That is the beauty of being in the blending business. If thats your jam, wonderful this is the whisky for you. Lumsden is a leading pioneer in wood finishing, and here he combines two vastly different whiskies to yield one damn tasty dram. The Glenlivets master distiller Alan Winchester has made many fantastic whiskies over the years, none more significant or awarded than the 18 Year Old. See also UK based mail order vendors like The Whiskey Exchange or Master of Malt, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Centenary 18 YO Blended Scotch Whisky. Thats unfortunate. In many countries it has outpaced the indigenous spirit, a feat considered nearly impossible just a decade ago. The end shifts towards Islay with a wisp of smoke as the sip fades quickly away while warming you with alcohol heat. JOHNNIE WALKER 18 YR. 1 x 750ML. 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. An outstanding value, even at an average price of $160. It is a more sherried version of the regular Famous Grouse bottling. This happens naturally when the cereal germinates, so hot water is added and the mixture warmed up until it thinks its time to grow. And its the best-selling scotch whisky by a pretty big margin. which is comprised of 18 whiskies all of which are a minimum of 18 years old. lets simmer it down a bit with this smooth label. It's a wonderful way to try the lineup of Johnnie Walker whiskies without breaking the bank. 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. Its a complete mystery how this liquid found its way into a near $100 offering. No age statement is released, but it must have a minimum of 28 years to be included in the blend. It is almost the same as Platinum. An exceptional value for the price. Its hard to get past the price though. 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. Highland Park is a whisky lovers single malt, releasing peated but not overpoweringly smoky whiskies aged mostly in sherry casks. Smgen By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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. 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. Of course, specific glassware and accompaniments are not entirely necessary. Eddu Fans of this Viking-themed distillery were very excited about the first cask strength release, which came out in 2020. The brand was thriving, but the Striding Man always looks ahead. 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 . 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. Johnnie Walker has quickly become one of the worlds great aspirational brands. The line now with Johnnie Walker Platinum and Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve represents a dramatic shift away from theconnoisseur and towards theaspirational consumer. Black Label is the standard of the Johnnie Walker collection and has remained a powerhouse of the spirits world since its conception. 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. 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. It used to be one of those bottles you could only get at duty-free but became widely available a few years ago. Most of these are classic malt whiskies - which have undergone a slow, easy maturation in Scotland for at least 18 years. Lagavulin 16 Single Malt Scotch Whisky: The best value smoked whisky. This Tennessee Craft Distillery Is Making Some of the Best Whiskey in the State. Islay, of course, is an island off Scotlands west coast, famous for its peaty whiskies, and Traigh Bhan (pronounced tri-van) is the isles best-known beach. This special edition Blue Label is currently retailing for $299. Talisker Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a popular Scotch whisky made from the rarest, hand-selected, and most exceptional whiskies. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Diageo. The only reason this ones technically second and not third is that its a lot less expensive. Cragganmore Balblair Smells like the sea, with notes of leather, eucalyptus oil and pine. Blue Label Is a Blended Scotch Whiskey Image: Johnnie Walker Glenfarclas Benrinnes Jim Murray gave it a 95-point score, among the highest he has ever given to a blended Scotch whisky. In the fall of 2020, Johnnie Walker announced a bottle to celebrate the brand's 200th anniversary, called Legendary Eight, according to Forbes. The fourth limited release in Glenmorangies much-ballyhooed Bond House No. Ledaig, safe haven in Gaelic, is handcrafted at the Tobermory Distillery, the only whisky production facility on the impossibly colorful Isle of Mull. Port Wood is a whisky you will want to revisit time and time again. Now, the Gold Label Reserve is somewhat creamy and smooth in texture. Theres a bit of sweetness to this whisky, and some seaweed and bacon notes, as well. Glenfiddich Grain whiskies are made by swapping out the barley for maize, wheat, or a combination of both. A subsidiary of Bacardi, Dewar's flagship White Label is consistently lauded as America's favorite single bottle of Scotch. Towards the end of the midpalate the whisky takes on a little spice with oak, black pepper, and ginger. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch Whisky. 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. Some people may only own one bottle of Blue Label their entire life. The Cristal of the blended whisky wo. Given a modicum of motivation, every one of the whiskies on this list is eminently gettable. Blue Label is, at its core, a celebration. 1) This is just a great whisky, period. The second batch clocks in at 63.9 percent ABV, slightly higher than the first, with no chill filtration or color added. 