In honor of the 60th year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Diageo Philippines celebrates and unveils the Diamond Jubilee by John Walker and Sons. Through an exclusive and prestigious gathering, dubbed as Manila’s Royal Affair, the Philippines’ most elite joined Diageo Philippines and Johnnie Walker Global Brand Ambassador Jonathan Driver, as they revealed the blueprint and craftsmanship of this exquisite blended Scotch whisky.
Sharing the same vision and commitment to the preservation of art and craftsmanship, Diageo Philippines celebrated the occasion with a special exhibit, comprising of rare and invaluable pieces from world-renowned Filipino artists and designers. Some of the pieces, together with one of the first bottled Johnnie Walker Blue Label with the signature of Master Blender Jim Beveridge, will be auctioned off for the benefit of the Asian Cultural Council Philippines (ACCP)- a foundation that provides individual fellowship grants to Filipino artists, scholars, and specialists to achieve prominent leadership positions in their respective fields.
Jonathan Driver kicked off the night with the reveal of the Diamond Jubilee – a diamond shaped Baccarat crystal decanter, standing on a crystal base with six radial legs to reflect the decades of The Queen’s enduring reign. Leading Scottish silversmiths Hamilton & Inches has fashioned the collars set with a half-carat diamond, the Royal Arms, John Walker & Sons monogram and individually numbered seals.
The edition included a pair of lead Cumbria Crystal glasses engraved by Philip Lawson Johnston and a commemorative artefact book, hand bound by Laura West at her Isle of Skye bindery. All the elements were housed in a chest made by the cabinet makers at N.E.J. Stevenson, incorporating oak from Sandringham to echo the whisky marrying casks and Caledonian pine from The Queen’s Balmoral Estate.
“Diamond Jubilee by John Walker & Sons is a remarkable achievement, a work of art created by the hands of more than 60 craftsmen and women, which will continue to support the development of many more through the contribution to the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Fund from sales of the 60 editions,” said Jonathan Driver.
Diamond Jubilee was created by John Walker and Sons, Scotch Whisky Distillers by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, to celebrate 60 years of the Queen’s accession to the throne. The blend is crafted from rare malt and grain Scotch Whiskies distilled in and maturing since 1952, the year The Queen acceded to the throne.
Sixty editions, one for each year of The Queen’s reign, will be offered for individual sale around the world at £100,000 each. John Walker & Sons has pledged its profits from the sale of these editions to the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), with a guaranteed donation of at least £1million that will support the excellence of traditional craftsmanship as symbolised by the Royal Warrant of Appointment.
“Master Blender Jim Beveridge and his apprentice Matthew Crow explored vast stocks of Scotch whisky to seek out some of the most exceptional casks of whiskies distilled in 1952 to craft the exquisite liquid,” Jonathan Driver explained. “Jim Beveridge drew on expertise gained over more than 30 years and inspiration from the Walker family blending notes to create this peerless blend with a unique sense of provenance.”
John Walker & Sons has also harnessed the skills of more than 60 fine artisans, including fellow Royal Warrant Holders and QEST Scholars, who have created bespoke pieces to present and accompany the whisky.
To provide a rare opportunity to present this stunning showcase of master craftsmanship, John Walker and Sons has created two editions that will be made available for exhibit in selected locations around the world, one of which has made its way to the Philippines.
That same night, for every single bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label sold, 50% of proceeds will be pledged by Diageo Philippines to the ACCP.
“We are privileged to be able to celebrate The Queen’s remarkable achievement with this fitting tribute, Diamond Jubilee by John Walker & Sons, the sales of which will help create an enduring legacy for the supreme craftsmanship that it represents, shares Diageo Philippines Managing Director Arif Esenc. “And in our own way, we are glad that we are able to mirror the same commitment here in the Philippines by supporting the growth and development of Filipino artists through the Asian Cultural Council Philippines.”
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