Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker

The ever-popular blended whisky, Johnnie Walker, was granted it's first Royal Warrant in 1934 by King George V. Decades earlier, in 1867, founder John Walker released their first commercial blend, calling it Old Highland Walker. He would negotiate and barter with the captains of local shipping vessels who would then carry his whisky across the seas, in work that would culminate in making Johnnie Walker Red Label the world’s best-selling Scotch Whisky. It is renowned for its bold, characterful taste - balanced to shine through even when mixed. A flavour profile the Walker family has never compromised on, making it a favourite of the royals, ever a stickler for tradition. To celebrate their long-running Royal Warrant, Johnnie Walker crafted a luxurious blend named John Walker & Sons King George V, which is made with whiskies from distilleries that existed during his reign - including the elusive Port Ellen.

Royal Lochnagar

Royal Lochnagar distillery is located a stones throw from Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the Royal Family which Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased in 1848. In the same year, Royal Lochnagar received their Royal Warrant. During their stay at Balmoral, the royals were invited to the then-New Lochnagar distillery by its founder, John Begg, to sample their offerings. Despite the daring invitation, they were clearly impressed with their single malt and in commemoration of the honour, the distillery was renamed Royal Lochnagar. The whisky has held onto its Royal Warrant ever since.

Royal Brackla

Founded by Captain William Fraser in 1812, lesser-known Royal Brackla was the first Scotch whisky ever granted a Royal Warrant. King William IV gave the honour in 1833 to his favourite peated whisky, so impressed with it that he ordered that it be served at all Royal functions. The royal stamp of approval led to Brackla being known as ‘The King’s Own Whisky’. Today, Royal Brackla's parent company Dewar's holds their royal warrant, which was first granted in their humble beginnings by Queen Victoria. They proudly display the Royal crest on every bottle.

Berry Bro's & Rudd

Although not a distillery, Berry Bro's & Rudd are a big name in the whisky world as a prestigious independent bottler of exemplary whisky. Beginning as a shop established in 1698, the London-based Berry Bros & Rudd have historically stocked the finest wine and spirits, and indeed founded the cult favourite blended malt, Cutty Sark. They have two Royal Warrants in their long history. The first was given in 1903 by King Edward VII to express his gratitude for crafting The King's Ginger Liqueur, and the second was granted by King Charles III in 1998, to celebrate 300 years in business.

The Famous Grouse

The Famous Grouse's Royal Warrant holds pride of place at the top of their label, on every bottle of the much-loved blended whisky. However, it is their parent company, Matthew Gloag and Son. which technically hold the honour. Beginning as a grocery shop in 1800, much like Berry Bro's & Rudd, they created The Famous Grouse in 1896 as their flagship offering. Queen Victoria was the first to award them a Warrant, with Queen Elizabeth II renewing it in 1984. The Famous Grouse was one of her favourite whiskies, when not drinking her signature tipple of gin, however it earned its firm place in the Royal drinks cabinet as Princess Margaret's signature drink. UK embassies around the world always made sure they had a bottle or two in case she dropped by on her travels.

Laphroaig

Laphroaig Distillery

King Charles III's favourite whisky, the current monarch bestowed the distillery with a Royal Warrant in 1994. Laphroaig's distinctive style is indeed loved by many, as it is the world’s best-selling peated whisky. The King is said to hold Laphroaig 15 Year Old closest to his heart, and he has visited the distillery on Islay on many an occasion. Since granting the Warrant, the distillery now produces a special bottling for the King's estate of Highgrove, with its own label. It is supplied for the King's own consumption, and also for lucky guests and patrons of the Highgrove shop. In addition, King Charles has also signed and donated several bottles of Laphroaig, which have been auctioned off for charity.