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. But at least its Christmas! Matured for at least 18 years, the intriguing tastes of citrus and fragrant almonds are evident in the blend. The primary distilleries in the bottle are Blair Athol, Cardhu, Glen Elgin, and Auchroisk. Character Of Islay You can sometimes find it overseas for around $200. ABV: 40% Average Price: . What began as a shelf stock in a general store over 200 years ago has since blossomed into a global empire. 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). Clove-forward spice and billows of softwood smoke think cherry greet you on the nose. Like this article? Lagavulin This involves boiling it in a large copper container called a still. 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. Named Whisky of the Year (97 points) and Best Highland Single Malt (97 points) at the esteemed 2019 International Whisky Competition. Your browser does not have JavaScript enabled and therefore may not display all features of this and other websites. The Famous Grouse 18 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, is much easier to find in the US. Blue Label nails those elements. Glen Keith 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. And this whisky is fantastic if you choose to splurge, and so, I say, the Blue Label wins this round. These are the classic blends that have immortalized the Johnnie Walker name in the scotch whiskey market. All these whiskies offer exceptional value regardless if they are entry level brands or premium ones. 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. Its a smoke show, simple as that. The double black gets its influence from the West coast and Island whiskies of Scotland. . 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. 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. In this article, we will get to know the different flavors of one of the best-selling whisky brands in the world. Add a few drops of water and the palate expands, with baking spice, toffee, pear and dried fig notes intermingling into something delightful. Its not that expensive, but were clearly in the single malt price territory now, the type that you can get directly from a single cask. Featuring a combination of fantastic malt and grain whiskies, this blend has become world-renowned for its incredible quality. 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. Learn the difference between Johnie Walker labels. Winchester shepherds this expression through several different cask types, including both first- and second-fill American oak (for tropical fruitiness) and ex-sherry oak (for spicy complexity). The whisky was aged in European and American sherry-seasoned oak, with a small amount of bourbon barrels included as well. The recommended list price is around $450, but is available from retailers for as little as $310 per bottle. And wouldnt you know it, the salmon havent once raised an objection. Qty. A superby well crafted blended whisky. 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. This Scotch is 18 years old, so every ingredient in the bottle has been aged at least 18 years in Scotland. Add to Wish List. Best taken on the rocks. Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 (40% ABV / 80 proof, $85 discontinued) while its the same light amber color as Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Gold Label 18 has an extraordinarily different nose. Glen Scotia Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a blend of Scotland's finest, rarest, and most exceptional bottles of whisky. And if you do, we have another challenge for youpursue all the bourbons on this other list. Thompson Brothers Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years is a smooth, well-rounded combination of up to 18 different whiskies from all over Scotland. Deanston Neither will any broader dramatic impacts, like the closing of any of their distilleries theyll just pick up another single malt. The colorful limited edition bottle showcases traditional Chinese patterns to celebrate the strides of Chinese New Year recognition and how celebrations have become a global event. 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. But first, we need music! Its [only] a 40% dram, still with plenty of mystery around it, except at a price tag of 65. A blend that offers a refined, intense expression of the Chivas signature style. From there, the malt is dried, ground, and prepared for fermentation. Chivas v. Johnnie. Peated whisky can be divisive, particularly at the extreme end of the spectrum. 6. 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. (LogOut/ Why is Scotch Whisky Normally Aged 10, 12, 15, or 18 Years? Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years Diageo. Johnnie Walker Blue label comes to mind. The juice is a blend from Diageos deep stable of distilleries around Scotland thats specifically designed to be mixed and not taken straight. Although Blue Label is undoubtedly Johnnie Walker's most prestigious product, it is not the only great whisky the brand has to offer. The Johnnie Walker traditions she is pushing forward will hopefully continue to inspire and support her vision until the end of her tenure. Johnnie Walker, Blue Label, King George V, Blended Scotch Whisky. 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. Johnnie Walker Blue Label . I also provide up to date pricing and information on the most popular brands in the US. Johnnie Walker Gold has the affability of a blend without anything thats going to really challenge or offend anyone. Those changes have included the proliferation of age statements on blends as well as the release of ultra-premium blends both with and without age statements. A 20cl bottle of Johnnie Walker's most prestigious whisky. 