character of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby—the whisky for those who dare to redefine their nights.
Photos courtesy of Johnnie Walker
Frequently Asked Questions
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby is a new Scotch whisky varietal crafted by Master Blender Emma Walker, blending fruit malts from the Black Label Reserves — matured across a variety of casks — with the caramel malts of the Roseisle distillery. It is designed to be sweeter and more approachable than the classic Black Label, suited for sipping neat or in cocktails.
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby was created by Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker’s Master Blender, with the aim of introducing a new generation of drinkers to Scotch whisky. Her blend draws on fruit malts from the Black Label Reserves and smooth caramel malts from the advanced Roseisle distillery.
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby made its Philippine debut at Medusa at The Palace in Manila. The venue was transformed into “The Ruby Room” for the evening, featuring a ruby-red carpet, immersive performances, and three exclusive cocktails created to showcase the whisky’s flavor profile.
Three cocktails were crafted for the launch: the Ruby Reverie, a Medusa exclusive combining Black Ruby with Italian bitters, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters; the Ruby Strawberry Sour, pairing Black Ruby with fresh strawberry syrup and lemon juice; and the Ruby Negroni, a variation on the classic using mezzo vermouth, red Italian bitters, and chocolate bitters.
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby is now available in the Philippines. For purchasing and stockist information, the brand can be reached through its official Philippine channels at johnniewalker.com
