For additional ideas in exceptional single malt whisky values see The 5 Best Value Scotch Whiskies To Buy Now. 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. Lets face it: Johnnie Walkers market share is staggering. Auchentoshan Diageo Luxury Ambassador Ewan Morgan explained that Johnnie Walker Blue Label has always been about complexity and rarity. The end shifts towards Islay with a wisp of smoke as the sip fades quickly away while warming you with alcohol heat. HOME. While the mouth feel of Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 is light, its not nearly as watery as Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve and it is much more forthcoming with its flavor notes, which are more closely aligned with its nose. Still, this is the broadest of all the sips on the list and really only works as a mixer at the end of the day. The words "Blue Label" carry connotations of quality, tradition, and prosperity. 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. The Glenlivet 18 has garnered virtually every award of note handed out in the spirits industry, and deservedly so. James Eadie Johnnie Walker Black Icons Edition 700mL Bottle. Crn Mr Glenfiddich Unfortunately, this is another impossible to find whisky in the US. Its a smoke show, simple as that. Yamazaki 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. The blend leans into the peaty seaside distilleries with 30 plus whiskies from powerhouses like Lagavulin, Talisker, and Cardhu. Highland Park The fruit kicks up on the palate and becomes slightly tropical as a counterpoint of rich vanilla creaminess arrives. The dried cereal is then ground in a mill, all set for the next stage. This is one of those whiskies thats really hard to put down. Cask Strength Peated: Batch 2, the latest release from under-the-radar Speyside producer The BenRiach, is a single malt Scotch whisky that will test the intestinal fortitude of the heartiest hooch drinkers. Douglas Laing 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. And its the best-selling scotch whisky by a pretty big margin. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Old Style. Currently, the average price of one 750 mL bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label is $229on Wine-Searcher. Plus, there is a factor of status and brand that contributes to the price point. The Explorers Club is an international non-profit organization, dedicated to scientific research exploration and expedition planning. Our whisky blends big, classic Johnnie Walker flavors with intriguing contemporary notes. Free postage. For us, it always feels a bit like a nice hat on an already nice hat. These fruit notes are combined with a nice clear malt flavor. Only one in 10,000 casks of whisky are deemed suitable to enter the blend that makes up Blue Label, each whisky being between the specific ages of 28-years-old and 60-years-old. AU $201.90. Glen Garioch The most celebrated of the five whiskies in the Lagavulin range is the stuff of legend, for peats sake. The honey and vanilla notes play very nicely with the tannin and berry picked up from these wine casks. These are the classic blends that have immortalized the Johnnie Walker name in the scotch whiskey market. 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. And if you do, we have another challenge for youpursue all the bourbons on this other list. Tendrils of smoke curl around vanilla, caramel and ripe tropical fruit notes, bringing an elegance to this assertive whisky, which at 91.6 proof packs a little bit of heat. A truly fantastic expression, and a particularly handsome gift, what wit According to Punch, Guinness UDV, Johnnie Walker's then-owner, saw a niche in the market to be filled by a status symbol spirit in the late 1980s. ACCOUNT. For other spirit ideas see Finding The Perfect Fathers Day Gift. Notwithstanding the tremendous growth in demand for single malt Scotch whisky, two-thirds of Scotch whisky sales are still in the form of blends. Tamdhu Towards the end of the midpalate the fruit notes begin to dry out and are replaced by light citrus. Talisker The end is slow, smoky, and full of dry fruits, nuts, and a malty nature. It all starts with the cereal: barley or grain. 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. Fary Lochan The Johnnie Walker traditions she is pushing forward will hopefully continue to inspire and support her vision until the end of her tenure. Add to Cart -Product Details . 1 Vintage collection, Grand Vintage Malt 1991 rates among Glenmorangies legendary director of distilling, Dr. Bill Lumsdens finest achievements. 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. You can get the accurate prices from local stores. Morrison and MacKay Glenlivet Okay, maybe not so simple. Yes, I would like to receive special offers and promotions from Johnnie Walker by email. This full-bodied, creamy expression is produced one batch at a time and matured exclusively in first-fill oloroso sherry casks. 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. The Gold's fruity side is more subtle when compared directly with the Black. Chivas v. Johnnie. 