Zacks_Analysts' Blog : Johnnie Walker Offers Richer Blend - Analyst Blog

The world’s leading whiskey maker Diageo Plc. (DEO) launched its new limited edition Scotch whiskey in the US, named Johnnie Walker Double Black.  The new edition builds on the original Double Black Label, which was created taking Black Label as a blueprint. They were rich in malts and came in old deeply charred oak casks.

However, the new limited edition spirit is a blend of select single malts, combining the goodness of both naturally smoky-aged whiskeys and whiskeys matured in deep charred oak barrels.

The single malts used in the new variety of Double Black come from smaller, remote distilleries on Scotland's West Coast. Master blender Jim Beveridge crafted the whiskey to complement the current styles of the brand's portfolio, while maintaining the old tradition. The limited edition whiskey has a full-bodied flavor with notes of creamy vanilla, peat smoke, apples, pears and orange zest.

Johnnie Walker is the most widely distributed brand of blended Scotch whisky in the world, sold in almost every country with yearly sales of over 130 million bottles. Its iconic Black Label has been a favorite among blended Scotch whiskey lovers for decades.

The world’s leading brewer, Diageo, had launched Johnnie Walker Double Black in January 2010, which was a smokier variant of its 12-year-old blended scotch Johnnie Walker Black Label, at duty-free outlets across six airports.

Johnnie Walker Double Black amplified a trademark characteristic of Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch whisky, notably the smokiness, to deliver a new intensity in the liquid.

The new edition of Double Black was shelved in duty free outlets globally from October 1, 2011. It is sold at a retail price of $40 per 750 ml bottle. The limited supply is expected to last just until the holiday season.

Diageo Plc.’s fiscal 2011 net income from continuing operations grew 16.1% to £2.02 billion ($3.3 billion) from the year-ago period. Earnings per share came in at 76 pence ($1.24 per ADR), compared with the year-ago quarter.

Diageo, which faces stiff competition from Molson Coors Brewing Company (TAP), holds a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a short-term ‘Hold’ rating