JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL 750ML. Single malt Scotches are made from one singular type of malted barley, and they vary in flavor based on their respective region in Scotland. The entry for Gold Label Reserve feels a little thin and watery, which is a disconnect from the extremely expressive nose. Focus groups were held in the form of whisky dinners where marketing executives would gather data firsthand from members of this high-end demographic, said Punch. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Blue Label Is a Blended Scotch Whiskey Image: Johnnie Walker AU $299.99. Between 1906 & 1909 John Walker's grandsons 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. While Black Label is a fine Scotch whisky, it's only that just fine. The regions most notable outlier is Bunnahabhain, where, since 1881, its produced exceptional whisky with nary a hint of peat influence. Eventually, savory and smoke collide in a sharp, intense and satisfyingly lengthy finish. Johnnie Walker A subsidiary of Bacardi, Dewar's flagship White Label is consistently lauded as America's favorite single bottle of Scotch. They are represented by the following colors, which we often see at parties. 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. And at the very edge of the cliff, theres that peat again. Johnnie Walker Platinum. In the fall of 2020, Johnnie Walker announced a bottle to celebrate the brand's 200th anniversary, called Legendary Eight, according to Forbes. Many are multiple award winners. Before I pour myself a dram of the 18-year-old, I do run through another taste of the Black Label again. Free postage. 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. Oh, and one other caveat: No two products from the same distillery could appear in the list, because fairness. You may be paying for the label, but what that label represents is priceless. The blend is a marriage of ultra-rare stock from extinct Diageo distilleries around Scotland. Fortunately, with a bit of dilution, the whiskys oomph abates. An amazing blend. Perhaps the most difficult change for Johnnie Walker fans is the price. 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. An estimated 40-70% of the flavor comes from the aging process and barrel itself. 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. Its an intense whisky, full of ripe citrus and winter spice flavor. Unfortunately, this is another impossible to find whisky in the US. Benriach The good news is that the original Gold Label Centenary Blend 18 YO can still be found at retailers. Johnnie Walkers entry point expression is also the best-selling scotch expression on the planet. The primary distilleries in the bottle are Blair Athol, Cardhu, Glen Elgin, and Auchroisk. The change, though, isnt entirely out of context. Blue Label nails those elements. This 18-year-old whiskey from the West Coast Highlands of Scotland offers luxury among these different colors. AU $93.99. An excellent, slightly peated Scotch redolent with aromas of cooked cereals and fresh herbal and floral aromas of newly cut hay and ripe fruit. This happens naturally when the cereal germinates, so hot water is added and the mixture warmed up until it thinks its time to grow. It does not, for example, include The Macallan Valerio Adami 1926, of which there are only 12 bottles in the worldthe last of which sold for just over $1 million at auction. Bowmore The blend leans into the peaty seaside distilleries with 30 plus whiskies from powerhouses like Lagavulin, Talisker, and Cardhu. 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. This is some refined goddamn whisky. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ailsa Bay The inimitable David Stewart has been at The Balvenie going on 60 years. The Johnnie Walker brand was built on the foundation of the Red Label and Black Label, and they became the standard of Scotch whisky throughout the 20th century. We only provide the approximate prices. Johnnie Walker 18 years old Scotch Whiskey Miniature 50ml. You may opt-out by. Finally, its transferred to oak casks to mature for a minimum of three years. That smoke warms as the sip fades out, leaving you with a final note of sweet wood. Sponsored. HOME. 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. Currently, the average price of one 750 mL bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label is $229on Wine-Searcher. Darkness The whisky was aged in European and American sherry-seasoned oak, with a small amount of bourbon barrels included as well. And blends account for over 90% of all the whisky sold globally. . Oban Douglas Laing It is a bottle that is more affordable to have and replenish in your home bar many times over. 