Johnnie Walker has rolled out its latest creation, Black Ruby, to whisky lovers across the world in March 2025, following a successful test run in 2024. This new permanent addition to the Johnnie Walker family brings a fresh, sweeter spin to the iconic Black Label, blending tradition with a modern edge. Crafted under the guidance of Dr. Emma Walker, the brand’s master blender since 2022, Black Ruby is her first big move in shaping the core range. It’s a whisky designed to appeal to everyone—from those just dipping their toes into Scotch to seasoned enthusiasts and bartenders looking for something new to mix with.
What Makes Black Ruby Special?
Black Ruby stands out because of how it’s made and what goes into it. The heart of this blend comes from Diageo’s Roseisle Distillery, a place known for pushing boundaries in whisky-making. Here, the team played around with longer fermentation times to bring out bright, fruity flavors—like red berries and a touch of fresh green grass. They also stretched out the distillation process, letting the spirit spend more time in contact with copper to smooth out heavier notes and highlight the fruitiness.
The whisky doesn’t stop there. It’s aged in a mix of casks that give it a rich, layered taste. Think first-fill red wine barrels, oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, and ex-Bourbon barrels. Together, these create a blend bursting with bold berry and dark fruit flavors, balanced by a subtle hint of spice and a whisper of smoke. At 40% ABV, it’s smooth and approachable, with a price tag of around £35 (or $45 in the U.S.), making it an easy pickup for anyone curious to try it.
Dr. Emma Walker describes it as a vibrant experience: “You get these rich hits of raspberry jam, blackberry pie, and a deep honey sweetness. Then there’s figs, plums, and even a little Maraschino cherry vibe. The spice and faint smoke just tie it all together.” It’s a flavor profile that feels familiar yet new—perfect for sipping neat, over ice, or shaking up in a cocktail.
A Blend with a Story
Black Ruby pulls from some of Scotland’s best distilleries. Alongside Roseisle, you’ve got Clynelish, Glenkinchie, Cardhu, Cameronbridge, and Caol Ila all pitching in. Caol Ila, in particular, adds that light smoky touch that keeps it tied to Johnnie Walker’s roots. The result is a whisky that’s bold but not overwhelming, sweet but not cloying—a balance that’s tricky to pull off.
This isn’t Dr. Walker’s first rodeo, though. Back in October 2024, she debuted a limited-edition Blue Label Ice Chalet, showing off her knack for creativity. Black Ruby, however, is her chance to leave a lasting mark on the everyday lineup. It’s a step toward making Scotch more versatile and welcoming, especially as the whisky world leans into mixology and experimentation.
From Pilot to Global Launch
The journey to Black Ruby’s worldwide release started with a few test runs in 2024. Fans in Mexico City, Sydney, and San Juan got the first taste during pilot activations, giving the team a chance to see how it landed. Then, in September, it popped up in global travel retail at Diageo’s TFWA stand in Cannes—a teaser for jet-setters and duty-free shoppers. Now, it’s hitting shelves everywhere, ready to shake up the Scotch scene.
Jennifer English, the global brand director for Johnnie Walker, sees Black Ruby as more than just another bottle. “This is about evolving what people expect from Scotch,” she says. “It’s got that classic Black Label DNA but with a sweeter twist that fits today’s cocktail culture. We’ve got Double Black for the smoke lovers, and now Black Ruby for those who want something fruitier. It’s all about giving people options to explore.”
Cocktails That Shine
To show off Black Ruby’s versatility, the Johnnie Walker team whipped up a trio of signature cocktails. These drinks lean into the whisky’s sweet, fruity side while keeping things simple enough for anyone to try at home.
First up is the Black Ruby Ramble, a riff on the classic Bramble. It mixes 35ml of Black Ruby with a teaspoon of blackberry jam, 20ml of honey water (made with a two-to-one ratio), and 20ml of lemon juice. Shake it hard with ice for 10-12 seconds, strain it into a tumbler with crushed ice, and top it with a couple of blackberries and a lemon wheel. It’s bright, fruity, and perfect for warm days.
Image credit: Johnnie Walker
Then there’s the Black Ruby Sweet & Sour, a bold drink that plays up the dark fruit notes. Combine 50ml of Black Ruby with 20ml of lemon juice, 20ml of egg white, 15ml of honey water, and a spoonful of blackberry jam. Dry shake it without ice for eight seconds, then add ice and shake again for another 8-10. Strain it into a coupette glass and garnish with a blackberry and a sprig of mint. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor.
Image credit: Johnnie Walker
Finally, the Black Ruby Negroni puts a berry spin on the timeless classic. Mix 40ml of Black Ruby with 20ml of sweet vermouth, 20ml of red Italian bitter, and 10ml of crème de mure (or another dark berry liqueur). Stir it with ice for 10-15 seconds, pour it over fresh ice in a rocks glass, and garnish with blackberries or a cherry. It’s a smooth, fruity take that still keeps that Negroni bite.
Image credit: Johnnie Walker
Why Black Ruby Matters
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby isn’t just a new flavor—it’s a sign of where Scotch is headed. As more people get into whisky, brands like Johnnie Walker are finding ways to keep things exciting. This blend bridges the gap between the old-school sipping crowd and the younger set who love a good cocktail. It’s approachable for beginners but complex enough to keep the pros interested.
Priced competitively and available worldwide, Black Ruby is poised to make waves. Whether you’re grabbing a bottle at the store or spotting it in an airport duty-free shop, it’s a chance to taste something fresh from one of the biggest names in whisky. With its rich berry notes, honeyed sweetness, and just a hint of smoke, it’s a drink that invites you to slow down and enjoy—however you like it best.
