Johnnie Walker has unveiled Jane Walker, the first-ever female iteration of the brand’s Striding Man logo, which will debut on a special-edition offering of the Black Label blend.
Johnnie Walker Black Label The Jane Walker Edition will be available nationwide beginning in March to coincide with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day celebrations. It is 40% ABV and the suggested retail price is $34 per 750-ml. bottle.
Diageo, which owns Johnnie Walker, says the special bottle design represents the brand’s commitment to progress.
“Women have played a significant role in the brand’s history dating back to 1893, when John Walker & Sons purchased the Cardhu distillery from Elizabeth Cumming,” the company says. “Cardhu is one of the single malts that comprises Johnnie Walker Black Label and is considered the heartbeat of the blend. Elizabeth Walker, the wife of founder John Walker, was also fundamental to the creation of their own blended whisky, working alongside John and their son Alexander in the original Walker grocery shop. Today, nearly 50 percent of the brand’s 12 expert blenders are women, with female leadership across marketing and C-Level executives.”
To support this effort as part of Keep Walking America, Johnnie Walker will donate $1 for every bottle of Jane Walker Edition it makes to organizations championing women’s causes, with a total donation of up to $250,000, including a donation of $150,000 to the Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony Statue Fund and its Monumental Women campaign.
Monumental Women, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a monument honoring America’s women suffragists in New York City’s Central Park, where there are 23 statues of historical figures but not one honoring a real woman.
“Important conversations about gender continue to be at the forefront of culture and we strongly believe there is no better time than now to introduce our Jane Walker icon and contribute to pioneering organizations that share our mission,” says Stephanie Jacoby, VP of Johnnie Walker. “We are proud to toast the many achievements of women and everyone on the journey towards progress in gender equality.”
Johnnie Walker will also celebrate the next generation of female leaders by donating a portion of Jane Walker Edition proceeds to She Should Run, who are dedicated to inspiring women to run for office.
