Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky Has Unveiled Jane Walker to Celebrate Women's History Month

Four years after the original Toy Story, Woody was introduced to Jessie in Toy Story 2. Now, after a century, Johnnie Walker is introducing the world to Jane Walker to coincide with Women’s History Month.

Word got out in mid January that Diageo had submitted a trademark application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office for Jane Walker. The whisky world was attracted to the news like a moth to a flame. Now, just over a month later, we know the details.

Diageo says that, “In recognition of women who lead the way, we are unveiling Jane Walker, the first-ever female iteration of the brand’s iconic Striding Man logo. Jane Walker is the celebration of the many achievements of women and a symbol of empowerment for all those on the journey towards progress in gender equality.”

Is it the same juice as the regular 12 year old Black Label? Apparently it is. In today’s world of hyper-sensitivity and political correctness the public’s response to this product could go either way. The social media pundits may slam it as opportunistic but the Johnnie Walker fans may buy up every Special Edition bottle they can get their hands on. Only time will tell.

For more than a century, the Striding Man has been a Johnnie Walker icon and an important part of the brand’s history. While his look has had subtle changes over the years, he has always conveyed the brand’s unique point of view and symbolized moving forward.

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. 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.

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Stephanie Jacoby, Vice President of Johnnie Walker.

“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,” commented Stephanie Jacoby, Vice President 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 be donating $1 for every bottle of the Jane Walker Edition made 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.

“Monumental change is coming. We thank Johnnie Walker for their support and recognizing the importance of Women’s History,” said Pam Elam, President, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony Statue Fund and its Monumental Women Campaign.

Johnnie Walker Black Label The Jane Walker Edition will be available to whisky fans nationwide beginning in March 2018 to coincide with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day celebrations. The Jane Walker Edition will be available wherever fine spirits are sold, with a suggested retail price of $34.00 for a 750 ml/bottle at 40% ABV.