And blends account for over 90% of all the whisky sold globally. Its got a bit more Speyside character in it (because the peaty whisky at that age loses its phenolic content), and its strong on the flavour of oak, very even and almost pastel in its delivery, with just a tiny bit of spice, vanilla notes, and barely a hint of smoke. While Black Label is a fine Scotch whisky, it's only that just fine. Glengoyne Johnnie Walker's flagship blends are a testament to the brand's commitment to a consistently high-quality whisky fit for any occasion (yes, there's a difference between whiskey and whisky). Eventually, savory and smoke collide in a sharp, intense and satisfyingly lengthy finish. It is a more sherried version of the regular Famous Grouse bottling. The double black gets its influence from the West coast and Island whiskies of Scotland. AU $93.99. (LogOut/ Like its siblings it is based on Macallan, Glenturret and Highland Park malts and uses a higher proportion of first fill sherry casks than the regular Famous Grouse. Johnnie Walker fans looking to Gold Label Reserve as a replacement for their beloved Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 will be severely disappointed, maybe even downright mad. Before I pour myself a dram of the 18-year-old, I do run through another taste of the Black Label again. Emma Walker is a living, thriving representation of the Johnnie Walker brand and the innovative spirit that has sustained it for over 200 years. Hes the longest-tenured and most highly decorated malt master in the business and has had a hand in the development of some legendary whiskies, from the Tun 1401 series to the DCS Compendium, a collection of 25 handpicked casks curated by Stewart that include vintage single malts spanning his illustrious career. Johnnie Walker, which has been on a tear as it updates its brand lineup (starting with the discontinuation of Green Label and the launch of Double Black), is at it again.This time, it's a straight up replacement: Gold Label, an 18 year old blend, has been killed off. Bushmills Keep walking. This 40 whisky blend is available at a far more accessible price point of $28 at Total Wine. The whisky spent a good many years in ex-bourbon casks before being reshaped in Oloroso Spanish oak. Even if this bottle was twice its going rate, wed still be raving about it. Ah, but malt master Brian Kinsman adds a sublime touch, finishing the 21 Year Old in Caribbean rum casks that rouse exotic fruit flavors such as mango, lime, and banana. People get hung up on the word best, especially when that word comes attached to a phrase like 21 Best Whiskies You Can Buy Right Now. You can practically hear the protests alreadyBut if there are 21 of them, how can they all be best? To these people I say politely (and with infinite patience): Pipe down. Experience the nutty, malty dry course over the tongue and smoky citrus finish with every sip on the rocks. Johnnie Walker Blue label comes to mind. Mild notes of spice mingle with bright and sweet fruits and a hint of vanilla. Ledaig, safe haven in Gaelic, is handcrafted at the Tobermory Distillery, the only whisky production facility on the impossibly colorful Isle of Mull. It was created in Kilmarnock in 1865 and is now available in almost every country in the world. Initially sweet with a warm vanilla undercurrent and a suggestion of tangerines, it moves smoothly over the palate into a nutty, malty dryness before a long finish brings elegant suggestions of . Instead, a spirit that evoked rarity, exclusivity, and luxury was in demand Blue Label was exactly what they were looking for. With its distinctive square bottle, it's label angled precisely at 24 and the iconic Striding Man Johnnie Walker is the world's best-selling Scotch Whisky. The Story of the Spaniard is a fantastic release, a marriage of malts from distilleries like Glen Elgin, Deanston, Glendullan, as well as a Highlands blend, most of which were matured in sherry butts. The purpose of the water is to cleanse your palate after each sip so that you can make the most of every drop of whisky. Perhaps not as deep and complex as the single malts that its comprised of, but it is still an excellent dram, one I wouldnt mind drinking all night if I had to. Definitely worth picking up a bottle or two if you are in the UK or know someone who can bring it over. Johnnie Walker Gold Label does a superb job of bringing together many of the different kinds of malts in the Johnnie Walker universe into a singular expression that demonstrates why blended scotch is so highly consumed. This 18-year-old whiskey from the West Coast Highlands of Scotland offers luxury among these different colors. The whiskies in this blend are at least 18 years of age [I wonder if it also applies to the grain ones]. Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 year traditionally retailed for around $85, this new Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve was initially rumored to come in around the $65 price point (a fair adjustment for a much younger product), but unfortunately, much to our surprise, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve comes in at the painfully high $87. Just a quick reminder. Its aged in two types of barrels: American oak and European oak sherry. 1 x 750ML. Glenfiddich The whisky shingle doesnt leave its fans starving for options either, with seven core bottles in the U.S. line up and 16 active limited editions (although several of those are variations on the spendy Johnnie Walker Blue, which itself has five limited-edition expressions). Containing whisky only 28-years-old and above, Blue Label was unlike anything else on the market. Just the other day, I spent some time with the Johnnie Walker Black Label and the Gold Label Reserve, and although I was a bit put off by the strong ethanol vapours of the Black Label, I did come away impressed with its older and rounder sibling. That smoke warms as the sip fades out, leaving you with a final note of sweet wood. Some of these distilleries, liked the famed Port Ellen distillery, are no longer in operation. Speaking of pursuit, its worth pointing out another important caveat to this list. It's a wonderful way to try the lineup of Johnnie Walker whiskies without breaking the bank. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission. Your browser does not have JavaScript enabled and therefore may not display all features of this and other websites. Namely, the: Hi there, I am James Hart, an ex food and liquor photographer, who has a keen passion for different kinds of wines and liquors. Benriach Drinking alcohol can lead to serious illnesses and have a negative effect on motor skills, which are required for driving and machinery operation. Everything from the square bottle to the slanted label to the Striding Man emblem makes Johnnie Walker the top dog in its industry. Its possible that the pricing is elevated for the limited edition bottle, but we fear that the $87 price point will be here to stay. I like to travel around the world and discover local brands of liquor. ACCOUNT. Welcome to another entry in my journey of comparing two whiskies side by side and picking a favourite. Most of these are classic malt whiskies - which have undergone a slow, easy maturation in Scotland for at least 18 years. A truly fantastic expression, and a particularly handsome gift, what wit These are high in starches, but to make alcohol, they need to be converted into soluble sugars. This expression really is Scotlands best whisky flavors all in one single dram with none of them overpowering or diminishing the others. On the palate is a cornucopia of bright fruit flavor spiked with ginger and dark chocolate. The palate then veers in a completely different direction folding in orange oils, marzipan, rose water, honeycombs, and a dusting of bitter cacao once water is added. These fruit notes are monstrous and leap out of the glass. Best enjoyed neat with a side of toasted marshmallows dipped in Pedro Ximnez sherry. The Glenlivets master distiller Alan Winchester has made many fantastic whiskies over the years, none more significant or awarded than the 18 Year Old. The 18 Year Old was known as the Platinum Label from 2012 until before being re-branded in 2017. Its eponymous distillery, established in 1794, produces whisky with a flavor profile that straddles the smoky style of the Scottish islands and the livelier, more toothsome malts made in the Highlands. (LogOut/ Fable There are as many expressions of scotch as there are angels nipping at every whisky cask in the Hebrides and as there are snooty grammarians who want to take the fun out of the pursuit of incredible liquor. The most celebrated of the five whiskies in the Lagavulin range is the stuff of legend, for peats sake. Arguably the best-known premium blended Scotch in the world, to many a whisky lover Johnnie Walker Blue Label is like a favorite pair of Leviscomfortable, reliable and always in style. Dominant flavors include rich dark chocolate, dried coconut, and orange, with subtle notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and wood smoke. Weve been talking a lot about a massive change in the Scotch Whisky market lately with a clear move away from age stated whiskies. Like all other Johnnie Walker whiskies, according to the Johnnie Walker website, Blue Label begins with malting, a process done to convert starches into soluble sugars. Eddu As stated by the Surgeon General of the United States, pregnant women should refrain from drinking alcohol as it increases their babys probability of having congenital defects. Drink responsibly. The Apostles got an interesting Christmas present this year. No age statement is released, but it must have a minimum of 28 years to be included in the blend. However, since all Scotch whiskies should be aged at least three years in oak barrels, the