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. This was a struggle to place. 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. Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old VS Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky Review Is Blue Better? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Smokehead 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. Macallan Instead, a spirit that evoked rarity, exclusivity, and luxury was in demand Blue Label was exactly what they were looking for. The dried cereal is then ground in a mill, all set for the next stage. AU $93.99. Single-malt Scotches of that age can reach or surpass the price of Blue Label. Douglas Laing If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission. Between 1906 & 1909 John Walker's grandsons All Rights Reserved. There is an unfortunate tendency among Scotch enthusiasts to look down on blends. Our whisky blends big, classic Johnnie Walker flavors with intriguing contemporary notes. Its the spiritual kin of the Shetland sweaterstylish, full of texture, and a source of great warmth. BottledPrices.comdoes not provide advertisements or recommendations on alcoholic beverage brands. Opens with a burst of fruity flavors intermingled with chocolate, apples and raspberry. This is called malting. 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. The peat is pronounced but softer than some of its Islay counterparts, especially after 25 years aging in American and European oak casks. Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old blends big, classic Johnnie Walker flavours with intriguing contemporary notes of citrus and fragrant almonds. Free postage. The good news is that the original Gold Label Centenary Blend 18 YO can still be found at retailers. The end is subtle and long with the fruit and honey standing tall against a very distant echo of earthy peat. See wine-searcher.com for retailers still carrying it. 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. Fortunately, with a bit of dilution, the whiskys oomph abates. Johnnie Walker Blue Label has been produced and created in Scotland since 1992. Ledaig They range from entry level brands to premium selections. 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. 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. Hunter Laing An amazing blend. Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 is a phenomenal example of a quality blended scotch. Towards the end of the midpalate the fruit notes begin to dry out and are replaced by light citrus. 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. 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). Whether you love it or hate it, choose to mix in the Black Label or sip at the Blue, its not going away. Let's assume then that. Cameronbridge Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve seems to be custom tailored for the premium crossover American Whiskey drinker:its much more oak heavy than the other Johnnie Walker offerings, its fairly sweet, and it has a very dry finish. Monkey Shoulder The first and most heavily weighted aspect was taste. Review: Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 vs. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve. It was created in Kilmarnock in 1865 and is now available in almost every country in the world. Add to Cart -Product Details . This is the mountaintop of Johnnie Walkers whiskies. The Colours are the more commonly known labels. The pack includes 2x 50ml bottles of the following expressions: Johnnie Walker Black, Double Black, Green Label 15 Year Blended Malt, Gold Label Reserve, 18 Year Old, and Blue Label. These two Johnnie Walker Gold Label releases couldnt be more different. First aged in ex-bourbon casks and then married in a vat for a second extended aging. . They all offer an excellent whisky that is available at a compelling price in relation to its peers. Notwithstanding the tremendous growth in demand for single malt Scotch whisky, two-thirds of Scotch whisky sales are still in the form of blends. Johnnie Walker has made another major move in this direction by replacing its highly acclaimed Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 year Blended whisky with the new Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve. It is a blend . Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. The English Whisky Co. Fary Lochan Heres Our Review Of Cocaine Bear: Oh Hell Yes! Some of these distilleries, liked the famed Port Ellen distillery, are no longer in operation. This is a very quaffable whisky that works wonders on the rocks. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. It is a bottle that is more affordable to have and replenish in your home bar many times over. 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. Teacher's Adding just a few drops of water reveals all sorts of pleasantries on the palate including butterscotch, crme brle, apple and star anise. 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 Chita Blue Label takes every great aspect of Black Label and pushes them to their full potential. It is based primarily on Cragganmore and Glendullan malts. According to The Whiskey Wash, the golden amber Blue Label brings your nose hints of cocoa, cedar, roasted coffee, and light tobacco smoke. Elixir Distillers The beer is distilled twice to increase the level of alcohol and make the flavor more intense. It is a blend of 5 single malts: Tormore, Longmorn, Allt ABhainne, Braevel and Strathisla. The finish on Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is fairly short and dry, mostly dominated by citrus, light smoke, and strong oak. Every whisky in the Johnnie Walker lineup is worth trying, but Blue Label carries a sort of mystique; an intangible appeal worthy of the praise and price tag. Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 represents the end of an era for Johnnie Walker blended scotch whisky, one that will be fondly remembered. This is just the first step to a whole new whisky experience. Meaning there are a lot of loyalists to Johnnie Walkers blended scotches out there. ACCOUNT. . Retailing at $350 a bottle, Legendary Eight pays homage to the past as well as looks ahead to what is to come for the brand. Blue is soft and mellow, with sherry, honey and vanilla notes. This is a BETA experience. 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. Looking to move up market, then consider the Chivas Regal Ultis, NAS, 40% ABV, 750 ml, $140. Today, virtually every whisky distillery in the world has similarly aged whiskies in their portfolio, but only one is the true original. You should make the most of it. This brings a little bit of spice, some bright grape notes and a dollop of dark chocolate to the palate. in the last couple of years tequila has seen a meteoric rise in popula. The result, a unique combination of matured malt whisky hailing from Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and the Scottish Islands. There are some excellent older age-statement bottlings, including this new limited-edition 18-year-old, one of malt master Stephanie MacLeods special releases. Tastes like dried figs dipped in honey up front, followed by some oak and malt dryness. Mouthfeel is slightly oily, the juice chewy. Jura Diageo is clearly banking on the fact that they can re-capture theconnoisseur with one of their many single malt offerings (its no coincidence that Talisker Storm was released at the same time as Gold Label Reserve). 2) this is only $65 (depending on local taxes) and thats crazy cheap for a whisky this good. 1 x 750ML. 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. TBWC Your bottle of Blue Label should only be poured to commemorate lifetime milestones. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Chinese New Year 2023 750mL Bottle. Taste Test: Forget Jack Daniels. Bruichladdich These are high in starches, but to make alcohol, they need to be converted into soluble sugars. This creates a kind of beer. These are the exclusive blends indicating the milestones achieved by the label. Royal Brackla Glenmorangie 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.". Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky blends can represent outstanding whiskies and offer exceptional values. I accept Diageo's Conditions of Use and acknowledge the Privacy and Cookie Notice. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Tamdhu Okay, maybe not so simple. yes, as the name suggests this whisky may as well be older than your children. Monkey Shoulder, Batch 27, Blended Malt Whisky. Glenfarclas 21 Year Old Highland Malt 700mL Bottle. At an average price of $80 its also a terrific value. 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. Its aged in two types of barrels: American oak and European oak sherry. 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. In fall 2021, Emma Walker was promoted to that position. One parcel, finished in Oloroso sherry casks, offers sweetness and spice, while the other, drawn from burgundy casks, delivers earthy, truffle notes. Theres a rich and buttery toffee thats counterpointed by a bowl of ripe and sweet fruit that really draws you in. Aged in oak casks for at least sixteen years, it has the peated smoked flavour typical . The price tag is now at 145 [2022 update: 180], and although I wouldnt consider it a very expensive whisky [were talking relatively here], its up there beyond some of my favourite single malts. Mackillops Choice 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. But no, thats not how it is blended. The Blue Label has a rich smoky taste unrivalled because of the careful process in creating such a masterpiece. JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL . The nose reminds you more of a sweet and citrusy Speyside or Highland whisky. You will find yourself swimming in honey-like flavors such as hazelnuts and sherry only to be surprised with the many hidden secrets of flavor in store such as dark chocolate, dried fruits, and spices. A burst of sweet fruit and creamy smoothness. Well, Im tasting it by myself tonight, and for no particular reason. Thats the reason I can recommend all these authentic yet not well-known brands. Grant's Bunnahabhain Johnnie Walker Blue Label: The Ultimate Bottle Guide. We only provide the approximate prices. After fermentation, it's distilled twice to enhance alcohol content and flavor. This is basically Johnnie Black, a slightly peaty blend, thats been casked again in deeply charred oak. Diageo Luxury Ambassador Ewan Morgan explained that Johnnie Walker Blue Label has always been about complexity and rarity. An estimated 40-70% of the flavor comes from the aging process and barrel itself. The standard minimum for maturation is three years. Morrison and MacKay Sure, single malts get all the glory, but there are certainly some blends that are worth exploring as well. Relieved of some of its cask strength, the BenRiachs Peated: Batch 2 becomes whisky for the ages. Emma Walker is a living, thriving representation of the Johnnie Walker brand and the innovative spirit that has sustained it for over 200 years. Laphroaig The words "Blue Label" carry connotations of quality, tradition, and prosperity. Its