In recognition of Delhi Duty Free’s growing stature as a premium retail destination, DIAGEO today announced the exclusive launch of their new blend of Scotch Whisky Johnnie Walker XR™ 21 YO with Delhi Duty Free at T3, Indira Gandhi International Airport. As a poignant tribute to Sir Alexander Walker, grandson to founder John Walker, the blend has been sourced from the private ‘reserves’ of the Master Blender, including extra rare casks from now silent distilleries and has been finely aged over twenty-one years to achieve an exceptional quality and flavour of Scotch Whisky.
Said Nicholas Goddard Palmer, CEO, Delhi Duty Free. “Delhi Duty Free is today viewed as a premium retail destination in India, catering to a diverse audience who are well traveled and brand conscious. With an estimated 10 million travelers passing through India’s international airport, Delhi Duty Free offers a comprehensive range of Scotch whiskies, besides having a dedicated specialty area with over 80 Single Malt whiskies available in it called the Uisge Beatha (Water of Life), which is one of a kind in India. We have experienced overwhelming passenger interest and interactions across the Johnnie Walker Portfolio and are honored to be a part of the worldwide launch of Johnnie Walker XR™ 21 YO blended Scotch whisky”.
Johnnie Walker® XR™ 21 YO is an exclusive blend inspired by the handwritten notes of Sir Alexander himself, who was greatly honoured as Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Sir Alexander was knighted in 1920 – some one hundred years after the founding of John Walker & Sons – by her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth for his vital contribution to achieving the armistice of The Great War. The incredible honour was bestowed upon him in recognition of his services for King and Country and his dedication to achieving peaceful resolution.
On the occasion Shivam Misra, Head of Travel Retail, India (Hub), Diageo said “Johnnie Walker is an iconic brand in India and enjoys an incredible following. Today, we are very proud to be the first in the world to present our consumers with the Johnnie Walker XR™ 21 YO, with our partner Delhi Duty Free. With the launch of the new T3 international terminal and equally unique retail environment operated by the Delhi Duty Free, the traveller’s shopping experience has been greatly enhanced. With the support of Delhi Duty Free, we’ve achieved great success across our brands and we are confident that this new milestone in our partnership, will pave the way for greater growth for both partners. We are sure that the true connoisseurs of Scotch whisky will appreciate the new blend.”
Tasting notes
Overall character: Indulgent, rounded and multi-layered. Beginning with the sweetness of golden honey and vanilla before culminating in rich, aged oak
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Appearance: Shady, deep gold flecked with lighter glints that give way to a smooth, lighter brown as the liquid flows out of the bottle into the glass
Nose: Full and rich, with the malts and grains evident in notes of the aged oak
Palate: Smooth balance of golden honey, vanilla and sweet fruits evolving into the deep richness of aged oak
Finish: Lingers delightfully with a layer of aged oak
Serving suggestion: Neat and very chilled, accompanied by soda water with ice
Accompaniment suggestions: Chocolate fudge, honey nut biscuits, rye bread, ginger cake
The Johnnie Walker® XR™ 21 YO will be exclusively available at Delhi Duty Free for U$105, during the month of November 2010.
About DDFS
Delhi Duty Free Services Pvt. Ltd. (DDFS) is a joint venture company between DIAL (Delhi International Airport Limited), IDFS (Indian Duty Free Services) and ARI (Aer Rianta International). The company was awarded the concession to manage and operate the Duty Free Shops at Terminal 3, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. DDFS will be single largest duty free retail operator in India operating out of T3, the 6th largest single terminal building in terms of floor area. As India’s progressive economy continues to grow, DDFS sees an exciting opportunity within the airport retailing business ensuring Delhi Duty Free is established as one of the world’s prominent travel retail shopping experiences and destination.
About DIAGEO
Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wine and beer categories. These brands include Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, J&B, Baileys, Captain Morgan and Tanqueray Gin, Guinness and Jose Cuervo. Diageo is a global company, trading in over 180 markets around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).