If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission.

Johnnie Walker is the most popular blended scotch whisky in the world, but apparently the brand still wants to make some headway with bourbon drinkers who prefer mostly corn in their whiskey rather than barley. To that end, master blender Emma Walker and her team have come up with the new Black Cask, the first permanent addition to the portfolio in 15 years, that was aged exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels.

That maturation method is what separates this new expression from classic Johnnie Walker Black Label, which is aged in a combination of ex-bourbon American oak barrels and European oak for a minimum of 12 years. While Black Cask does not bear an age statement, it is made of some of the same whiskies that are included in Black Label, including grain and malt whiskies from distilleries like Cameronbridge, Glen Elgin, and Roseisle. And these whiskies are all matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, as mentioned before, which according to Walker bring notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak to the palate—all familiar flavors to bourbon fans.

“With Black Cask, we’ve brought together two remarkable whisky traditions in a way only Johnnie Walker can, starting with some of the most expressive whiskies from the heart of Black Label and maturing them exclusively in American white oak ex–bourbon barrels to unlock new depth, sweetness, and warmth,” she said in a statement. “The result is a beautifully layered whisky that feels excitingly new yet remains unmistakably Johnnie Walker.”

Black Cask is the first new permanent addition to the Johnnie Walker portfolio since 2011, when Double Black was introduced here in the U.S.—a very different whisky that amplified the smoke on the palate instead of the sweetness. This latest debut is being positioned as a bourbon drinker’s scotch that is meant to be enjoyed neat, over some ice, or in a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned. But whether or not that is the case remains to be seen. A few years ago, the brand launched another expression aimed at the American whiskey market called High Rye, made from a blend of scotch whiskies that incorporated rye into their mashbills—and it was a good whisky, but not necessarily a roaring success.

Still, perhaps this new release will fare better. We got to try a sample of Double Cask, and it’s a good, approachable, affordable scotch—and if it’s not the most complex sipper you’ve ever tried, that’s because it’s not really supposed to be. “Black Cask is a powerful example of how we break through the expected: a new whisky that reflects evolving tastes while staying true to what people love about Johnnie Walker,” said Jesse Damashek, SVP of Diageo’s North America whisky portfolio, in a statement.

Black Cask will be available starting March 1 (SRP $35) at retailers around the country, and you can find the rest of the Johnnie Walker portfolio at websites like ReserveBar now.