'Korea's First 32.5 Degrees'... Diageo Launches Double U 19 and Double U Honey

‘Double U 19’ Finished at Low 32.5° with 2019 Goyeonsan Scotch Whisky Base, Supreme Flavor
‘Double U Honey’ Infused with Premium Scottish Heather Honey, Rich Aroma, Exceptional Smoothness

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae] Diageo Korea has made a bold move by launching the country's first low-alcohol whiskey with 32.5% ABV. In the rapidly changing Korean market, the strategy is to lower the alcohol content while maximizing the most important values of whiskey such as aging, blending, and flavor, aiming to meet both 'consumer needs' and 'whiskey authenticity' simultaneously.

Diageo Korea, the nation's leading whiskey company, announced on the 15th that it will release two low-alcohol lineup products with 32.5% ABV for the first time in Korea: 'W 19' and 'W Honey.'

The new products W 19 and W Honey feature a smooth finish realized at the optimal alcohol content of 32.5%, targeting consumers in their 30s and 40s who seek softness and new flavors. Additionally, the blending by master blender Craig Wallace, who created 'Johnnie Walker King George V,' 'Talisker,' and 'Lagavulin,' enhances the whiskey's most important values of aroma and flavor.

'W 19' is characterized by the deep flavor unique to high-aged whiskey, made from premium Scotch whiskey aged for 19 years. The combination of 32.5% ABV and 19-year aged whiskey achieves both smoothness and refined flavor. Notably, despite the global scarcity of high-aged Scotch whiskey due to its popularity, 'W 19' was specially planned for Korean consumers.

'W Honey' was crafted to suit the tastes of consumers in their 30s and 40s who prefer smooth and new flavors. Selected Scotch whiskey is blended with Scottish heather honey to maximize a smooth finish, boasting rich aroma and complex taste for a differentiated flavor.

Seong Jung-yong, a whiskey expert and head of Diageo’s bartender professional training program World Class Bar Academy, commented, “W 19 delicately blends flavors of dried fruits (prunes, dried apricots), chocolate, and vanilla, maintaining consistent smoothness with a complex taste and aroma, resulting in elegance. Meanwhile, W Honey offers a balanced smooth and sophisticated feel with fresh fruit and the restrained sweetness of rich heather honey.”

Furthermore, Diageo Korea is applying a new design identity to the low-alcohol W brand starting with the new product launch. The bottle shape has changed to a simple square form, with a black front background and a luxurious gold 'W' logo. The signature of master blender Craig Wallace emphasizes authenticity and tradition.

With this, Diageo Korea now offers consumers a wider range of alcohol contents and flavors by adding these two 32.5% low-alcohol products to the existing lineup of four 40% ABV authentic Scotch whiskeys Windsor, and the 35% low-alcohol W Ice and W Signature 12 and 17.

The new W 19 and W Honey also feature reasonable pricing. Based on 450ml, the ex-factory price of W 19 is 34,850 KRW (excluding VAT), and W Honey is 17,200 KRW (excluding VAT).

Lee Kyung-woo, CEO of Diageo Korea, stated, “The new products lower the alcohol content but maximize the value of whiskey, combining a smooth finish at 32.5% ABV with deep flavor completed by the finest whiskey and blending, creating a premium low-alcohol whiskey.” He added, “Through this new product launch, Diageo Korea hopes to inject new vitality into the stagnant whiskey market.”

Meanwhile, under Korean liquor tax law, 'W 19' and 'W Honey' are classified as 'whiskey,' while under EU regulations (European Spirit Drink Regulations), they are classified as 'spirit drinks.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.