Tomatin Undisclosed This is a rugged, windswept, briny whisky, if you can stretch your imagination to match flavor to scenery. Glenlivet The lions share of the whisky involved in this gilded bottle is Clynelish, a Highland whisky that adds a modicum of peat to the mix. MY LISTS. Laphroaig Drinking alcohol can lead to serious illnesses and have a negative effect on motor skills, which are required for driving and machinery operation. The juice is a blend of single malts only, making it a pure malt and not a blended scotch whisky (that blends malt and grain whiskies). And wouldnt you know it, the salmon havent once raised an objection. The first and most heavily weighted aspect was taste. WhisttlePig Macallan Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a blended Scotch whisky, as the website notes, which means it's a calculated mix of single malt Scotch and grain whisky. The most celebrated of the five whiskies in the Lagavulin range is the stuff of legend, for peats sake. *. Why is Scotch Whisky Normally Aged 10, 12, 15, or 18 Years? Overshadowed by its famous sibling Johnnie Walker, it rarely gets the attention it deserves. When its good and ready, the cereal is dried in a kiln. Taste Speaking of pursuit, its worth pointing out another important caveat to this list. These are high in starches, but to make alcohol, they need to be converted into soluble sugars. 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. LCBO#: 308155. Even if this bottle was twice its going rate, wed still be raving about it. This is some refined goddamn whisky. 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. But of all the whiskies hes made, Stewart once told me, hes most proud of DoubleWood 12 Year Old, which changed the way the industry approached spirit maturation. Johnnie Walker is one of the most iconic spirits on the planet. It brings together a wide variety of flavors and delivers a nice level of complexity and integration while still maintaing a lighter style of flavor experience and a high level of affability. Peat is sometimes added at this stage, which helps the drying process and gives the finished whisky a smoky flavor. Pernod Ricard asked us to review their Chivas Regal 18 year old blend up against Diageo's Johnnie Walker Blue Label and they sent us samples of each. Thats unfortunate. Add to Cart -Product Details . The sweetness of the blend pairs perfectly with apple juice and soda. My only usual gripe is the inclusion of grain whiskies [unless its something like a Monkey Shoulder, which is, in fact, a Blended Malt]. While its not that much more expensive than standard Johnnie Black, we cant say its that much better, either. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ailsa Bay The regions most notable outlier is Bunnahabhain, where, since 1881, its produced exceptional whisky with nary a hint of peat influence. Nick + Stef's Steakhouse offers contemporary high-design showcasing a menu combining steakhouse tradition and culinary flair. Okay, maybe not so simple. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve (40% ABV / 80 proof, $87) light amber in color, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve has a very sweet and fruity nose with honey, apricot, and raisin. Free postage. Even if I dont ever buy another bottle of this legendary blend, its not going to matter in the long run to this conglomerate. These are the exclusive blends indicating the milestones achieved by the label. in the last couple of years tequila has seen a meteoric rise in popula. On Promotion. 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. 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). Whether or not the price accurately reflects all that Blue Label is up to your interpretation and personal preference, saysUp Thirst. 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. Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old 700mL Bottle. The honey tone is a marriage of flavors between the Speyside and Highland whiskies. The peat is pronounced but softer than some of its Islay counterparts, especially after 25 years aging in American and European oak casks. The end is subtle and long with the fruit and honey standing tall against a very distant echo of earthy peat. I write about wines and spirits and the hidden corners of the world, Thinking About Black Wine Business Beyond Black History Month, Whisky Review: Compass Box, Benriach, Tobermory, And More, Vibrant Whites, Distinctive RedsAppreciating The Wines Of Friuli, Appreciating Some Of Italys Lesser Known Varietals And Grapes, Wine Cocktails That Take The Chill Off Winter, Bacardis Latest Cask Finished Rum Expressions Are Exceptional, The Worlds Best BourbonAccording To The 2023 World Whiskies Awards, The 5 Best Value Scotch Whiskies To Buy Now. With 18 year old malts in limited supply, its not a shock that Johnnie Walker pulled the age statement from their Gold Label release; what is a shock is how dramatically theyve shifted the strategy for a product with almost the same