Based in Glenfarg, Scotland, Johnson Reserve is a whisky maker and maturation specialist known for pushing the boundaries of single malt whisky. By sourcing aged single malt casks from reputable distilleries and using innovative maturation methods, Johnson Reserve crafts single malts with exceptional complexity, offering whisky enthusiasts unique sensory experiences.

Their method involves transferring whisky between various casks, illustrating that complexity and flavour are not solely reliant on age. Each cask is meticulously selected for its ability to contribute distinctive flavours and aromas, assessed through sensory analysis and blind tastings. Recognising that much of a whisky’s character comes from the cask, Johnson Reserve employs multiple casks to develop intricate, well-rounded flavour profiles. This layered approach highlights their dedication to maximising the impact of cask influence in whisky production.

Three Signature Expressions

Johnson Reserve has introduced three distinct expressions: The Voyager, Family Reserve, and Renoir.

Each expression is refined through a carefully curated selection of casks, with every maturation phase contributing to the development of rich, complex layers of flavour and aroma. These single malts are characterised by their remarkable harmony, subtlety, and balance, showcasing the profound connection between whisky and wood. What distinguishes Johnson Reserve in the whisky world is their emphasis on the influence of oak, while keeping the age and origins of their single malts shrouded in mystery.

The Voyager (RRP £175, 40% ABV)

The Voyager is a testament to Johnson Reserve’s innovative spirit. This single malt is matured in Japanese Mizunara oak and finished in French Cognac casks. The result is a whisky with aromatic notes of vanilla and incense from the Mizunara oak, complemented by rich flavours of dried fruits, baking spices, and brown sugar from the Cognac cask. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

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Family Reserve 2022 (RRP £800, 40% ABV)

Family Reserve is an exquisite blend, matured in a series of eight exceptional casks including peated whisky, Californian and Italian red wine, Cognac, Brandy, Mizunara oak, and Virgin French oak. This complex cask journey creates a whisky with subtle peat and woodsmoke notes, enhanced by elegant tannins from the Virgin French oak and fragrant elements from Mizunara. The finish is luxurious, with hints of fine red wine and Cognac.

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Master’s Series: Renoir Edition (from £3,500)

Limited to just 350 bottles, the Master’s Series: Renoir Edition is a rare collector’s item. This single malt is sourced from a highly esteemed but undisclosed distillery and finished in a series of French casks previously used for Cognac, Sauvignon Blanc, and Grand Cru. Each cask is selected for its ability to impart a unique blend of flavours, resulting in a delicate and elegant whisky with notes of orange blossom cake and pistachio cream. Each bottle features a rare imprint of Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s 1886 masterpiece, Mère Ataillant, marrying the worlds of fine art and exceptional whisky.

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