Johnnie Walker’s silhouetted Striding Man logo is an icon in the scotch whisky world. And now, for the first time ever, those bottles will feature a woman. Smartly-clad in the same outfit as her predecessor, long-haired Jane Walker will begin gracing bottles in March to coincide with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. The limited-edition bottles won’t contain a unique whisky, however–they will be filled with Johnie Walker Black Label.
“Important conversations about gender continue to be at the forefront of culture, and we strongly believe there is no better time than now to introduce our Jane Walker icon and contribute to pioneering organizations that share our mission,” said Stephanie Jacoby, Vice President of Johnnie Walker. “We are proud to toast the many achievements of women and everyone on the journey towards progress in gender equality.”
Johnnie Walker has pledged to donate $1 for every bottle of the Jane Walker Edition sold (up to $250,000) to organizations championing women’s causes.
Women have played a significant role in the brand’s history, dating all the way back to 1893 when John Walker & Sons purchased the Cardhu distillery from Elizabeth Cumming. Fans of the whisky will know Cardhu as one of the primary single malts in the Johnnie Walker Black Label blend. Elizabeth Walker, the wife of founder John Walker, was also fundamental to the creation of their own blended whisky. And today, nearly 50 percent of the brand’s expert blenders are women.
Johnnie Walker Black Label The Jane Walker Edition will be available nationwide beginning in March 2018 for a suggested retail price of $34.