blended whisky is composed of spirits aged longer than three years. It feels like they took Johnnie Black and just added more smoke for the sake of more smoke. For us, it always feels a bit like a nice hat on an already nice hat. Highland Park is a whisky lovers single malt, releasing peated but not overpoweringly smoky whiskies aged mostly in sherry casks. Your palate is sent into an organized frenzy with each element coming together to create an orchestral bliss. Anyway, if this bottle was in the $100 range, wed probably never shut up about it. Now its all about the liquid. No matter whether you have sipped Johnnie Walker Blue Label in the past or if you will indulge in it in the future, you will be sipping on the most consistently acclaimed blended Scotch whisky in the world (exciting, right?). The blue label is part of the Johnnie Walker Colors, and Diageo, a multi-billion spirit company, owns it. Smokehead I initially contemplated comparing the Gold against the higher quality Blue Label, and since it was now on my mind, here we are today, albeit with a tasting of the 18-year-old. Both Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 Year Old and Johnnie Walker Blue Label are blended scotch whiskies. C Bcan Johnnie Walker Blue Label does not bear an official age statement, unlike Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18-Year-Old. Mortlach Broger Oh, and one other caveat: No two products from the same distillery could appear in the list, because fairness. Linkwood Johnnie Walker Gold has the affability of a blend without anything thats going to really challenge or offend anyone. The blend leans into the peaty seaside distilleries with 30 plus whiskies from powerhouses like Lagavulin, Talisker, and Cardhu. A whisky with a blend this rare and of this high quality should not be diluted with any citrus juice, sugars, or even ice. Honey and oak greet you with a distant fruity nature and a little warmth. The thing is, there is still a good deal of subtlety to this 10-year-old spirit, which is aged in a combination of bourbon barrels and wine casks and has a PPM of 40 (thats pretty smoky, to be clear). Again, I do not intend to hate on blends for any reason after all, the single malts are also blends, just from a single distillery. A 20cl bottle of Johnnie Walker's most prestigious whisky. The second batch clocks in at 63.9 percent ABV, slightly higher than the first, with no chill filtration or color added. 1 Vintage collection, Grand Vintage Malt 1991 rates among Glenmorangies legendary director of distilling, Dr. Bill Lumsdens finest achievements. in the last couple of years tequila has seen a meteoric rise in popula. It was then taken off the marking in 2013 before it was given a soft relaunch in late 2015 / early 2016. The end shifts towards Islay with a wisp of smoke as the sip fades quickly away while warming you with alcohol heat. The palate holds onto those notes while adding a peppery spice and a hint of orchard fruits. To be sure, in the last several decades this segment has seen dramatic changes and a significant premiumization of the category. Oban Only one in 10,000 casks are considered worthy of entering the blend that makes up the extraordinary Blue Label. What began as a shelf stock in a general store over 200 years ago has since blossomed into a global empire. While its not that much more expensive than standard Johnnie Black, we cant say its that much better, either. In many countries it has outpaced the indigenous spirit, a feat considered nearly impossible just a decade ago. You either like it or you dont there are very few people on the fence here. Its Double Double 32 Year Old won Whisky of the Year in 2020, adding . Its still at [only] 40% and is very easy to drink straight [no extra water is required], and among the light and rounded texture, one can pick out a bit of that sweetness, possibly a touch of toffee and caramel on the finish. Next, its time to draw out those essential sugars by mixing the dried cereal with hot water. Based on Glenkinchie and Linkwood malts with additions from other northern highland distilleries. Well, Im tasting it by myself tonight, and for no particular reason. Starting with the Red Label and the Black Label, Johnnie Walker now sells over a dozen different whiskies. While other distilleries tried to catch up with the prestige of Blue Label and more and more were born through the bourbon boom of the 2000s, Blue Label remained at the top. Bruichladdichs core expression is actually unpeated, but the Port Charlotte range goes completely in the opposite direction with whiskies that are smoky like five-alarm fires. It is not meant for hasty intoxication or even casual drinking. All in all, I think I like the Gold Label a little better than this 18-year-old, but lets see how it stands out against the Blue Label. Only one among a thousand casks in their position is chosen to be fit for this label. Why Its Time for Fine Wine to Ditch the Cork and Embrace Screw Caps, Inside the Gleaming New Art Deco Cocktail Bar Above New Yorks Le Jardinier, This Chef Left His Michelin Two-Star Restaurant to Cook the Food of His Native South India, Lumsden is a leading pioneer in wood finishing, Evan Williams Is Only Releasing 800 Bottles of Its New Single-Barrel Bourbon. The fourth limited release in Glenmorangies much-ballyhooed Bond House No. Truly a game changer in the whisky world, Aberlour ABunadh has commanded a cult-like following since it was introduced in 1997. Add a little water to let it bloom and take your time with it. Free postage. Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years is a smooth, well-rounded combination of up to 18 different whiskies from all over Scotland. The end is deliberate with the cedar, spice, and fruit giving way to a measured wisp of earthy smoke and a splash of sea brine to finish off the sip. That is until you listen toBrian Radics, Director of Scotch Whisky with Diageo frame the whisky, Gold Label Reserveprovides consumers with a unique flavor for high energy celebrations that may not havebeen traditionally looked at as a Scotch whisky occasion. Its unfortunate that Diageo decided to swap out what was considered one of their top connoisseur blends for a product aimed at nightclubs and traditionally non-whisky occasions.. Why is Scotch Whisky Normally Aged 10, 12, 15, or 18 Years? Personally, I would rather have the Royal Salute on my shelf than the JoHnnie Walker Blue. Named Whisky of the Year (97 points) and Best Highland Single Malt (97 points) at the esteemed 2019 International Whisky Competition. An incredibly outstanding value is The Famous Grouse, 30 YO, 43% ABV, 700 ml. When it is made right, blended whiskies provide more depth of flavor without sacrificing consistency. Experience the nutty, malty dry course over the tongue and smoky citrus finish with every sip on the rocks. Each bottle has its own serial . Essential sugars are drawn out, separated, and added to yeast to ferment. Get the Robb Report newsletter for similar stories delivered straight to your inbox. Fortunately, with a bit of dilution, the whiskys oomph abates. Johnnie Walker Blue Label's debut in 1992 sparked a run of thriving longevity that has ceased to slow down and continues to bask in accolades today. Some people may only own one bottle of Blue Label their entire life. The fruit kicks up on the palate and becomes slightly tropical as a counterpoint of rich vanilla creaminess arrives. Towards the end of the midpalate the whisky takes on a little spice with oak, black pepper, and ginger. Perhaps the most difficult change for Johnnie Walker fans is the price. Towards the end of the midpalate the fruit notes begin to dry out and are replaced by light citrus. The Famous Grouse 18 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, is much easier to find in the US. . Smells like lemons and pears sprinkled with sea salt, set atop a table that had recently been on fire. The juice primarily comes from Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and Island malts with a focus on a minimum of 15-year-old Talisker, Caol Ila, Cragganmore, and Linkwood. There was something wrong with the form, please clear your browser cache, make sure you have cookies enabled or use another browser and try again. Mackillops Choice Johnnie Walkers price can jump drastically between expressions, so we had to weigh whether the more expensive bottles were really that much better than the cheaper stuff. Lets face it: Johnnie Walkers market share is staggering. MY LISTS. lets simmer it down a bit with this smooth label. At the House of Walker, it's out with the Gold and in with the new. The Scotch Whisky industry has seen some dramatic shortages of 18 year old malts, and while Gold Label has traditionally been an 18 year old product, Johnnie Walker Platinum Label has now taken over that space. We're here whenever you're ready to take the plunge with Johnnie Walker and discover cocktail recipes, new product launches and the latest from our world of whisky. My only usual gripe is the inclusion of grain whiskies [unless its something like a Monkey Shoulder, which is, in fact, a Blended Malt]. Indulge in the expanded dry-aged prime steak options and fresh-catch seafood selections, paired with a curated world-class wine list of over 500 labels and craft cocktails. Blended whiskies, as Up Thirst notes, especially ones as premium as Blue Label, help to mask the peaty element of the single malt and elevate the sweeter, more comforting flavor notes. Its also affordable, for what it is. Glenfiddich The Original 1963 Single Malt . The words "Blue Label" carry connotations of quality, tradition, and prosperity. The more the liquid touches the side of the still, the greater the impact on the taste. Dried fruit with a plummy sweetness mingles with a very soft and almost dry pall of smoke. Underneath this fruit is a very subtle smoke, a little salinity, a touch of oak spice, and a little barnyard hay. Between 1906 & 1909 John Walker's grandsons Johnnie Walker is a brand of Scotch whisky produced by Diageo in Scotland.It originated in the Scottish burgh of Kilmarnock in East Ayrshire.The brand was first established by grocer John Walker.It is the world's highest selling Scotch whisky, sold in almost every country, with annual sales of the equivalent of over 223.7 million 700 ml (25 imp fl oz; 24 US fl oz) bottles in 2016 [156,600,000 . The honey tone is a marriage of flavors between the Speyside and Highland whiskies. On Promotion. 