In 1749, Justerini, originally from Bologna, moved to London to set up a wine-selling business with his partner George Johnson. The business was bought in 1831 by Alfred Brooks, who renamed it Justerini & Brooks. In response to whisky’‘s growing popularity in the 1880s, Justerini & Brooks released its own blend. It was a huge hit in the American market after Prohibition, where it gave Cutty Sark a run for its money. The business joined International Distillers & Vintners in 1962, then United Distillers & Vintners (UDV, a Diageo subsidiary) in 1997.

A J&B 1749 25 Year Old bottled in 1999 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Giacomo Justerini moving to St James’’ Street in London to set up as a wine merchant. The blend, which is composed of 25 whiskies all aged for at least 25 years, is presented in a replica 1749 wine bottle.