Unlocking Umami - The New Blue Label You Should Not Miss

Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch Whisky brand by Diageo Moët Hennessey (Thailand), unveiled its latest limited edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami. This creation emerges from the collaboration between Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker and globally celebrated Chef Kei Kobayashi. Together, they delved deep to decode and expertly craft a Scotch whisky that embodies the elusive fifth taste – umami, a term rooted in Japanese culinary tradition.

Thailand launch was graced by eminent guests, including Noi Pru – Krissada Sukosol Clapp, Oabnithi Wiwattanawarang, Vasin Asvanarunat, Luke Ishikawa Plowden among others. These attendees were drawn into the intricate dance of umami elements – water, earth, and wind – combined seamlessly with dishes curated by Chef Antonio Cortes Barenque, amplifying the rich sensory experience of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami.

Taking exclusivity a notch higher, only one out of every 25,000 casks from a whopping reservoir of over 10 million maturing casks was chosen to achieve this unique umami flavour profile. Each selected whisky plays a part in this blend, just as ingredients contribute to a gourmet dish, bringing the distinct essence of this innovative whisky to life. The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami harmoniously blends sweet and savoury notes with hints of blood oranges, red berries, wood spice, smoked meat, and a whisper of salt and pepper, culminating in a sweet fruit finish. It is best enjoyed with caviar to accentuate the umami experience.

“When Chef Kei and I set out to capture the essence of umami, we knew we were taking a step into the unknown by embarking on an exciting journey of flavour exploration. Together, we wanted to push the boundaries of what Scotch could be and bring a truly innovative offering to the world of whisky and flavour,” shared Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker Master Blender. 

To unravel this complex flavour, the maestros merged the unmatched taste of Johnnie Walker Blue Label with the essence of umami. Chef Kei Kobayashi, renowned for his culinary artistry, has also devised a series of dishes that marry well with the nuanced notes of this whisky.

Reflecting on his inspirations, Chef Kei Kobayashi, whose restaurant ‘Kei’ is located in Paris, shared, “I remember waking up at 5am every morning and walking amongst the stunning mountains in Nagano where the air was pure, and the scent of the trees lingered in the air. Umami possesses a mysterious quality that ignites our senses, revealing sumptuous taste, complexity and depth – and I believe we have captured this essence in Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami. The final liquid is a multi-faceted expression of what I interpret umami to be.”

Ewan Gunn, Diagio’s Global Whisky Brand Ambassador, remarked: “By focusing on the elusive “fifth taste” of umami, we have created a whisky which embodies premium quality and luxury, aligning with the global trend of upscale indulgence.” Jarinee Wongkamthong, Marketing Director, Diageo Moët Hennessey (Thailand), expressed: “It’s our utmost pleasure to present the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami to Thai aficionados. This innovation exemplifies our commitment to elevating consumer experiences, resonating with our core philosophy of ‘Keep Walking’.”

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami is now available in selected Thai department and retail stores, and worldwide.