Diageo Korea unveils low ABV Scotch expressions

British alcoholic beverage producer Diageo’s unit Diageo Korea has reportedly extended its offering portfolio with the launch of two new low Scotch whisky variants, W 19 and W Honey.

The Korean Times reported that the two variants contain only 32.5% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Master blender Craig Wallace created the two Scotch expressions for consumers who look for new tastes and smooth alcoholic drinks.

To offer a rich aroma and complex taste, the company added Scottish heather honey to W Honey.

The W 19 Scotch variant has been aged for 19 years offering a deep flavour specific to old-aged whisky.

With the addition of the new expressions, Diageo Korea’s lineup features expressions with various ABVs and flavours.

Currently, the company offers four variants with 40% ABV Scotch whisky Windsor and W Ice, W Signature 12 and 17 and two new expressions W Honey and W 19 under 35% ABV category.

Diageo Korea CEO Robert Rhee was quoted by Korea Herald as saying: “W 19 and W Honey maximise the value of spirit drinks with lower alcohol content.

“They are premium spirit drinks that offer smoothness, which the low ABV of 32.5% can offer, as well as rich flavours that are crafted by blending the best liquids.”

Packaged in a 450ml bottle, W 19 can be purchased for an ex-factory price of KRW34,850 ($28.93) before value-added tax (VAT) and W Honey for KRW17,200 ($14.28) before VAT.

Last August, Diageo Korea reportedly announced plans to close its Korean whisky manufacturing facility amid low sales and challenging market conditions.