UAE. The John Walker & Sons Voyager yacht has made it latest stop in Dubai to launch John Walker & Sons Odyssey in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The rare blended malt Scotch whisky was introduced at an event on the yacht, hosted by Diageo Global Travel and Middle East Managing Director Roland Abella, Diageo CEO Paul Walsh and Diageo Asia Pacific President Gilbert Ghostine.
The yacht has already journeyed throughout Asia Pacific and the Middle East to showcase the product.
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Diageo CEO Paul Walsh, Johnnie Walker Global Brand Ambassador Tom Jones and Diageo GTME Managing Director Roland Abella |
In Dubai, select guests were treated to a private tasting of the whisky, which was inspired by the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of Sir Alexander Walker and commemorates the 80th anniversary of one of his innovations – a whisky decanter that could move to match the motion of the sea.
Diageo GTME Managing Director Roland Abella said: “John Walker & Sons Voyager has provided the ultimate luxury experience for premium spirit connoisseurs and its visit to Dubai enabled us to host a unique event for our MENA customers to demonstrate our commitment to working with them to further premiumise the travel retail channel in the region.
“Premiumising our portfolio is a strategic priority for us and we have seen great results with the launch of new products such as Johnnie Walker XR 21yo, Johnnie Walker Blue Label The Casks Edition and now John Walker & Sons Odyssey. We are committed to meeting the unique needs and evolving tastes of the luxury consumer in the region and in developing truly engaging luxury experiences for them.”
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Guests were transported on traditional wooden abras to the yacht |
After a port-side reception, guests were taken on traditional wooden abras to John Walker & Sons Voyager moored in Dubai Creek Yacht Club. On board the yacht they were introduced to the heritage of John Walker & Sons and mentored in blending Scotch Whisky by Johnnie Walker Global Brand Ambassador Tom Jones.
Diageo CEO Paul Walsh said: “This region is strategically important to the growth of the luxury market place. The pace of development and economic growth continues to be remarkable. Increasing domestic wealth as well as the Middle East’s importance as a global travel hub means that the luxury market here will play an important role in delivering growth for Diageo.
“That growth will be driven by our super-deluxe and ultra-deluxe spirits portfolio and, in particular, by Scotch Whisky which leads our spirit sales in the region.”
John Walker & Sons Voyager began its journey in September last year and has visited ports in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Dubai.
Readers can follow the journey at www.jwsvoyager-odyssey.com
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The John Walker & Sons Voyager yacht was moored in Dubai Creek Yacht Club during the visit | |
