Johnnie Walker Red Soul - a sweeter, smoother Scotch crafted for a new generation of whisky drinkers

For the first time, Johnnie Walker Red Label is introducing a new global innovation: Johnnie Walker Red Soul.

With a sweeter, smoother take on the original icon, Johnnie Walker Red Soul is designed to offer a more accessible Scotch for non-whisky drinkers and will roll out globally from March.

Through a recommended signature serve of Johnnie Walker Red Soul and Lemonade with a pinch of sea salt and strawberry garnish, Red Soul invites consumers to take their first step into the whisky category.

The new innovation is underpinned by consumer insights around perceived taste barriers; over a quarter of non-Scotch whisky drinkers are open to the category but are seeking sweeter flavours (CCF 2023)¹, reinforcing the need for an innovation adapted to evolving preferences without compromising on quality.

Johnnie Walker Red Soul also plays into Diageo’s ambition to strengthen its portfolio at an entry-level price-point, the largest and fastest-growing market segment in global blended Scotch whisky (IWSR forecast to 2029)².

John Williams, Global Whiskey Director at Diageo, commented:

“One of the things that makes Johnnie Walker a global leader is our ability to offer choice at every price point and respond to the evolving needs of consumers, whether they are whisky lovers or totally new to the category.

“Red Label has been a market leader and global growth engine for over 35 years (IWSR 2025). It’s an icon of quality which has been recruiting new whisky drinkers - particularly females and younger audiences - yet, for some, it’s still not always considered a drink that feels easy and social.

“Johnnie Walker Red Soul shows another side to whisky - softer, a bit sweeter and perfect for mixing. We see it as a great choice for those looking for a quality spirit at a more affordable price point.”

Johnnie Walker Red Soul has been intentionally designed by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker and her team of expert whisky makers to reimagine how and when Scotch can be enjoyed - bringing a new energy to the whisky category.

Vibrant Scotch Character

Johnnie Walker Red Soul is crafted around rich vanilla sweetness, unfolding into notes of caramel fudge and gentle oak before settling into a smooth, creamy finish. Bright, balanced and bursting with vibrance, it delivers a sweeter, smoother profile with no smoky notes.

Inspired by the pioneering spirit of Johnnie Walker, Red Soul reimagines the iconic boldness of Johnnie Walker Red Label with a contemporary twist. Drawing from the same unparalleled reserves of aging casks, it offers a softer, more versatile style designed for today’s social occasions.

Flavour That Holds Its Own

When Emma and her team approached the concept for Red Soul, versatility for new drinkers was at the forefront of their thinking. This is a Scotch whisky that holds its character in longer, lighter tasting serves and shines in simple combinations that elevate spontaneous late afternoon and early evening moments with friends.

It is the culmination of years of experimentation and curiosity that’s at the heart of everything Johnnie Walker does - always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in whisky.

Compared to Johnnie Walker Red Label’s spicier, smokier, distillery-driven style, Red Soul highlights sweeter, smoother characteristics with no smoky notes, allowing maturation flavours to truly shine.

Made to be shared, this vibrant Scotch whisky comes to life in the signature Johnnie Walker Red Soul & Lemonade serve with a pinch of sea salt and strawberry garnish, where its balanced sweetness and softer oak flavours open up beautifully with lemonade, creating a vibrant drink that lets its distinctive Scotch whisky character shine through.

Emma Walker said: "I really welcomed the opportunity to develop Johnnie Walker Red Soul. Johnnie Walker Red Label has always held a special place for me - I’ve long loved its bold, spicy energy and the way it brings vibrancy to any occasion. It’s a blend with real character.

“With Red Soul, I wanted to explore a different expression of that spirit. We kept the lively, approachable core that defines Red Label, but chose to dial up the vibrant vanilla sweetness and smoothness, deliberately stepping away from smoky notes to create something brighter. It was a flavour profile designed to appeal to a younger audience who perhaps had not tried whisky previously. 

“The result is a whisky that feels open and incredibly versatile - one that shines in simple serves and is perfectly suited to relaxed, spontaneous times with friends.”

Johnnie Walker Red Soul will initially be launched in markets across Europe and MENA with additional markets to follow. RRP is £25GBP (prices may vary). 

For further information, please contact: [email protected]

*Legal Drinking Age +

About Johnnie Walker:    

Johnnie Walker is the world's number one Scotch Whisky brand* by volume (IWSR 2024), enjoyed by people in over 160 countries. Since the time of its founder, John Walker, those who craft its whiskies have pursued flavour and quality above all else. 

Today's range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Blonde, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Gold Label Reserve, Aged 18 Years, and Blue Label. Together they account for 21.8 million cases sold annually (IWSR, 2024). Johnnie Walker is also the number one bestselling Scotch Whisky (Drinks International, 2025). 

*According to IWSR Global Database 2025 volume for 2024

About Diageo:   

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in nearly 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).

For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

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