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. Many are multiple award winners. Johnnie Walker Blue Label, however, stands alone as the cream of the Johnnie Walker crop. Beginning at the company 13 years ago, says The Whiskey Wash,Walker is responsible for the blends for Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare series that debuted in 2019. Johnnie Walker Blue Label, King George V, NAS, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $310 A blended whisky made to celebrate the award of a Royal Warrant to Johnnie Walker by George V. The blend is drawn. The rich amber-colored 17 is full-flavored and balanced, develops slowly, and brims with sweet malty notes and the intensely jammy flavor of a black mission figand with a touch of peat smoke and a hint of oak to boot. On the nose we get apricots, anise and orange oil. It feels like they took Johnnie Black and just added more smoke for the sake of more smoke. AU $269.99. They range from entry level brands to premium selections. Containing whisky only 28-years-old and above, Blue Label was unlike anything else on the market. This Scotch is 18 years old, so every ingredient in the bottle has been aged at least 18 years in Scotland. 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. It is a blend of 5 single malts: Tormore, Longmorn, Allt ABhainne, Braevel and Strathisla. Towards the end of the midpalate the whisky takes on a little spice with oak, black pepper, and ginger. These are the exclusive blends indicating the milestones achieved by the label. 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). Starting with the Red Label and the Black Label, Johnnie Walker now sells over a dozen different whiskies. Character Of Islay Oh, and one other caveat: No two products from the same distillery could appear in the list, because fairness. Duncan Taylor Its just somewhat overpriced. Macallan In this article, we will get to know the different flavors of one of the best-selling whisky brands in the world. It is almost the same as Platinum. Smgen The blend that fills Blue Label bottles must reach a minimum of 28-years-old, and some single-malts are as old as 60 years. Definitely worth picking up a bottle or two if you are in the UK or know someone who can bring it over. The English Whisky Co. Johnnie Walker Blue Label . Peated whisky can be divisive, particularly at the extreme end of the spectrum. Adding just a few drops of water reveals all sorts of pleasantries on the palate including butterscotch, crme brle, apple and star anise. While Black Label is a fine Scotch whisky, it's only that just fine. Some people may only own one bottle of Blue Label their entire life. This Scotch is a little bit stronger than the original Blue Label and only includes whiskies in its blend made from distilleries that have been around since 1820. Expect the unexpected here, as the typical dried fruit and creamy vanilla notes are buttressed with bright citrus and warm cocoa flavors. ABV: 40% Average Price: . This does taste really f*cking good. 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. This 12 day advent calendar style pack is now being offered at a substantial discount. Finally, the distillate fills oak casks for a long maturation, the final step that contributes the most color and flavor. which is comprised of 18 whiskies all of which are a minimum of 18 years old. Port Askaig Glencadam This is a blended malt whisky, what used to be called vatted malts, and only contains single malts. Darkness Its Double Double 32 Year Old won Whisky of the Year in 2020, adding . Smells like lemons and pears sprinkled with sea salt, set atop a table that had recently been on fire. Its impossible to find in the US and the shipping costs from a UK mail order house will outweigh the cost of the whisky. Laphroaig Free postage. lets simmer it down a bit with this smooth label. We only provide the approximate prices. It is a bottle that is more affordable to have and replenish in your home bar many times over. The entry leads immediately with some of the sweeter elements of the whisky with honey, dried apricot, and apple. Aged in oak casks for at least sixteen years, it has the peated smoked flavour typical . Bushmills It is a blend . The Blue doesn't come with an age specification but the Black is a blend of 12-year-old malts, the Green 15's, and the Gold seems to be bottled as either 15 or 18. Please do not share with anyone under the legal purchase age for alcohol. One of the great sipping whiskies that have ever been, its best enjoyed neat right after a sip of ice-cold spring water. 1 x 750ML. The peat is pronounced but softer than some of its Islay counterparts, especially after 25 years aging in American and European oak casks. In this age of global economic crisis, the good folks at Pernod are trying to offer an alternative to the "super . Why is Scotch Whisky Normally Aged 10, 12, 15, or 18 Years? In fall 2021, Emma Walker was promoted to that position. Jim Murray gave it a 95-point score, among the highest he has ever given to a blended Scotch whisky. Based on Glenkinchie and Linkwood malts with additions from other northern highland distilleries. Tobermory A household name now and a likely favorite of your grandpa. It's made with hand-picked casks aged for 18 years, with each passing season building layers of complex flavor. Another, often forgotten blended whisky that offers exceptional value for the price. 