THE SUPERB AND UNEXPECTED ON EVERY PAGE
STAY CONNECTED
THE COLLECTION
WHISKY WITHOUT
LIMITS
Ascension by Johnson Reserve is a
bold symphony of 33 casks, redefining
whisky with unmatched complexity and a
Guinness World Record to prove it.
SAMANTHA GREENE
For the seasoned collector or the whisky connoisseur, few moments rival the discovery of a spirit that rewrites the rulebook. Ascension, the latest single malt from Johnson Reserve, does precisely that. With an unprecedented maturation journey through 33 unique casks, this limited-edition whisky achieves a complexity so profound it has earned the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for The Greatest Variety of Flavours in a Whisky.
What makes Ascension remarkable isn’t just its accolade—it’s the story of relentless experimentation and a bold departure from convention. Where many whiskies rely on blending to craft nuanced profiles, Ascension’s essence is entirely derived from its passage through an intricate sequence of casks. Each vessel, from Madeira barriques to Mizunara oak, imparts a specific characteristic, layering flavors and aromas with remarkable precision. The result is a whisky that evolves with every sip, offering an experience akin to uncovering the pages of an intricate, well-crafted narrative.
Johnson Reserve is no stranger to innovation, but Ascension represents their most daring endeavor yet. Over the course of more than a decade, the family-owned distillery has refined its approach to multi-cask maturation, blending tradition with cutting-edge scientific insights. Unlike the romantic but often imprecise methods of yesteryear, the creation of Ascension involves a meticulous understanding of how each cask interacts with the spirit at different stages of maturation.
Alexander Johnson
Managing Director, Johnson Reserve
"We’re not just aging whisky; we’re shaping it, orchestrating every step of its journey," explains Cameron Jessiman, Operations Manager at Johnson Reserve. "This process required years of trial and error to understand the nuances of cask sequencing. Some casks must precede others to maintain balance, allowing flavors to build harmoniously rather than compete.
The dedication extends to sourcing. The distillery scours the globe for the finest casks, from smoky mezcal barrels to the sweet, nutty Rivesaltes barriques, with an eye for preserving their original characteristics. Some woods, like Japanese Mizunara oak, demand extended maturation to unlock their full potential, while others are used quickly to capture fleeting yet vital notes.
Ascension is more than a whisky; it’s an experience designed to be savored and studied. Its tasting notes read like a symphony of flavors: honeyed fig and toasted almond on the nose, caramelized pear and dark cocoa on the palate, and a lingering finish of sweet tobacco and Mizunara oak. The interplay of these elements is both balanced and dynamic, ensuring that no two sips are entirely alike.
What sets Ascension apart is its ability to deliver this complexity without overwhelming the drinker. The 33-cask process, while intricate, is a masterclass in restraint. "Every cask was chosen with the goal of enhancing balance, not creating chaos," says Jessiman. "This is a whisky that evolves gracefully, revealing its depth over time."
Beyond its extraordinary taste, Ascension’s presentation is itself a work of art. The bottle’s cork is wrapped in a bespoke combination of cashmere and linen-cotton fabric, a nod to the meticulous craftsmanship often associated with Japanese whisky. For collectors, it’s a fitting symbol of the care and dedication that defines Ascension’s creation.
Yet, Johnson Reserve’s ambitions for Ascension extend beyond its exclusivity. Alexander Johnson, Managing Director, views the release as an invitation to the whisky industry to rethink its approach to maturation. "We want to show that quality isn’t about age statements but about the care, expertise, and innovation that go into the process," he says. "Ascension is our way of starting that conversation."
For those fortunate enough to acquire a bottle, Ascension is not just a whisky—it’s an artifact of craftsmanship, a testament to the potential of Scotch to surprise, delight, and evolve. In a world where tradition often dictates the rules, Ascension breaks free, setting a new standard for what whisky can achieve.
A ballot will be held for the chance to purchase one of these exclusive bottles, price available on application.
For more information email members@johnson-reserve.com
or visit www.johnson-reserve.com