Founder John Walker was born in 1805, the son of a farmer, he devoted his life to the innovation of Whisky blending techniques which could deliver consistency and refinement. Stewardship of the company was handed down to John Walker's son Alexander in 1857 and ten years later the forebear of today's Johnnie Walker blends. He introduced the recognizeable black and gold slanted label and a revolutionary square bottle design. It was circa 1909 that the striding man image and trademark Johnnie Walker brand name were born.