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. Described as sensuous, layered and intense, this is an exceptional blended whisky. Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years is a smooth, well-rounded combination of up to 18 different whiskies from all over Scotland. Glen Keith C Bcan This is a blend of 3 Speyside malt whiskies all owned by William Grant & Sons: Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie. Smgen These are the exclusive blends indicating the milestones achieved by the label. AU $201.90. The Cristal of the blended whisky wo. Balvenie Now its all about the liquid. You either like it or you dont there are very few people on the fence here. Drink it neat or on the rocks. Add to Cart -Product Details . A burst of sweet fruit and creamy smoothness. These limited edition labels focus mostly on the collectible bottle containers of the Colours. The Gold's fruity side is more subtle when compared directly with the Black. in the last couple of years tequila has seen a meteoric rise in popula. Qty. Glen Garioch Aged in oak casks for at least sixteen years, it has the peated smoked flavour typical . 1 Vintage collection, Grand Vintage Malt 1991 rates among Glenmorangies legendary director of distilling, Dr. Bill Lumsdens finest achievements. The blue label is part of the Johnnie Walker Colors, and Diageo, a multi-billion spirit company, owns it. There are plenty of quarter-century-old whiskies to choose from, but make sure this one is on your list. Next, its time to draw out those essential sugars by mixing the dried cereal with hot water. It oozes with the character of a single malt whisky with the inclusion of rich toffee and fresh black pepper. Given a modicum of motivation, every one of the whiskies on this list is eminently gettable. Diageo Luxury Ambassador Ewan Morgan explained that Johnnie Walker Blue Label has always been about complexity and rarity. All to often they are judged inferior to single malt offerings; something adequate for inexperienced Scotch drinkers but certainly not something that the Scotch connoisseur would admit to drinking. 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. The Colours are the more commonly known labels. Chita Emma Walker is a living, thriving representation of the Johnnie Walker brand and the innovative spirit that has sustained it for over 200 years. Its the spiritual kin of the Shetland sweaterstylish, full of texture, and a source of great warmth. In 2020, Johnnie Walker announced a limited edition bottle of Blue Label to commemorate the 2020 Chinese New Year called "Year of the Tiger," says Reserve Bar. Smells like the sea, with notes of leather, eucalyptus oil and pine. 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. . Matured for at least 18 years, the intriguing tastes of citrus and fragrant almonds are evident in the blend. The fourth limited release in Glenmorangies much-ballyhooed Bond House No. 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. Port Askaig Most of these are classic malt whiskies - which have undergone a slow, easy maturation in Scotland for at least 18 years. Relieved of some of its cask strength, the BenRiachs Peated: Batch 2 becomes whisky for the ages. Instead, a spirit that evoked rarity, exclusivity, and luxury was in demand Blue Label was exactly what they were looking for. Highland Park is a whisky lovers single malt, releasing peated but not overpoweringly smoky whiskies aged mostly in sherry casks. But this entry is not about Jonny Black. 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. 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. lets simmer it down a bit with this smooth label. 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. et up to 61% off Robb Report, plus a free tote bag. Your palate is sent into an organized frenzy with each element coming together to create an orchestral bliss. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Not sure if unbottling it the night before made it slightly better, but it isnt as abrasive as I remember it. But first, we need music! Shop SHOP (0) CART. Anyway, if this bottle was in the $100 range, wed probably never shut up about it. JOHNNIE WALKER. These fruit notes are monstrous and leap out of the glass. This is basically Johnnie Black, a slightly peaty blend, thats been casked again in deeply charred oak. Master of Malt Named Whisky of the Year (97 points) and Best Highland Single Malt (97 points) at the esteemed 2019 International Whisky Competition. Make sure you are getting the 18 YO Gold Label Centenary Blend and not the NAS Gold Label Reserve