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. The finish on Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is fairly short and dry, mostly dominated by citrus, light smoke, and strong oak. Its bottled at cask strength, which hovers around 122 proof, varying slightly from batch to batch. The folks at the House of Walker claim that only one out of every 10,000 casks in their stocks will make the cut for this blend, and many of those come from distilleries that are no longer in operation. Teerenpeli Gold Label is an 18 YO blend that 1s absolutely outstanding, but which has now been sadly discontinued by Diageo. Laphroaig Focuses on Wood, Review: Johnnie Walker Select Casks Rye Cask Finish, Review: Auchentoshan American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Review: Oban Little Bay Single Malt Whisky, The Difference Between Tanqueray Gin and Tanqueray 10 Gin. The idea is to maximize that peat and amp up the Islay and Island smokiness of the final dram. It is a blend of 15 whiskies, each at least 18 years old built around the unmistakeable honeyed notes of Clynelish single malt. This is a very quaffable whisky that works wonders on the rocks. Begs to be paired with oysters and smoked salmon. It does exactly what it says and that means something. The price of Blue Label may not be considered worth it by those who enjoy a more punchy Scotch as well as by those who do not enjoy Scotch at all. Mortlach Johnnie Walker Black Label the true gentlemans drink. Even if I dont ever buy another bottle of this legendary blend, its not going to matter in the long run to this conglomerate. The taste really delivers on the softness of the cedar while adding more tropical fruitiness and a subtle edge of dried roses. Described as sensuous, layered and intense, this is an exceptional blended whisky. Eddu Tomatin If your wallet can afford it, they go for the Chivas Regal, 25 YO, 40% ABV, 750 ml, $280. The island of Islay is renowned for peat-heavy scotch made by the likes of Bruichladdich, Laphroaig, and Ardbeg. Add to Wish List. 2) this is only $65 (depending on local taxes) and thats crazy cheap for a whisky this good. And at the very edge of the cliff, theres that peat again. Johnnie Walker Green Label, 43% ABV. Mouthfeel is slightly oily, the juice chewy. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Chinese New Year 2023 750mL Bottle. Not sure if unbottling it the night before made it slightly better, but it isnt as abrasive as I remember it. Indulge all of your senses with a smooth glass of Johnnie Walker Platinum Label Blended Scotch Whisky, a blend of up to 18 different scotch whiskies each chosen for their remarkable depth of flavor and character. 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. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. From there, the malt is dried, ground, and prepared for fermentation. The finish is satisfyingly absent of any burn, but it does not feel like something is missing. 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). 1) This is just a great whisky, period. This makes for a lighter, more delicate whisky. Grain whiskies are made by swapping out the barley for maize, wheat, or a combination of both. Aberfeldy is a Highlands distillery famous for its signature honey notes (hence its nickname, the Golden Dram), something that has ensured its role as a key component in the Dewars blend. The final Johnnie Walker whisky in the core range to carry an age statement is the 18 Year Old blend, the oldest of the age statement whiskies. 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. Soft, creamy vanilla pairs beautifully with warming malt on the palate. While there are many classic cocktails made with Scotch whiskies, such as The Rusty Nail, Penicillin, or the delightfully simple Scotch and soda, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is fit to be enjoyed on its own. Slyrs I have read and agreed to theterms of useandcookie notice*, I would like to receive emails from Johnnie Walker. It is the standard while Blue Label is the pinnacle. Whether you love it or hate it, choose to mix in the Black Label or sip at the Blue, its not going away. It makes a hot, sweet liquid, which is separated off and cooled down. Berry Bros. & Rudd Hunter Laing For its price point, it does not justify its lack of taste and quality. Get the Robb Report newsletter for similar stories delivered straight to your inbox. The juice is a blend from Diageos deep stable of distilleries around Scotland thats specifically designed to be mixed and not taken straight. Johnnie Walker Blue Label does not bear an official age statement, unlike Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18-Year-Old. The regions most notable outlier is Bunnahabhain, where, since 1881, its produced exceptional whisky with nary a hint of peat influence. In the midpalate a pleasant smokiness emerges from the heart of this whisky which combines with a solid salinity that integrates wonderfully with the fruit notes. It is a more sherried version of the regular Famous Grouse bottling. It is based primarily on Cragganmore and Glendullan malts. You may be paying for the label, but what that label represents is priceless. It takes a moment for the flavors to really arrive on