(USAToday) - "Women have played a significant role in the brand's history dating back to 1893, when John Walker & Sons purchased the Cardhu distillery from Elizabeth Cumming," the company said. "Cardhu is one of the single malts that comprises Johnnie Walker Black Label and is considered the heartbeat of the blend." the company said.

Johnnie Walker is owned by Britain-based Diageo, whose other brands include Crown Royal, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

KFC made a similar marketing play for women when they introduced country music star Reba McEntire as its newest Col. Sanders.

The white-suited, goateed Southerner, Harland Sanders, founded the chicken restaurant chain.