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Whiskey Johnny is one of the traditional sea shanties included on the official Windrose Original Soundtrack. A traditional halyard shanty about a sailor's love of whiskey. Sean Dagher and collaborators previously recorded a version as "Whisky Johnny O'" for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag.

On the Soundtrack

The track appears on the Windrose: Original Soundtrack (Steam App 4564200), released alongside the April 14, 2026 Early Access launch. Vocals are performed by Sean Dagher, the same shantyman who recorded the sea shanties for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. Arrangements are by the Kraken Express audio team.

Origin

"Whiskey Johnny" (also spelled "Whisky Johnny") is a traditional halyard shanty, typically used at the t'gallant or topsail halyards and sometimes pressed into service as a capstan shanty. It is one of the oldest halyard shanties, with its two-pull chorus matching the rhythm of heavy sail work. Sean Dagher, Nils Brown, and Michiel Schrey recorded the song as "Whisky Johnny O'" for the Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Sea Shanty Edition tracklist.

In-Game

Triggered at the ship's helm by pressing B while under sail. NPC crew members on deck join the vocals while you steer between islands. Shanties pause when combat begins (naval cannons take priority) and resume once the engagement ends.

Notes

• One of the most recognizable shanties in the Black Flag shared heritage; its presence on both soundtracks reinforces the games' connection.

• The Windrose arrangement fits within the OST's overall acoustic-and-vocal style, led by Sean Dagher.

• Thematically ties into the game's drinking/tavern culture at Tortuga and the Dead Eye Grog recipe's rum and madeira inputs.

See Also

• Sea Shanties — broader shanty system

• Sean Dagher — vocalist

• Naval Combat — why shanties pause

• NPC Crew — the crew that sings