THE TASTE OF LUXURY

DR EMMA WALKER made history when she became the first master blender with Johnnie Walker in 2022. She continues to make waves with the new Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami that has now made its way into India.

- Ambika Muttoo

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami is now in India, taking whisky lovers on a sensory journey. The new flavour captures the mysterious and tantalising essence of umami – the coveted ‘fifth taste’ – and redefines the art of Scotch in the process. It was innovated and masterfully crafted by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker and renowned Chef Kei Kobayashi, who joined forces to decode and expertly create this enigmatic Scotch whisky. The result is a beautifully balanced blend of sweet and savoury flavours, boasting notes of blood orange and red berry, complemented by sweet wood spice, smoked meat, a hint of salt and pepper, and a long, sweet fruit finish.

Although she shares a surname with the family behind one of the world’s most famous Scotch whisky brands, Dr Emma Walker has paved her own way. We spoke to her about how she made history when she became Johnnie Walker’s first female master blender in 2022, the inspiration behind Blue Label Elusive Umami, how she tastes a new whisky and more.

EDITED EXCERPTS FROM AN INTERVIEW:

You are Johnnie Walker’s first female master blender in 200 years. Tell us about your journey…