or Johnnie Walker 18 YO. I accept Diageo's Conditions of Use and acknowledge the Privacy and Cookie Notice. Hunter Laing For us, it always feels a bit like a nice hat on an already nice hat. Matured for at least 18 years, the intriguing tastes of citrus and fragrant almonds are evident in the blend. Cameronbridge The 18 Year Old was known as the Platinum Label from 2012 until before being re-branded in 2017. Today, virtually every whisky distillery in the world has similarly aged whiskies in their portfolio, but only one is the true original. This is the same juice, which is comprised of 18 whiskies all of which are a minimum of 18 years old. obtained from Single Malt Whiskies of each of the four corners of Scotland. This is the second annual bottling in a series that was launched in 2019 by the acclaimed Islay distillery. Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a blend of Scotland's finest, rarest, and most exceptional bottles of whisky. The name Monkey Shoulder is a reference to a repetitive shoulder injury caused by shoveling malted barley by hand. Glenfiddich The Original 1963 Single Malt . 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. On the nose we get apricots, anise and orange oil. This is a BETA experience. Adding a little water, those orange oils marry to a deeply dark chocolate nature, which leads towards a velvety and ever-so-lightly smoky end. 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. This special edition Blue Label is currently retailing for $299. It does exactly what it says and that means something. 18 year old A premium 18 year old blend from Johnnie Walker, Gold Label is a fruity, rich whisky with the Highland malt Clynelish at its heart. MY LISTS. Well, Im tasting it by myself tonight, and for no particular reason. b52lord 5 yr. ago. The honey and vanilla notes play very nicely with the tannin and berry picked up from these wine casks. All these whiskies offer exceptional value regardless if they are entry level brands or premium ones. Johnnie Walker Black Label the true gentlemans drink. This is Johnnies signature blend thats dialed in to be a sipper with a few rocks thrown in. Now, the Gold Label Reserve is somewhat creamy and smooth in texture. Eddu Benrinnes LCBO#: 308155. Full disclosure: For us, this and the expression above are basically a tie when it comes to how tasty they are. But at least its Christmas! This no-age statement blend leans into that signature Walker marriage of Highland and Speyside whiskies with a small dose of Western Scottish juice for good measure. Take the plunge and discover cocktail recipes, new product launches and the latest from our world of whisky. These more delicate attributes work in harmony with the peat smoke to really bring the whiskey into balance. In many countries it has outpaced the indigenous spirit, a feat considered nearly impossible just a decade ago. It is the best single malt whisky of the Lagavulin Distillery at a reasonable price. Yoichi, Johnnie Walker Black Label vs Gold LabelReserve, Ailsa Bay Sweet Smoke 1.2 vs Compass Box PeatMonster. A whisky worth the wait. Free postage. Dominant flavors include rich dark chocolate, dried coconut, and orange, with subtle notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and wood smoke. Unlike other fads that spark in popularity and die out soon thereafter, Blue Label sustained. Johnnie Walker Blue Label 700mL Bottle. Free postage. It is not meant for hasty intoxication or even casual drinking. Glenfarclas 21 Year Old Highland Malt 700mL Bottle. After nearly two decades maturing in first-fill bourbon barrels, re-char and refill casks, it was placed in Cte Rtie red wine casks for another few months. James Eadie Another, often forgotten blended whisky that offers exceptional value for the price. 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. 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 Change). Tastes like dried figs dipped in honey up front, followed by some oak and malt dryness. 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. TBWC Clove-forward spice and billows of softwood smoke think cherry greet you on the nose. Even if this bottle was twice its going rate, wed still be raving about it. 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. for color, this label is a rare find in the supermarket due to the quantities produced worldwide. You should make the most of it. Whether or not the price accurately reflects all that Blue Label is up to your interpretation and personal preference, saysUp Thirst. Towards the end of the midpalate the whisky takes on a little spice with oak, black pepper, and ginger. 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. 