Johnson Reserve experiments with multiple casks
Family-owned Scotch whisky maker Johnson Reserve has released three single malts that experiment with multiple cask maturation.
The Glenfarg-based whisky maker and 'maturation specialist' is dedicated to 'pushing the boundaries of single malt whisky'. Johnson Reserve sources casks from Scottish distilleries and, by employing advanced maturation techniques, creates single malt whiskies with 'flavour-forward' whiskies. This involves transferring whisky between multiple casks. Each cask is carefully selected for its ability to impart a unique combination of flavours and aromas, determined through sensory analysis and blind tasting. Johnson Reserve has launched three unique expressions – The Voyager, Family Reserve and Renoir – which 'demonstrate the relationship between whisky and wood'. The Voyager was aged in Japanese mizunara oak and finished in French Cognac casks, creating notes of 'sweet vanilla and incense, dried fruits, baking spices and brown sugar' on the palate. Offered at 40% ABV, the expression retails for £175 (US$224). Johnson Reserve Family Reserve 2022 was matured and finished in eight types of casks: two individual peated whisky, a Californian red wine, an Italian red wine, Cognac, brandy, mizunara oak and virgin French oak. Referred to as a 'symphony of cask finishes', the 2022 Family Reserve has a suggested retail price of £800 (US$1,023) and is offered at 40% ABV. The Masters Series: Renoir Edition is offered at 40% ABV and limited to 350 bottles, retailing from £3,500 (US$4,475). Each bottle of the Renoir Edition features an imprint of artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir's 1886 painting Mère Ataillant, known as Maternity. The single malt has been finished in various French casks, including Cognac, Sauvignon Blanc, and Grand Cru, creating an 'elegant and delicate' single malt with notes of 'orange blossom cake and pistachio cream' on the palate.