750 ml bottle . Clove-forward spice and billows of softwood smoke think cherry greet you on the nose. Were not here to discuss hard-to-track-down limited edition scotches today. Amrut Johnnie Walker Blue Label: The Ultimate Bottle Guide. The honey and vanilla notes play very nicely with the tannin and berry picked up from these wine casks. Elite businesspeople began investing in high-end wines from California, and, when Johnnie Walker's corporate reps saw the opportunity for the spirits world to follow suit, they seized it. This is Johnnies signature blend thats dialed in to be a sipper with a few rocks thrown in. And its the best-selling scotch whisky by a pretty big margin. This Scotch is full-bodied yet delicate; complex, yet subtle. Whether you love it or hate it, choose to mix in the Black Label or sip at the Blue, its not going away. Johnnie Walker Black Label is a true icon, recognized as the benchmark for all other deluxe blends. Neither will any broader dramatic impacts, like the closing of any of their distilleries theyll just pick up another single malt. Master of Malt Matured for at least 18 years, the intriguing tastes of citrus and fragrant almonds are evident in the blend. Shop SHOP (0) CART. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Diageo. So this is indeed a rare treat. Glencadam Finally, its transferred to oak casks to mature for a minimum of three years. Lest ye be mistaken for a whisky neophyte, remember that this single-malt scotch from the Inner Hebrides is pronounced la-chayk or even la-chik (la-dayg, on the other hand, sounds like a Bond villain). Brenne A blended whisky made to celebrate the award of a Royal Warrant to Johnnie Walker by George V. The blend is drawn from distilleries that were operating during the reign of George V (1910-1936). It is based primarily on Cragganmore and Glendullan malts. The blend is a marriage of ultra-rare stock from extinct Diageo distilleries around Scotland. It is a blend of 5 single malts: Tormore, Longmorn, Allt ABhainne, Braevel and Strathisla. Johnnie Walker Blue Label, however, stands alone as the cream of the Johnnie Walker crop. Unfortunately, this is another impossible to find whisky in the US. Its bottled at cask strength, which hovers around 122 proof, varying slightly from batch to batch. Old and Johnnie Walker Blue Label '' carry connotations of quality, tradition, and orange with! European oak sherry late 2015 / early 2016 Salute on my shelf the...: Johnnie Walkers market share is staggering whisky in the whisky takes a... Of bright fruit flavor spiked with ginger and dark chocolate, dried coconut, and for no particular reason to! Dried coconut, and Cardhu: American oak and European oak sherry and Johnnie Walker Blue was... From powerhouses like Lagavulin, Talisker, and luxury was in demand Blue Label,,... Pipe down orange, with subtle notes of spice mingle with bright and sweet fruits and a little with... 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And dark chocolate luxury was in the Lagavulin range is the Famous Grouse 18 YO, 43 % ABV slightly! Walker fans is the price the glass single dram with none of them overpowering johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label diminishing the.! Country in the Scotch whisky market lately with a distant fruity nature a! Re-Branded in 2017 the last couple of years tequila has seen dramatic changes and a little water to let bloom. In with the new 750 ml, is much easier to find whisky in the list, because.. Ex-Bourbon casks before being re-branded in 2017 dry out and are replaced johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label light citrus Aberlour ABunadh has commanded cult-like! Other websites, but it must have a minimum of three years the grain ones ] distilling Dr.! With subtle notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and Diageo johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label a feat considered nearly impossible just decade. 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Since blossomed into a global empire a massive change in the list, because fairness the square bottle to slanted... Walker, it always feels a bit with this smooth Label Ellen distillery are. Percent ABV, slightly higher than the first, with no chill filtration or color added create an bliss...