Johnnie Walker Encourages Everyone to Enjoy Whisky Differently with their Highball Collection

When it comes to classic spirits, conventional notion suggests that every new generation rebels against the tipple of the generation before them. No one wants to drink what their parents used to drink, and whisky has always seemed like a taste acquired much later in life. For these reasons, Johnnie Walker, one of the biggest names in Scotch whisky, introduced a fresh and refreshing way for the younger generation to enjoy the product through its highball collection. 

The Johnnie highball essentially breaks old notions that whisky should only be consumed neat or on-the-rocks. Though this may be true for some hardcore whisky enthusiasts, it wouldn’t hurt to try something different once in a while. 

A whisky highball is a simple cocktail recipe with whisky, soda water, or ginger ale. Johnnie Walker highball collection makes use of Johnnie Walker’s classic variants: Red Label, Black Label, Double Black, and Gold Label Reserve. During their recent launch at Dulo Poblacion, we had our fill of highballs created by talented, world-class bartenders—The Back Room’s (#50 50 Best Bars in Asia) Poch Ancheta, 2019 Diageo World Class Philippine Champion, David Ablayan, and Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador Rian Asiddao. 

Johnnie & Lime—the drink has smoky notes and a little hint of citrus. To make, add 40 ml of Johnnie Walker Red Label or Black Label to a tall chilled glass filled with ice, and then top with 120 ml lemon-lime soda and garnish with a slice of lime. 

Johnnie & Ginger—A drink perfected by using Johnnie Walker Double Black as a base, Johnnie & Ginger is a delicious mix of spicy and smoky flavors that will leave an impression. Add 40 ml of Johnnie Walker Double Black to a tall chilled glass filled with ice, and then top up with 120 ml ginger ale, and garnish with a slice of orange. 

Johnnie & Apple—The luxuriously smooth taste and creamy notes of vanilla and dark fruit of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve blend impeccably with the tartness of apples in this Johnnie & Apple highball drink. You can make your own by simply adding 40 ml of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve to a tall chilled glass filled with ice, top with apple juice, and then garnish with a slice of apple. 

Rian said that there are virtually unlimited ways to prepare a highball drink, and it really depends on the maker. “It’s just a matter of adjusting the measurements, or maybe switching up a mixer or the blend, and you can definitely unlock different kinds of taste and experiences,” says Asiddao. 

Over the years, we’ve seen a surge in popularity and demand for highball drinks, especially in new wave drinking destinations such as Poblacion. Attributed to the fact that people are becoming more conscious and experimental when it comes to their drinks. drinkers and bar-goers are always looking for exciting ways to enjoy a classic drink such as Johnnie Walker, without losing its great flavor profiles. 

To introduce the Johnnie Highball Collection, Johnnie Walker is taking over the country’s biggest cultural hotspots and bars all over the Philippines. Watch out for the JohnnieWeekend Highball Hour Takeovers, in collaboration with VeryDone (@weareverydone on Instagram), a collective of the hippest DJs and artists known to bring the house down, at the hottest bars and clubs around the Metro and in select cities out of town on the following dates: November 5 to 17 (Siargao), November 8 to 9 (Pasig), November 22 to 23 (Quezon City), December 6 to 7 (BF Paranaque) and December 13 to 14 (BGC Taguig).

For more information, visit Johnnie Walker Philippines on Facebook.