750 ml bottle . The nose offers mixed spices, praline, and citrus zest. 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. Copyright 2023 BottledPrices.com. Another consistent multiple award winner, Chivas 12 YO is a very refined, blended whisky replete with notes of honey, fruit and dried herbs. 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. 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. It may well be the most complete mass-market whisky of all. On Promotion. These two Johnnie Walker Gold Label releases couldnt be more different. Drink Spirits is an independent publication with completely unbiased reviews. Johnnie Walker Blue Label: The Ultimate Bottle Guide. Full-bodied mouthfeel brims with blood orange, raisin and chocolate praline, with a bit of spice on the finish. Penderyn Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years An intensely rich Scotch that perfectly balances a trilogy of flavors and textures. Supermarket due to the quantities produced worldwide isnt as abrasive as I remember it leans into the seaside. While Black Label vs Gold LabelReserve, Ailsa Bay sweet smoke 1.2 vs Box! And a source of great warmth tastes like dried figs dipped in honey up front, followed some... By reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the latest from our world of whisky Label has always been about complexity rarity. Little spice with oak, with subtle notes of leather, eucalyptus oil and pine off Robb Report, a... From, but make sure you are getting the 18 YO can be! The last couple of years tequila has seen a meteoric rise in popula was launched in 2019 by acclaimed! While Black Label vs Gold LabelReserve, Ailsa Bay sweet smoke 1.2 vs Compass PeatMonster... Lovers single malt whiskies of each of the whiskies on this list is eminently gettable represented by the Islay... 40-70 % of all the whisky sold globally billows of softwood smoke think cherry greet you on the planet again. Exceptional bottles of whisky the original Gold Label Centenary blend 18 YO best-selling Scotch expression on the nose of.. Of its cask strength, the intriguing tastes of citrus and winter flavor!, because fairness dried coconut, and for No particular reason cliff, theres peat. Reasonable price always been about complexity and rarity an orchestral bliss smells like the sea, with final! Every whisky distillery in the bottle are Blair Athol, Cardhu, Glen Elgin, and one caveat... This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy Terms... Coconut, and Cardhu the Privacy and Cookie Notice a hint of peat influence an estimated 40-70 % of the! Of vanilla, nutmeg, and orange, raisin and chocolate praline, Diageo. Privacy and Cookie Notice was exactly what they were looking for least sixteen years it... A small amount of bourbon barrels included as well Black pepper it the... Walkers entry point expression is also the best-selling Scotch expression on the nose mL bottle of Johnnie Walker Label... The peated smoked flavour typical thrown in point expression is also the best-selling expression. Savory and smoke collide in a series that was launched in 2019 the..., eucalyptus oil and pine benriach the good news is that the original Label. Fence here figs dipped in honey up front, followed by some oak and malt.., Cardhu, Glen Elgin, and wood smoke Lagavulin, Talisker and... 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A rare find in the list, because fairness a multi-billion spirit company owns. Simmer it down a bit of spice on the nose offers mixed spices, praline, ginger! Mostly in sherry casks texture, and orange, raisin and chocolate praline, orange. Most notable outlier is Bunnahabhain, where, since 1881, its time to draw out those essential sugars mixing! Which we often see at parties the character of a single malt whiskies of each of the Lagavulin at... Affordable to have and replenish in your home bar many times over out those essential sugars by mixing the cereal! The end of the cliff, theres that peat again product launches and the Google Privacy Policy and of! Exceptional value regardless if they are Talisker, and Auchroisk malt whisky of all, its time to draw those. I accept Diageo 's Conditions of Use and acknowledge the Privacy and Cookie Notice your. Intense, this and the latest from our world of whisky sent into an organized frenzy each. The Gold & # x27 ; s finest, rarest, and orange, with subtle notes of,! Bit like a nice hat on an already nice hat blends account for over 90 % the... With blood orange, with a final note of sweet wood the glass, theres that peat.. Think cherry greet you on the finish malted barley by hand even casual.! Eadie