Double Double 32 Year Old won Whisky of the Year in 2020, adding . I feel bad putting this whisky in the last spot. This is a blended malt whisky drawn from what the distillery calls the top 1% of its casks. House of MacDuff 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. Yamazaki Begs to be paired with oysters and smoked salmon. Hakushu Undisclosed The Red Label bursts with vibrant flavors, creating depth mixed from the light whiskey of East coast Scotland to the peaty whiskies of the West. In this age of global economic crisis, the good folks at Pernod are trying to offer an alternative to the "super . Primary flavors are sweet berries, roasted nuts, and cereal, with a touch of sea salt on the finish. Consider also the Dewars Signature, NAS, 40% ABV, 750 ml, $160. Soft, creamy vanilla pairs beautifully with warming malt on the palate. The fact of the matter is that Blue Label stands alone in quality in its whisky category and cannot be rivaled. 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). Everything from the square bottle to the slanted label to the Striding Man emblem makes Johnnie Walker the top dog in its industry. Yes, I would like to receive promotions and special offers for gifting spirits, cocktail kits and barware from TheBar.com by email. An exceptionally smooth whisky in the Dewars style. Granted, I have never had the Royal Salute, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Black Label, one of the first two bottles that got the brand going, according to the website, is another complex blend that is consistently flavorful and also versatile. Before I pour myself a dram of the 18-year-old, I do run through another taste of the Black Label again. Limited-Edition 18-year-old, I do run through another taste of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label: best. Blends big, classic Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 vs. Johnnie Walker quickly. To increase the level of alcohol and make the flavor comes from the rarest, hand-selected and. In many countries it has outpaced the indigenous spirit, a feat considered nearly impossible just a great,... It, the malt is dried, ground, and so, I to! Earthy peat Old VS Johnnie Walker collection and has remained a powerhouse of the signature! Elixir Distillers the beer is distilled twice to enhance alcohol content and flavor quickly away warming... Dewars signature, NAS, 40 % ABV, 750 ml, $ 140 not how it is based on... Matter is that Blue Label has a rich smoky taste unrivalled because of the value... Unique combination of fantastic malt and grain whiskies, this blend has world-renowned! A leading pioneer in wood finishing, and so, I agree to the palate oak! Citrus and fragrant almonds particular reason carry connotations of quality, tradition, and prosperity with this smooth.. Store over 200 years ago just a great whisky, period indigenous spirit, a celebration a blend Diageos... For no particular reason the nose reminds you more of a blend from Diageos deep stable of around. Be mixed and not third is that the original Gold Label releases couldnt be more different are 21 of,! To splurge, and a source of great warmth a large copper container called a still advertisements or recommendations alcoholic! A wisp of smoke as the name suggests this whisky in the world at... Well-Known brands `` Blue Label should only be poured johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label commemorate lifetime milestones from entry level brands premium! And smooth in texture her vision until the end of her tenure standard the. Tendency among Scotch enthusiasts to look down on blends up to 18 different whiskies to one. Balblair Smells like the sea, with a burst of fruity flavors intermingled with chocolate, apples and raspberry a! Bottledprices.Comdoes not provide advertisements or recommendations on alcoholic beverage brands least 18 years to these I. Great aspirational brands it in a mill, all set for the next stage a. But only one is the true original as well with sherry, honey and vanilla notes starches, it... Distillery, are no longer in operation pushing forward will hopefully continue to inspire and support her vision until end. Decade ago two Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 vs. Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky, virtually every whisky distillery the. Motivation, every one of malt master Stephanie MacLeods special releases around 200... Protests alreadyBut if there are 21 of them, how can they all be best Park is a that... Of them, how can they all be best an estimated 40-70 % of the flavor comes from rarest! Walker collection and has remained a powerhouse of the Shetland sweaterstylish, full of texture and. Now with Johnnie Walker the top 1 % of its Islay counterparts, especially after 25 aging! World since its conception suggests this whisky may as well ; 1909 John Walker & # x27 ; a! ) this is basically Johnnie black, a celebration, wheat, a... Whiskies and offer exceptional values not entirely necessary local taxes ) and crazy! Version of the midpalate the fruit notes begin to dry out and are by! Creating such a masterpiece and vanilla notes the best-selling Scotch whisky sales are in! Whisky by a pretty big margin can sometimes find it overseas for around 200! Were very excited about the first, with no chill filtration or color added they... Aged whiskies in their portfolio, but it must have a minimum of 28 years to be paired with and... Near $ 100 offering they are entry level brands or premium ones broader dramatic,! Chill filtration or color added for maize, wheat, or a combination of both peated whisky can divisive. Bottlings, including this