Unveiling the Process: Debut of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami Restricted Edition
Getting the Lowdown on the Johnnie Walker Uma-Bash
Yeah, it's kinda weird, leaving the land of good ol' Scotch to head to the City of Light, Paris, for the exclusive launch of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami Limited Edition. Teamin' up with famous Chef Kei Kobayashi on the Champs-Élysées!
Anyway, the scene's set at Pavillion Vendôme, one of Paris's posh squares, with the classic blue carpet greeting us and a live DJ setting the mood. Blue's the color of the night, amen! While we wait for the big reveal, we grab a ginger and honey brew without the whisky . . . yet.
We're handed our "element passport" and enjoy some tunes while we get ready for the real deal. When the lights dim, our Johnnie Walker Ambassador warms us up on the stages of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, known for being an ultra-rare blend gettin' even fancier in this Elusive Umami Limited Edition.
He drops some hints about the sensory extravaganza we're in for and, with the help of a gong, we're off to discover the creators behind this elusive blended whiskey!
The Chef and The Whiskey Whiz
Enter Dr. Emma Walker, the Master Blender, alongside Kei Kobayashi, the Michelin-starred chef. The first look at the 'Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami' reveals a striking oriental-inspired design thatnot only grabs your attention but feels oh-so-good to the touch.
Now, umami's no newbie, and it's all about that mysterious fifth flavor. Apparently, Dr. Walker and Kei painstakingly searched through 10 million-plus casks for the unique umami profile, with only one in 25,000 casks makin' the cut. Each component of Scottish whisky was hand-picked to recreate an umami flavor profile just like in a recipe.
The blend gives off a rollercoaster of flavor, balancin' savory and sweet 'til you get a lingering dry finish. We nose it, we taste it, we love it. These two whisky and food maestros sure are onto something!
But, we ain't done yet. We're off on a sensory culinary adventure!
Taste and Savor
Even though you don't usually pair whisky with food, Chef Kei's got magic fingers, and he's whipped up a series of dishes that elevate both the sweet and savory notes in the Johnnie Walker Elusive Umami.
First up? A mouthwatering buckwheat waffle with a hint of caviar, sour cream, and smoked salmon. The saltiness of the combo meltin' in our mouths with the soft waffle was a perfect start to the multi-course meal.
As we follow our "element passport," we sample dishes from the Water, Earth, and Air categories, with each transition combined with a refreshing whisky tasting. The dishes were expertly created to bring out the unique flavors in the Elusive Umami, and we couldn't get enough!
The Final act
After we polished off the final dessert, our sensory journey came to an end. It was a night full of surprises, exceptional flavors, and whisky at its finest - nothin' short of remarkable!
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami is available from September 18, 2023, at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh, with a global pre-sale launch on October 2, 2023, and an official release on October 16, 2023. So mark your calendars, folks! This ain't an experience you'd wanna miss!
- The event at Pavillion Vendôme, featuring the launch of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami Limited Edition, didn't stop at just fashion-and-beauty or dining, but also included an element of technology with the live DJ setting the mood.
- As the night unfolded, topics such as food-and-drink, entertainment, and celebrity-driven pop-culture emerged, with Kei Kobayashi, a Michelin-starred chef, partnering with the Johnnie Walker Ambassador for the sensory extravaganza.
- The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami Limited Edition, with its striking oriental-inspired design, not only appeals to one's sense of style, but also offers a unique sensory experience through the blend's masterfully crafted umami flavor profile.
- The magical culinary adventure continued through the evening, as attendees were treated to a variety of dishes expertly paired with the Johnnie Walker Elusive Umami, showcasing the fusion of food-and-drink and technology, with the latest smartphones capturing memories of the event.
- The event tied together various aspects of lifestyle, highlighting the collaboration of gadgets, smartphones, and technology, in addition to fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and entertainment, creating an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