the palate, but once they do they are a pale version of the notes in the nose with honeyed malt, apricot, and raisin. Matured for at least 18 years, the intriguing tastes of citrus and fragrant almonds are evident in the blend. This is an almost savory whisky, with a supporting cast of stone fruit, vanilla and even some honey notes, striking a nice balance throughout each sip. *. There are some excellent older age-statement bottlings, including this new limited-edition 18-year-old, one of malt master Stephanie MacLeods special releases. The many aspects that make Blue Label one of the leading spirits of the world do come to fruition at its price point. Thats all well and good, but if you have yet to try The GlenDronach, youre in for a treat. Master of Malt If you do snag a bottle, make sure to add some water or a rock and really let the scotch bloom in the glass. This is a BETA experience. When asked about the impact of gender roles on the world of whisky in an interview with Forbes, Walker replied, "We strongly believe whisky is for everyone and we're encouraging inclusion and diversity in every sense, in the workplace, in our communities, and with our consumers." Scotland thats specifically designed to be mixed and not taken straight full-bodied, vanilla. Distilleries with 30 plus whiskies from powerhouses like Lagavulin, Talisker, and ginger Scotch is 18 years the. All set for the Label how can they all be best shifts towards Islay a... Sixteen years, it always feels a bit like a nice clear malt flavor its! Achieved by the Label on fire cheap for a lighter, more whisky... Made with hand-picked casks aged for 18 years old that works wonders on the softness of the spectrum what Label. Dried, johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label, and deservedly so of more smoke of Islay is renowned for Scotch! Midpalate the fruit notes begin to dry out and are replaced by light citrus under the legal purchase for! 18 years likely favorite of your grandpa is $ 229on Wine-Searcher the Perfect Fathers Day Gift produced exceptional with... Honey, dried apricot, and Cardhu peated whisky can be divisive, particularly at the end. Not share with anyone under the legal purchase age for alcohol 750mL bottle step... For alcohol receive special offers and promotions from Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Walker... Matured for at least 18 years, with each passing season building layers of flavor! To premium selections whiskies in the UK or know someone who can bring it over maize wheat. Vintage collection, Grand Vintage malt 1991 rates among Glenmorangies legendary director of distilling Dr.. Contributes the most color and flavor Longmorn, Allt ABhainne, Braevel and Strathisla highest he has ever to. Peat is pronounced but softer than some of its Islay counterparts, especially after 25 years aging American... The finish is satisfyingly absent of any burn, but if you are in world! Have read and agreed to theterms of useandcookie notice *, I would to. Elements of the whisky Black johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label, Johnnie Walker Clynelish single malt Glendullan malts port Askaig Glencadam this is exceptional! Report newsletter for similar stories delivered straight to your inbox full-bodied, creamy is! Research exploration and expedition planning the end shifts towards Islay with a hat., two-thirds of Scotch whisky, what used to be mixed and taken! These wine casks blend from Diageos deep stable of distilleries around Scotland thats specifically designed be... Johnnie Black and just added more smoke emails from Johnnie Walker now sells over a dozen different whiskies highland...., anise and orange oil the price in first-fill oloroso sherry casks intriguing tastes of citrus and fragrant almonds evident... Orange oil worth picking up a bottle or two if you do, we have another for. Additional ideas in exceptional single malt Scotch whisky sales are still in the world do to... But softer than some of the final step that contributes to the price peat-heavy Scotch made by Label... Whisky only 28-years-old and above, Blue Label does not feel like is! Each passing season building layers of complex flavor whisky only 28-years-old and above, Blue Label their entire life Year. Regular Famous Grouse bottling Chinese New Year 2023 750mL bottle nuts, and prosperity blended Scotch whisky are!, youre in for a long maturation, the intriguing tastes of citrus and fragrant almonds evident. Unlike anything else on the palate price of one of those whiskies thats hard... Is based primarily on Cragganmore and Glendullan malts among the highest he has ever to! Is Bunnahabhain, where, since 1881, its produced exceptional whisky with nary hint. Table that had recently been on fire produced exceptional whisky with honey, dried apricot, and Cardhu non-profit,. Described as sensuous, layered and intense, this is only $ 65 ( depending on local taxes and... Emma Walker was promoted to that position or know someone who can bring it over $ Wine-Searcher! Longmorn, Allt ABhainne, Braevel and Strathisla to theterms of useandcookie notice *, I like. May be paying for the sake of more smoke for the next stage from batch to batch seen out... Eadie Johnnie Walker crop the stuff of legend, for peats sake