This is a new expression from the world’s best selling Scotch whisky brand of Johnnie Walker. Red Soul is described as ‘a sweeter, smoother take’ on the original iconic Red Label. It has been created by Emma Walker, the Master Blender for Johnnie Walker. The whisky has been designed for consumers taking their first step into the whisky category, after data was collected by market research.
Johnnie Walker Red Soul uses predominantly ex-bourbon cask matured whisky in its recipe and has seen the classic Red Label’s smokier notes removed. This is said to allow the maturation flavours to shine through. A signature serve cocktail has also been created – Red Soul & Lemonade – which features a pinch of sea salt and strawberry garnish.
Johnnie Walker is currently owned by Diageo. They blend whiskies from across their 31 distillery portfolio, which span all four corners of Scotland. These include some that only operate to supply the range of Johnnie Walker. The brand and the famous ‘walking man’ logo are embedded in world culture and pioneered sports sponsorship in the 1960s by sponsoring major events, such as golf and motor racing.
Johnnie Walker Red Soul is bottled at 40% ABV and has initially launched into selected European markets. In the UK it has debuted in supermarket chain Sainsbury’s. Other UK retailers and international markets will follow during 2026. A bottle will cost around £25/ US$34.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is deep gold and the nose is distinctly sweet and sugary with a background heat of warming spice. Aromas of muscovado sugar, butterscotch and apple crumble mingle with vanilla custard and background hints of golden syrup, malted biscuit and cocoa powder. A gentle warmth comes from further aromas of gingerbread, cinnamon stick and a scratch of nutmeg.
On the palate this whisky is soft, sweet and creamy. It feels silky in the mouth and the crumbly muscovado sugar note is to the fore. There is plenty of vanilla also – this has the custard vibe from the nose, but also vanilla fudge and vanilla essence. Further sweet elements are evident in the form of butterscotch, toffee and golden syrup. Fruitiness comes through and is reminiscent of soft, baked apple.
After the initial sweetness and apple notes, the warming spices again begin to build. Freshly baked gingerbread and cinnamon cookies lead the way. Depth is added with pinches of cocoa powder and nurmeg, plus hints of clove and sweet orange oil. A buttery and malty biscuit-like undertone adds structure and depth, as does a late white pepper kick.
The finish is on the shorter side and maintains the sweetness nicely. The whisky is particularly fudgey and buttery now. The sweet characteristics fade first, then the green apple and finally the spices. A late hit of drying oak tannin rounds things off nicely.
What’s The Verdict?
This is a delicious and easy drinking new addition to the Johnnie Walker range. Is it the most complex whisky? No. But it still covers a lot of bases – it is delightfully sweet, fruity and gentle with a pleasing delicate and warming spice.
This makes it perfect for a whisky beginner and for adding a mixer or use in a cocktail. It is bold and sweet enough to maintain interest when sipped neat or to hold its own when up against other ingredients. The lack of smoke, which is prominent in the classic Red Label, will also help this appeal to the chosen demographic. A fine effort all round.
