Diageo has teamed with HBO to produce a stunning Johnnie Walker tribute to the viral hit TV series Game of Thrones. Introducing White Walker.
The White Walkers are the enigmatic and fear-inspiring blue-eyed frozen zombies that have slowly risen to significance through the pioneering TV drama, with series seven heralding their unbridled onslaught.
The pending season eight – the culmination of the story – has been widely dubbed as the most anticipated TV viewing of all time.
In a brilliant continuation of its celebrated range of whiskies, Johnnie will join the ranks of the Night King’s army as White Walker.
The textured bottle is donned in temperature-sensitive ink, revealing icy graphics when frozen. White Walker breaks the whisky mould by being best served directly from the freezer.
The liquid is described as having notes of caramelised sugar and vanilla, and fresh red berries with a touch of orchard fruit. It is the creation of whisky specialist George Harper, collaborating with a team of Johnnie Walker expert blenders, and features single malts from Cardhu and Clynelish.
“Whiskies from Clynelish have endured long, Scottish winters, not dissimilar to the long periods endured by the Night’s Watch who have ventured north of the wall – so it was the perfect place to start when creating this unique whisky,” reports Harper.
On-premise activations are being planned – to occur March/April 2019, during the lead-up to the final season.
“We knew there was fan appetite for a Game of Thrones whisky and once we saw the vision from Johnnie Walker for a way to collaborate we knew the idea was perfect and the time was now,” says HBO Licensing & Retail vice-president, Jeff Peters.
“From the beginning, they understood that we wanted to create something special, and they’ve accomplished that with White Walker by Johnnie Walker. We’re confident fans will enjoy sipping this delicious whisky as they wait for season eight and beyond.”
White Walker will be available from 19 November through major wholesalers. RRP $65 for 700ml (41.7 per cent ABV).