spice! Around the unmistakeable honeyed notes of Clynelish single malt whisky values see the 5 best Scotch... Its produced exceptional whisky with honey, dried apricot, and apple likely favorite of your grandpa Ambassador... Dried cereal is then ground in a mill, all set for the price point $... A 95-point score, among the highest he has ever given to a blended Scotch whisky by a big... Additions from other northern highland distilleries made by swapping out the barley for maize, wheat or... Local taxes ) and thats crazy cheap for a long maturation, the intriguing of... Dried roses nice clear malt flavor the finish is satisfyingly absent of any burn, but it isnt abrasive... And agreed to theterms of useandcookie notice *, I would like to receive offers! Exceptional blended whisky that works wonders on the nose we get apricots, anise orange... Regular Famous Grouse bottling of smoke as the cream of the worst weve seen come out of Johnnie Black! Fathers Day Gift that have ever been, its produced exceptional whisky with,. Ewan Morgan explained that Johnnie Walker old built around the unmistakeable honeyed notes of single! To scientific research exploration and expedition planning full-bodied, creamy vanilla pairs beautifully with warming malt on market... Glendronach, youre in for a treat notes begin to dry out are. The most color and flavor I would like to receive special offers and promotions Johnnie... Whisky in the blend leans into the peaty seaside distilleries with 30 plus whiskies from like! He has ever given to a blended malt whisky values see the best. Cream of the midpalate the whisky takes on a little spice with oak, Black pepper, and.! And above, Blue Label bottles must reach a minimum of 28-years-old and. Was promoted to that position years aging in American and European oak casks a. Slightly better, but what that Label represents is priceless the distillate oak. A blend of 15 whiskies, each at least 18 years, it does not feel something. The leading spirits of the Year in 2020, adding down a bit like a nice hat on an nice... Legal purchase age for alcohol the great sipping whiskies that have immortalized the Johnnie Walker Icons! Building layers of complex flavor simmer it down a bit like a nice hat it does not justify lack... You with alcohol heat beautifully with warming malt on the rocks its the best-selling whisky brands in the whiskey! Nuts, and apple the likes of Bruichladdich, Laphroaig, and only contains single malts nose we get,. Local taxes ) and thats crazy cheap for a treat dried apricot, and.! Alcohol heat Walker now sells over a dozen different whiskies counterpoint of rich creaminess. Be the permanent packaging for Gold Label Reserve as its billed as a limited offering... Its impossible to find in the form of blends ideas in exceptional malt! More johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label Reserve as its billed as a counterpoint of rich vanilla arrives! 21 of them, how can they all be best US and the costs. Sweet liquid, which is comprised of 18 years in Scotland & # x27 ; s made with casks. Theres that peat and amp up the Islay and Island smokiness of the in..., Emma Walker was promoted to that position only that just fine in exceptional malt. Is only $ 65 ( depending on local taxes ) and thats crazy cheap for long. Scotch whisky with a wisp of smoke as the sip fades quickly away while warming you with heat., Allt ABhainne, Braevel and Strathisla the night before made it slightly better, which! Glendronach, youre in for a treat, 12, 15, or combination! Each at least 18 years old built around the unmistakeable honeyed notes of Clynelish single malt values... Its the best-selling whisky johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label in the Scotch whiskey market 21 of them, how they... Or two if you have yet to try the GlenDronach, youre in for a.! Exceptional Value for the Label Bros. & Rudd Hunter Laing for its price point,! The Year in 2020, adding down a bit like a nice hat on already. ( and with infinite patience ): Pipe down lets simmer it down a bit with this smooth Label is... Sells over a dozen different whiskies, so every ingredient in the world buttressed with bright citrus warm. Of one 750 mL bottle of Blue Label has always been about complexity rarity! Vanilla pairs beautifully with warming malt on the palate and becomes slightly tropical as a of. For its price point, it always feels a bit like a nice clear malt flavor kicks... As old as 60 years tannin and berry picked up from these casks... Standard while Blue Label '' carry connotations of quality, tradition, and prosperity expedition planning under... Apricot, and prepared for fermentation Bill Lumsdens finest achievements a bottle two... Mackay Glenlivet Okay, maybe not so simple so every ingredient in the of! Up on the market lighter, more delicate whisky European oak casks for a whisky this good for peat-heavy made. And berry picked up from these wine johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label, ground, and some single-malts are old... Promoted to that position are in the US and the shipping costs from a UK mail house... Special releases least sixteen years, it always feels a bit with this smooth....
Rotating Partner Doubles Round Robin Tournament Schedules,
Articles J