Johnnie Walker launches four exclusive 200th anniversary releases 

Johnnie Walker today unveiled four exclusive limited editions to mark its 200th anniversary.

Celebrating the incredible journey started by its founder, John Walker, in 1820, the anniversary releases include a new bottle design and three newly crafted whiskies.

"We wanted to mark our 200-year journey with the launch of these four exclusive limited editions – they're a celebration of where we've come from but, more than that, they are each expressions of what's possible today and into tomorrow, and that's exciting,” said John Williams, Diageo Global Scotch Director.

"John's spark, vision and entrepreneurial fire were the impetus to growing the John Walker name, our business and ultimately a new future for Scotch whisky. This year we're celebrating the steps he first took - steps that have inspired generations of our whisky makers and are at the heart of everything we do today and will do tomorrow."

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label 200th Anniversary Limited Edition Design features stunning illustrations paying homage to some of the great cities and countries that have been part of the brand’s story.

The new whiskies joining the celebrations are Johnnie Walker Blue Label Legendary Eight, John Walker & Sons Celebratory Blend and John Walker & Sons Bicentenary Blend.

The Legendary Eight is crafted using whisky hand selected from only eight legendary distilleries that all existed in 1820, including some very rare expressions from long-closed "ghost" distilleries.

The Celebratory Blend is a nod to the launch of Old Highland Whisky in the 1860s and inspired by the flavours found in the Walker family's grocery store during that period. It is crafted with whiskies from distilleries operating at the time.

The Bicentenary Blend is crafted with rare and exceptional whiskies, all aged for at least 28 years, including whiskies from long-closed "ghost" distilleries such as Pittyvaich, Cambus and soon to be re-opened Port Ellen.

All four limited edition releases will launch from October.