By LAWRENCE TAN

Ahead of its official launch in September, Johnnie Walker chose Singapore as the first city to receive one of five bottles of its newly launched label, The John Walker.

Representing the pinnacle of its Blue Label marque, The John Walker is created from a small number of rare whiskies, chosen from over seven million casks. Only nine distilleries (six malt and three grain whiskies) made it into The John Walker, some of which hailed from remaining casks from distilleries that have already closed, such as Glen Albyn and Cambus.

Luxury-Insider.com was present at the unveiling ceremony of the first bottle of The John Walker, held at the DFS store at the Singapore Changi Airport. Johnnie Walker’s international brand ambassador Jonathan Driver was on hand to introduce The John Walker, and led the gathering media and VIP guests in offering a toast to the Scotch whisky's launch.

The first bottle, bearing the signature of Master Blender Jim Beveridge, will be auctioned off, with bids starting from $3,000 and proceeds going to The Smile Train charity, which is dedicated to offering free surgery to poor children from developing countries suffering from cleft lips and palates.

Tasting notes of The John Walker, according to the press release, reveal notes of fresh citrus slowly replaced by mature fruits on the nose. On the palate, you will be able to recognize the classic Walker Speyside whiskies – Mortlach and Dailuaine – with hints of vanilla oak sweetness, finally capped off by a smooth and mellow finish in rich smokiness.