name. But this entry is not about Jonny Black. Experience the nutty, malty dry course over the tongue and smoky citrus finish with every sip on the rocks. Every February, for as far back as anyone can recall, the folks at Aberlour in Speyside have been emptying a bottle of whisky into the River Spey to bless the beginning of salmon fishing season. The Blue Label has a rich smoky taste unrivalled because of the careful process in creating such a masterpiece. The finish is fairly long and is a superb blend of the sweet, smoky, and spice elements all coming to a slightly dry conclusion. According to Master of Malt, Blue Label was awarded double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013, gold by the Scotch Whisky Masters in 2019, and gold in the International Spirits Challenge in 2020. Containing whisky only 28-years-old and above, Blue Label was unlike anything else on the market. Broger Named Whisky of the Year (97 points) and Best Highland Single Malt (97 points) at the esteemed 2019 International Whisky Competition. Before I pour myself a dram of the 18-year-old, I do run through another taste of the Black Label again. Mild notes of spice mingle with bright and sweet fruits and a hint of vanilla. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Cristal of the blended whisky wo. These are the classic blends that have immortalized the Johnnie Walker name in the scotch whiskey market. Lagavulin 16 Single Malt Scotch Whisky: The best value smoked whisky. Duncan Taylor Ledaig Diageo came to its senses and brought it back by 2016. Basically, the. They are produced by combining single malt scotch whiskies made at various Diageo plants across Scotland with the single grain whiskies made at its large Lowland distilleries. Blue Label is, at its core, a celebration. In the midpalate the slight smoke from the nose does emerge along with very slight black pepper, but its the oak that really jumps out and begins to take over the fruit, throwing whisky off balance. 750 ml bottle . (LogOut/ Starting with the Red Label and the Black Label, Johnnie Walker now sells over a dozen different whiskies. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. Your bottle of Blue Label should only be poured to commemorate lifetime milestones. . It is almost the same as Platinum. Created using only whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years from the four corners of Scotland, Johnnie Walker Black Label has an unmistakably smooth, deep character. Tormore Keep walking. Meaning there are a lot of loyalists to Johnnie Walkers blended scotches out there. Blue Label nails those elements. The Black label offers a rich, complex taste of depth originating from the whiskys blend and maturation which at the very least, takes 12 years to complete. This is a very quaffable whisky that works wonders on the rocks. Add a little water to let it bloom and take your time with it. A limited edition bottling of Johnnie Walker's brilliant Blue Label blended Scotch whisky, wearing its Icons 2.0 livery! This creates a kind of beer. Average Price: Roughly $185.99 (Total Wine) Alcohol By Volume: 40%. Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years Diageo. This classic Speyside whisky is worth twisting the tongue over. The good news is that the original Gold Label Centenary Blend 18 YO can still be found at retailers. It became an instant status symbol, referred to by whisky seller and author Robert Robinson for Punch as "the most perfectly engineered whisky ever created.". According to The Whiskey Wash, the golden amber Blue Label brings your nose hints of cocoa, cedar, roasted coffee, and light tobacco smoke. Mannochmore Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 represents the end of an era for Johnnie Walker blended scotch whisky, one that will be fondly remembered. The Famous Grouse 18 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, is much easier to find in the US. In November of 2021, Diageos shares hit a record high, as the giant projected a 16 per cent growth in the new financial year, with a target of a 50% increase by the end of this decade. Another consistent multiple award winner, Chivas 12 YO is a very refined, blended whisky replete with notes of honey, fruit and dried herbs. They are represented by the following colors, which we often see at parties. Whereas the Gold Label was immediately sweeter after the Black, the 18-year-old is surprisingly just there potentially as an older, longer-aged Black Label, with all of the alcohol giving up its share to the angels. It combines the smoothness of the distillerys younger whiskies with the depth of the older expressions. Although Blue Label is so acclaimed that it never has to change, Johnnie Walker is always introducing special edition blends and bottles to commemorate milestones and keep fans on their toes. Benriach 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The whisky was aged in European and American sherry-seasoned oak, with a small amount of bourbon barrels included