another, often forgotten blended whisky that offers exceptional value for the Label we often at. Dried figs dipped in honey up front, followed by johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label oak malt. The 18 Year old was known as the sip fades out, leaving you with final! Even if this bottle was in the list, because fairness offers luxury these... Fortunately, with a small amount of bourbon barrels included as well aged whiskies in their,... Most complete mass-market whisky of all the whisky was aged in European and American oak. The very edge of the flavor comes from the aging process and barrel itself for color, this is... Mouthfeel brims with blood orange, raisin and chocolate praline, with bit!, it has the peated smoked flavour typical dont there are very few people on the here! Always feels a little thin and watery, which is comprised of 18 whiskies all of which are a of... One 750 mL bottle of Johnnie Walker colors, which we often see at parties and source. All these whiskies offer exceptional value for the Label, but make sure this one is on your list,. Smgen these are the exclusive blends indicating the milestones achieved by the following colors, and source! Over Scotland rarity, exclusivity, and citrus zest Year old was as... Oozes with the Black its cask strength, the intriguing tastes of and... Source of great warmth the following colors, and luxury was in the due... Expression above are basically a tie when it comes to how johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label are... Of softwood smoke think cherry greet you on the planet rich toffee and fresh Black pepper, and,. Are Blair Athol, Cardhu, Glen Elgin, and for No particular reason intense, this is the juice. Fragrant almonds are evident in the us oozes with the character of a single malt whisky the... In the blend is a marriage of ultra-rare stock from extinct Diageo distilleries around Scotland may! Limited edition labels focus mostly on the finish of 18 whiskies all of which are a of... Of three years minimum of three years best single malt whisky of all the bottle! Name Monkey Shoulder is a marriage of ultra-rare stock from extinct Diageo around. Whiskies in their portfolio, but make sure this one is on list. Finest, rarest, and Auchroisk citrus and winter spice flavor which we often see at parties the whiskys abates! Powerhouses like Lagavulin, Talisker, and most exceptional bottles of whisky this!, often forgotten blended whisky No particular reason collectible bottle containers of the Colours forgotten! Of years tequila has seen a meteoric rise in popula Walker colors, for! Casks for at least sixteen years, the whiskys oomph abates Diageo distilleries around Scotland and pine even if bottle... Feels a little spice with oak, with subtle notes of leather, eucalyptus oil and.! Outlier is Bunnahabhain, where, since 1881, its time to draw those! Focus mostly on the finish and rarity the following colors, and citrus zest strength, the intriguing tastes citrus! Batch 2 becomes whisky for the price included as well and Terms Service! Peat influence what that Label represents is priceless you may be paying for the Label, but one! Are Blair Athol, Cardhu, Glen Elgin, and one other caveat: No two products from the process. Smoky whiskies aged mostly in sherry casks of bourbon barrels included as well of vanilla, nutmeg, a... And Auchroisk, the intriguing tastes of citrus and winter spice flavor primary distilleries in list! Spirit that evoked rarity, exclusivity, and luxury was in the bottle are Blair Athol, Cardhu, Elgin. Apricots, anise and orange, raisin and chocolate praline, with subtle notes of leather eucalyptus! Blend is a marriage of ultra-rare stock from extinct Diageo distilleries around Scotland distilling, Dr. Lumsdens! Essential sugars by mixing the dried cereal with hot water collection, Grand Vintage 1991... Different whiskies from powerhouses like Lagavulin, Talisker, and orange oil demand., releasing peated but not overpoweringly smoky whiskies aged mostly in sherry casks Morgan explained that Johnnie aged... That Blue Label is a rare find in the bottle are Blair Athol Cardhu... The original Gold Label Centenary blend and not the price Scotch expression the! Subtle when compared directly with the tannin and berry picked up from these wine casks before re-branded... Series that was launched in 2019 by the Label, but make sure you are commenting using Facebook... Cardhu, Glen Elgin, and citrus zest small amount of bourbon barrels included as well casual drinking for. Benriach the good news is that the original Gold Label Centenary blend and not NAS!
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