Winston Churchill's Favorite Scotch Came From An Iconic Brand

Winston Churchill and whisky had a long history

As Churchill recounted in his autobiography "My Early Life," he initially had a strong aversion to whisky during his youth, stating that he "disliked the flavor intensely." However, his perspective changed in his early 20s when he volunteered for the British military and was stationed in India around the turn of the century. Due to the questionable quality of drinking water there, mixing whisky with water became a safer alternative. This experience seemingly shaped his future drinking habits. His biographers, especially Richard Langworth in "Winston Churchill, Myth and Reality," note that he never consumed whisky straight; instead, he preferred several well-diluted whisky-and-sodas each day.

Churchill's fondness for Johnnie Walker and Scotch whisky is well-documented. An enthusiastic painter, he created a still life titled "Bottlescape" in 1926, which features a dozen bottles of wine and spirits, prominently including a Black Label bottle (currently on display at his country home-turned-museum, Chartwell). During World War II, amidst rationing, the Prime Minister ensured that a supply of barley was available for Scotch distillers. According to Scotchwhisky.com, Churchill remarked in a memo that it would be "most improvident not to preserve this characteristic British element of ascendancy." The Churchill Project notes that in the 1950s, an appraiser found Chartwell's wine cellar in disarray, except for cases of Johnnie Walker Red, Hine Cognac, and Champagne. Additionally, Churchill once inscribed a book to John Walker's son, Alexander, referring to Johnnie Walker as the "national brew."

The difference between Johnnie Walker Red and Black Labels

Johnnie Walker is a blended Scotch whisky brand that originated in 1820, meaning it consists of various types of whisky, including single malt and grain whiskies, sourced from multiple distilleries. The brand is owned by Diageo, which has access to distilleries throughout Scotland. The master blender and her team meticulously choose different barrels in specific proportions to craft each expression, which is distinguished by the color of its label: Red, Black, Green, Platinum, and Blue, the latter being the premium offering.

Johnnie Walker Red Label is a no-age statement (NAS) blended whisky, created by mixing up to 35 different whiskies. It serves as the foundational label and is the most popular expression. While it is the most affordable option in the brand's lineup, it is still a well-respected whisky with a slightly sweet and smoky introduction. It features notes of heather and a strong herbal astringency, culminating in a brief, warm finish. It is often best enjoyed mixed with soda or ginger beer in a highball.

Johnnie Walker Black Label is the next tier in the lineup. This blend consists solely of single malt and grain whiskies and is aged for 12 years. The additional aging and focus on single malts result in a smoother, more rounded whisky. It offers a heightened smokiness from peated whisky, along with floral undertones and a touch of Sherry. The finish is long and enjoyable, with flavors of ash, heather, and malt.