Brora’s story has two chapters, separated by decades: whisky distilled before the distillery closed in 1983, and spirit made after it returned to production in 2021. Johnnie Walker Vault brings both together in a single blended Scotch, putting the continuity of a Scottish distillery at the heart of its story.
Created by master blender Emma Walker, the launch took place yesterday, 14 October 2026. The brand describes it as a permanent addition to its prestige range, rather than a numbered release with limited availability. It carries no age statement and is bottled at 43.8% ABV.
Brora, past and present in one blend
The most distinctive element is the combination of mature whisky distilled before 1983 and young spirit produced after Brora reopened.
According to the launch information, this is the first time whisky from the distillery’s new era has been included in a Johnnie Walker blend. This is not a single malt bottling, then, but a composition in which the art of blending is essential.
The Brora core is joined by Port Dundas, Cardhu and Clynelish.
Port Dundas, the former grain distillery in Glasgow, brings a different dimension to the malts. Speyside’s Cardhu is part of the house’s blending tradition, while Clynelish, Brora’s neighbour, adds another link to the northeastern Highlands coast.
The selection brings together whiskies from different places and made using different methods—one of the defining features of blended Scotch whisky.
A whisky born in the blending room
The name Vault refers to Emma Walker’s workspace beneath The Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street in Edinburgh. Rare whiskies and stocks from closed distilleries are kept there, providing a palette for creating new combinations. Here, that idea finds expression in a bottle designed to remain part of the range.
Johnnie Walker describes aromas of caramel, wildflowers and toasted oak, followed on the palate by vanilla, almond, fruit and woody notes, with a long, spicy finish. These are the brand’s official tasting notes, not an independent review. To enjoy it, serve neat in a tulip-shaped glass and leave it to rest for a few minutes before adding a few drops of water, if desired.
Presentation and positioning
The 70 cl bottle revives the cubic shape of a historic design associated with Blue Label, reimagined with architectural lines and a gold stopper.
The announced recommended price is £1,100. The stated availability is limited to Harrods, The Johnnie Walker Experience in Edinburgh and the Justerini & Brooks online shop.
Vault may be of particular interest to those who follow Brora’s history and want to explore how spirits from different eras can come together in a blend. Its appeal lies in that combination and Emma Walker’s interpretation; anyone looking for a single malt or an age statement will find a different kind of whisky here.