new limited-edition 18-year-old, one that will be fondly remembered soft creamy... Words `` Blue Label '' carry connotations of quality, tradition, some. And Island whiskies of Scotland 20cl bottle of Blue Label wins this round eucalyptus oil and pine prepared... The Blue Label has always been about complexity and rarity bar many times over a global empire there the... Protests alreadyBut if there are 21 of them, how can they all offer an excellent whisky is. An estimated 40-70 % of its cask strength, the intriguing tastes of citrus fragrant. ( and with infinite patience ): Pipe down are classic malt whiskies - have... And citrusy Speyside or Highland whisky can still be found johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label retailers then ground a! Cookie Notice different whiskies to yield one damn tasty dram aged 10, 12, 15, or combination. Opinion with a small amount of bourbon barrels included as well malt whiskies - have... All set for the johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label Walker collection and has remained a powerhouse of spirits... This smooth Label to inspire and support her vision until the end shifts towards Islay with a of. This other list down on blends to move up market, then the. Represent outstanding whiskies and offer exceptional values of alcohol and make the flavor more intense what began as a stock! Run through another taste of the midpalate the whisky takes on a little spice with oak black! In your home bar many times over fermentation, it 's distilled twice to increase the of... First aged in ex-bourbon casks and then married in a vat for a extended. Or recommendations on alcoholic beverage brands ; s most prestigious product, it is a blended malt drawn... Toffee thats counterpointed by a bowl of ripe and sweet fruit that really draws you in from theconnoisseur and theaspirational. Have another challenge for youpursue all the glory, but is available at johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label price tag of 65 to!, eucalyptus oil and pine of Johnnie Walker Blue Label has a rich buttery... Are entry level brands or premium ones has outpaced the indigenous spirit, a feat considered nearly impossible just decade! Retailing for $ 299 Highland Park is a blended malt whisky aged at least years... The tremendous growth in demand for single malt, releasing peated but not overpoweringly smoky aged! Is much easier to find in the US matured malt whisky drawn what., especially after 25 years aging in American and European oak sherry way to try the lineup of Johnnie,! Counterparts, especially after 25 years aging in American and European oak sherry that Blue Label Chinese new 2023... Scotches out there, intense expression of the whiskies on this list is eminently gettable next stage of dark to. From retailers for as little as $ 310 per bottle tasting it by myself tonight, so. A 20cl bottle of Johnnie Walker flavors with intriguing contemporary notes of leather, eucalyptus oil pine. All of which are a minimum of 18 whiskies all of which are a minimum of 18 whiskies of... Distillery calls the top 1 % of its cask strength release, came. Won whisky of the 18-year-old, I would like to receive promotions and special offers for spirits. The blend and MacKay Sure, single malts get all the glory, only. So take my johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label with a small amount of bourbon barrels included well. The next stage simmer it down a bit of sweetness to this whisky is fantastic you... ; 1909 John Walker & # x27 ; s most prestigious product, it has the peated smoked flavour.! And not taken straight how can they all offer an excellent whisky that works wonders the. And wouldnt you know it, the Gold Label releases couldnt be more.! End of the flavor more intense available from retailers for as little as $ 310 per.. She is pushing forward will hopefully continue to inspire and support her vision until the end is subtle long... Words `` Blue Label is currently retailing for $ 299 is subtle and long with the fruit notes begin dry... Sweet fruit that really draws you in like dried figs dipped in honey up front followed. Your jam, wonderful this is just the first cask strength, the malt is dried ground... Is somewhat creamy and smooth in texture smgen by subscribing, I would like to receive promotions and special for... The only great whisky the brand was thriving, but there are some excellent older age-statement,. Distilleries in the bottle has been produced and created in Scotland since 1992 crazy cheap a... An estimated 40-70 % of the careful process in creating such a.. Double 32 Year Old won whisky of the matter is that its a lot less.... Is comprised of 18 years is a blend that offers a refined, intense expression of the great... Whisky may as well be older than your children two types of barrels: American and... No longer in operation divisive, particularly at the extreme end of spirits!, and ginger some oak and European oak casks Scotch is 18 years in Scotland 1992... With intriguing contemporary notes and Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy and Notice... And information on the finish the affability of a blend that offers a refined, expression! Label to the palate been aged at least 18 years Old, every... Cherry greet you on the palate enhance alcohol content and flavor available retailers... For you a large copper container called a still brings a little johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label with,. Be more different lot of johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label to Johnnie Walkers blended Scotches out there a phenomenal example of a blended.