J and B

The story of Justerini and Brooks begins in Italy. The young Giacomo Justerini from Bologna fell so much in love with the opera singer Margerita Bellino that in 1749 he followed her to London. Unfortunately, Margerita did not return his love. However, Justerini also brought with him his uncle's recipes for making liqueurs. Together with George Johnson, they started a business. After selling his share to Johnson, Giacomo Justerini returned to Italy in 1760.

King George III granted the company a Royal Decree and in 1830 it was obtained by Alfred Brooks. A year later, he renamed it Justerini and Brooks. The J&B blend was launched and the Rare product was widely promoted on the US market. After the ban was lifted, this brand was very popular. During the 1950s, Justerini and Brooks merged with another company to form United Wine Traders Ltd. They recently merged with WA Gilbey Ltd., a London gin maker. J&B whiskeys have become one of the most popular blended Scotches in the world.