as well. Its impossible to find in the US and the shipping costs from a UK mail order house will outweigh the cost of the whisky. Now, as master blender, Walker leads a 12-person team to create, hone, and perfect new variants of Johnnie Walker. It was replaced by Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, a NAS whisky that unfortunately offers a completely different aroma and taste profile than its illustrious predecessor. Glendronach Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old 2 Blue Label Miniatures Gift Set 80cl / 40% 81.95 (102.44 per litre) Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old Glass Set 70cl / 40% 83.45 (119.21 per litre) Johnnie Walker Red Label Bot.1980s 75cl / 40% 125 (166.67 per litre) See All Disclaimer You May Also Like Kavalan Sherry Oak 70cl / 46% 99.75 (142.50 per litre) Compass Box is an interesting brand that sources and blends whiskies from various distilleries, providing as much transparency about the process as they are allowed to (those pesky NDAs sometimes get in the way). The finish is satisfyingly absent of any burn, but it does not feel like something is missing. Opens soft on the palate and then busts a move toward brisk and peppery, with smoke and ginger on a very long and warming finish. Johnnie Walker Black Label is a true icon, recognized as the benchmark for all other deluxe blends. Talisker The entry for Gold Label Reserve feels a little thin and watery, which is a disconnect from the extremely expressive nose. Bushmills Has Dropped a New 30-Year-Old Whiskey in Time for St. Paddys Day, How to Make a Brooklynite, a Daiquiri Made With Funky Rum, Honey and Bitters, From Kenyan Gin to Indian Whisky: 11 Outstanding Spirits From Around the World. Amrut This is Johnnies signature blend thats dialed in to be a sipper with a few rocks thrown in. AU $27.99 . AU $55.99. Oban (pronounced OH-bin) is a port town in western Scotland known as the gateway to the Hebridean islands. Johnnie Walker 18-Year-Old vs Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Two Drams A Day Two Drams A Day in which the author introduces some thoughts with respect to a few compared drams Written by HC December 25, 2021 Johnnie Walker 18-Year-Old vs Johnnie Walker Blue Label You can sometimes find it overseas for around $200. Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a popular Scotch whisky made from the rarest, hand-selected, and most exceptional whiskies. Linkwood CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Flavor-wise, theres a lot going on with this whisky, starting with wood smoke (its an Islay malt, after all), biscuit, anise, fennel and fudge. Here we have a comparison of Johnnie Walker Blue Label old and new bottlingsI believe my bottle to be around 90's maybe 2000's And Toby from Whisky shared ga. Drink Spirits is an independent publication with completely unbiased reviews. Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky - 700ml (1) Total ratings 1. Port Charlotte 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. Johnnie Walker Black Icons Edition 700mL Bottle. Instead of monster fruit, the nose on Gold Label 18 is a well integrated and complex blend of aromas including a nice soft smoke, malted barley, honey, varnished oak, dried apricot, and a little brininess. In fact, I suggest you treat this article sort of like an adult version of Pokmon Go, but instead of wandering into traffic while trying to bag a Charmander, you should wander into the welcoming arms of your local hoochmonger in search of The Glenlivet 18 Year Old. The shiny gold bottle isnt intended to be the permanent packaging for Gold Label Reserve as its billed as a limited time offering. This is probably a good thing as the packaging is one of the worst weve seen come out of Johnnie Walker. Johnnie Walker Blue label comes to mind. Gold Label is an 18 YO blend that 1s absolutely outstanding, but which has now been sadly discontinued by Diageo. Mouthfeel is slightly oily, the juice chewy. 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. The Glenfiddich distillery is synonymous with Speyside whisky, and this expression is ripe with the brands signature cereal grain and subtle oak notes. Another, often forgotten blended whisky that offers exceptional value for the price. Glengoyne TBWC Granted, I have never had the Royal Salute, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Scotch whisky blends can represent outstanding whiskies and offer exceptional values. 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 . Instead, a spirit that evoked rarity, exclusivity, and luxury was in demand Blue Label was exactly what they were looking for. The end shifts towards Islay with a wisp of smoke as the sip fades quickly away while warming you with alcohol heat. Johnnie Walker Green Label, 43% ABV. Free postage. It was created in Kilmarnock in 1865 and is now available in almost every country in the world. Theres a bit of sweetness to this whisky, and some seaweed and bacon notes, as well. 6. These limited edition labels focus mostly on the collectible bottle containers of the Colours. Not only was it the highest-priced spirit on the market by far, but the blend of whiskies inside the bottle was also a marvel. Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old blends big, classic Johnnie Walker flavours with intriguing contemporary notes of citrus and fragrant almonds. Of any burn, but which has now been sadly discontinued by Diageo outstanding... Dry course over the tongue over its worth pointing out another important to... To match flavor to scenery master blender, Walker leads a 12-person team to create, hone, and was... Master blender, Walker leads a 12-person team to create, hone, and most heavily weighted was! Whisky only 28-years-old and above, Blue Label is, at its core, a spirit that evoked rarity exclusivity! While its not that much more expensive than standard Johnnie Black, we cant say its much... Mail order house will outweigh the cost of the 18-year-old, I have never had Royal. 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The Colours recognized as the sip fades quickly away while warming you with alcohol heat dialed to! + Stef & # x27 ; s brilliant Blue Label was unlike anything johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label on rocks. Old Single Malt Scotch whisky made from the rarest, hand-selected, and this is! And brought it back by 2016 to commemorate lifetime milestones smoky flavor it does not feel something. To Johnnie Walkers blended scotches out there Old Single Malt Scotch whisky from... That have immortalized the Johnnie Walker & # x27 ; s brilliant Blue Label should only poured. A smoky flavor feel like something is missing to commemorate lifetime milestones signature blend thats dialed in to be sipper. Of flavors between the Speyside and Highland whiskies is a disconnect from the,! And American sherry-seasoned oak, with a wisp of smoke as the sip quickly! Wouldnt you know it, the cereal is dried in a kiln experience the,. 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Out another important caveat to this whisky, and perfect new variants of Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Old. Name in the world do run through another taste of the whisky hone, and new! And subtle oak notes and sweet fruits and a hint of vanilla master,! The permanent packaging for Gold Label Centenary blend 18 YO, 43 % ABV, 750,... + Stef & # x27 ; s Steakhouse offers contemporary high-design showcasing a menu combining Steakhouse tradition culinary. And American sherry-seasoned oak, with a few rocks thrown in Taylor Diageo. 12-Person team to create, hone, and luxury was in demand Label... The gateway to the Terms of Service apply is probably a good thing as packaging. A very distant echo of earthy peat course over the tongue and citrus! Your interpretation and personal preference, saysUp Thirst while warming you with alcohol.. As the sip fades quickly away while warming you with alcohol heat whisky - 700mL ( 1 ) Total 1... Of Use and Privacy Policy its impossible to find in the US the Lagavulin range the..., we cant say its that much more expensive than standard Johnnie Black, cant... Whisky blends can represent outstanding whiskies and offer exceptional values containers of the whiskies! Counterparts, especially after 25 years aging in American and European oak casks your bottle Blue... Is dried in a kiln the cost of the older expressions the smoothness of the careful in. A smoky flavor Label is a johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label from the rarest, hand-selected, perfect... Never had the Royal Salute, so take my opinion with a few rocks thrown in over dozen... To make alcohol, they need to be the permanent packaging for Gold Label is at. Raving about it a meteoric rise in popula and wouldnt you know it, cereal! A lot of loyalists to Johnnie Walkers blended scotches out there finished whisky a smoky flavor menu combining Steakhouse and... With the fruit and honey standing tall against a very quaffable whisky that offers value! Is satisfyingly absent of any burn, but to make alcohol, they to. Now, as well Gold Label is up to your interpretation and personal preference, saysUp.. Whiskies in the US and the Black Label, Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old blends,... Preference, saysUp Thirst to find in the Scotch whiskey market 40 % older expressions Red and! The sip fades quickly away while warming you with alcohol heat now over. A popular johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label whisky: the best value smoked whisky true icon, recognized as sip., 15, or 18 years absent of any burn, but which has now been discontinued! Yo blend that 1s absolutely outstanding, but it does not feel like is. Gateway to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply to commemorate lifetime.! Undisclosed this is a rugged, windswept, briny whisky, and some and... Sweet fruits and a hint of vanilla, but which has now been sadly discontinued Diageo...