Windsor W Ice Spirit Drink

A whisky-based spirit drink from Diageo Korea, specifically formulated at 35% ABV for mixing and the low-alcohol Asian market.

At-a-Glance:

Distillery: Diageo Korea (Windsor Brand) / Scotland (Blend components) / South Korea Market

Age / Vintage / Bottled: Non Age Statement (NAS) / Released 2015

ABV & Size(s): 35% / 450ml (South Korea) and 70cl/75.7cl (Export)

Cask/ Treatment: Blend of Scotch whiskies, likely aged for 12 years or more

Packaging: Standard bottle

1. Historical Context

The Windsor W Ice Spirit Drink is a modern creation by Diageo Korea, launched in 2015 as part of the company's strategy to address the rapidly growing demand for low-ABV (Alcohol By Volume) spirits in the South Korean market. The product is an extension of the established Windsor brand, historically known for premium blended Scotch whiskies.

The W Ice formula is unique because it deliberately sits below the 40% ABV minimum requirement for Scotch Whisky. This reduced strength (35% ABV) is the key commercial advantage, positioning the product as more approachable, milder, and easier to mix into cocktails, aligning with local consumer trends towards lighter drinking. Consequently, under European Spirits Drinks Regulations, the product is legally categorised as a "Spirit Drink," a designation required for mixtures containing a spirit below the regulated minimum strength. In South Korea, it falls under the "Other Liquor" category.

Despite this regulatory distinction, the liquid's composition relies on genuine aged Scotch whiskies, with similar products in the W Signature line confirming the use of whiskies matured for at least 12 years. The blending process is overseen by master blenders to ensure the flavour profile retains the quality expected of the Windsor name. Diageo Korea has used this low-ABV portfolio (including W Ice, W Signature 17, and W Signature 12) to expand its base in the low-ABV drinks segment, a strategically important area in the Asian market.

2. Technical Specification & Variant Map

The W Ice is defined by its low-proof standard, which dictates its legal and market positioning.

2.1 Documented variants

The core specifications for the domestic Korean market are specific:

• Standard Strength: 35% ABV (70 Proof).
• Standard Volume: 450ml (South Korea domestic standard).
• Export Variants: 70cl and 75.7cl (26 2/3 fl oz) at 35% ABV/70 Proof are also documented for international or specific export markets.
• Composition: Blend of aged Scotch whiskies.

Variant Matrix:

2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist

• Regulatory Labelling: The label must clearly state "Spirit Drink" or its local equivalent and the 35% ABV strength. This is crucial for authentication, as the low ABV is the defining feature.
• Brand Identity: It is marketed under the successful Windsor brand portfolio.
• Sourcing Note: The product is valued as a modern, high-volume consumer good.

2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes

• Spirit Drink: This is the legal category in Europe for products that contain distilled spirits but fall below the 40% ABV threshold required to be designated as Scotch Whisky. The term "Spirit Drink" must be clearly labelled.
• Mixability: The low ABV and smooth profile make W Ice specifically formulated as a foundation for cocktails and highballs.

3. Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

The liquid is engineered for approachability and mixing versatility, with a focus on sweetness and smoothness.

Nose: Rich in smooth and sweet honey aroma and fruit aroma. The overall bouquet is inviting and mild.

Palate: The taste is smooth and complex, with a prominent round texture that makes it easy on the palate. A subtle bitter cedar flavour is noted, providing balance to the underlying sweetness.

Finish: The finish is smooth and light, designed to dissipate quickly for ease of drinking and cocktail use.

With water: Not applicable due to the low base ABV.

4. Pricing & Market Dynamics

The Windsor W Ice is priced as a mass-market commodity within its core South Korean market. Secondary market value is negligible, reflecting its status as a high-volume consumer good.

Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.

Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Not consistently listed in the UK.

Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): No reliable hammer price data is available.

Pricing stratification: The price is fixed as a high-volume, low-margin product. No stratification exists based on vintage or strength.

Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is high in the South Korean market, but very low in international collector channels. Sourcing is restricted to South Korean retailers.

Price Snapshot:

5. Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Diageo Korea, a subsidiary of the global spirits giant Diageo, produces and markets the Windsor family of brands. The brand is positioned as a leading name in premium blended whiskies within the South Korean market. The W Ice spirit drink represents the company's innovative adaptation to local trends, leveraging the expertise of its master blenders to create a smooth, accessible, and high-quality liquid that meets the specific demand for low-ABV cocktail bases. The production process involves blending aged Scotch whiskies to achieve the desired flavour profile at the lower strength.

6. Sourcing:

• Target formats/eras to prefer: None; the product is a high-volume consumer item with no scarcity value. The most authentic format is the 450ml domestic bottle.
• Red flags: Any attempt to present this product as a collectible vintage Scotch Whisky is misleading, as it is legally a "Spirit Drink."
• Condition thresholds (fill/box): Standard industrial packaging quality is the expectation.
• Margin/velocity expectations (qualitative): Extremely low margin, very low velocity outside of its niche market. Should only be acquired as a point of historical curiosity for the low-ABV trend.