Johnnie Walker Master Class: The Art of Blending Is Like a Symphony

By Nathalie Baylaucq 25.06.2025

LE LAB – LA MAISON DU WHISKY, 20 RUE D’ANJOU, PARIS 8th, FROM JUNE 6 TO JULY 13

Today, I had the privilege of being invited to La Maison du Whisky for a unique master class focused on blending at Johnnie Walker—a playful, sensory, and truly inspiring experience.

Guided by Olivier Martinez, we explored whiskies from the four corners of Scotland. Four distinct aromatic profiles were introduced to us, each with its own character, texture, and world. The challenge? To recreate—or at least approximate—the style of the iconic Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old. But very quickly, my own interpretation took over.

I loved crafting my own blend using whiskies from the Johnnie Walker range. An intimate and creative experience, elevated by a final touch of water that brought lightness and floral finesse to my creation. And the best part? Leaving with my personalized bottle, ready to share at home.

The art of blending isn’t limited to whisky. It’s also found in wine, tea, coffee, perfume… anywhere the senses guide the hand and imagination. In Scotland, this art was born in the 19th century, driven by visionary merchants like John Walker.

Olivier Martinez brilliantly recounted this epic story:

“It all begins with tea: as a young boy, John Walker learned to marry flavors and seek balance. A school of the nose that shaped the brand’s DNA. From his grocery store in Kilmarnock, he began blending his own whiskies, pursuing consistency, complexity, and emotion—qualities that single malts of the time could not guarantee.”

His son Alexander would go on to revolutionize the world of spirits: thanks to the Spirit Act of 1860, he could legally blend whiskies from different distilleries. He introduced the now-iconic square bottle with a slanted label—and built an empire.

Today, Johnnie Walker’s Master Blenders have access to no fewer than 29 distilleries. A Black Label 12 Year Old can include up to 40 different whiskies, some aged for two decades. The goal? To create harmony, depth, and a signature style.

Emma Walker, the brand’s first female Master Blender, is carrying on the tradition. For her, every blend is a symphony—each single malt, an instrument in a grand orchestra. Aging in European sherry casks or American bourbon barrels further refines the aromatic score.

A true masterpiece? The “Blend 52,” a tribute to John Walker: eight exceptional single malts united in a melody of softness, smoke, and ripe fruit.

More than just a whisky, Johnnie Walker embodies a vision of blending as a sensory language—as a symphony.

Olivier Martinez