Three whole months ago, Johnnie Walker Black Label celebrated one hundred years of exclusive, wonderfully blended scotch whisky. Wanting to celebrate in good company, they invited us to a private at-home scotch blending session, guided step-by-step by Master Blender Andrew Ford. Due to scheduling, we missed the blending event webcast in September with the rest of the group, but were allowed to “participate” on our own time – which happened to be last night (hey, at least it was still in 2009!). We broke open the handsome kit – eight bottles of custom single malts, colorful diagrams, charts and maps and a nifty beaker and nosing glass – and got straight to work!

It was fantastically informative and fun, and if we hadn’t run out of grain whisky we’d have a lot more homemade blends to share with colleagues, friends and family! It felt just like being back in Chemistry class, but with booze and a much sexier lab mate. Can’t imagine a better way to wrap-up 2009′s resolution to drink more scotch than blending a special batch ourselves. (2010′s resolution: Drink more armagnac and cognac!)

Here’s a brief description of the event: In the days of John and Alexander Walker, upon completing studies under a master craftsman, a skilled apprentice proudly carried the title of Journeyman. In honor of the 100th Anniversary of Johnnie Walker Black Label, the signature blend of the House of Walker, Master Blender Andrew Ford is making the journey from Scotland to the United States to mentor a new generation of Centenary Journeymen Blenders. In the pioneering spirit of Johnnie Walker Black Label, this unique opportunity to apprentice in the artisanal craft of blending fine whisky is being brought to you via a live Webcast.

Check out more great pictures of the blending action below: