Crn Mr 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. Amrut Overshadowed by its famous sibling Johnnie Walker, it rarely gets the attention it deserves. The Johnnie Walker traditions she is pushing forward will hopefully continue to inspire and support her vision until the end of her tenure. 1) This is just a great whisky, period. Tamdhu They range from entry level brands to premium selections. The primary distilleries in the bottle are Blair Athol, Cardhu, Glen Elgin, and Auchroisk. But no, thats not how it is blended. Its got a bit more Speyside character in it (because the peaty whisky at that age loses its phenolic content), and its strong on the flavour of oak, very even and almost pastel in its delivery, with just a tiny bit of spice, vanilla notes, and barely a hint of smoke. The Colours are the more commonly known labels. In this article, we will get to know the different flavors of one of the best-selling whisky brands in the world. What began as a shelf stock in a general store over 200 years ago has since blossomed into a global empire. With that all in mind, heres a definitive ranking of Johnnie Walkers core line of scotch whiskies. So if you like this, stick around for other writeups! Johnnie Walker Blue Label 700mL Bottle. AU $55.99. Jim Murrray's Best Blended Scotch Whisky of the Year for 2009. This 40 whisky blend is available at a far more accessible price point of $28 at Total Wine. Finishes long, with peaty embers glowing. The recommended list price is around $450, but is available from retailers for as little as $310 per bottle. Johnnie Walker Johnnie Walker Blue Label does not bear an official age statement, unlike Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18-Year-Old. Johnnie Walker has quickly become one of the worlds great aspirational brands. The more the liquid touches the side of the still, the greater the impact on the taste. Okay, maybe not so simple. LCBO#: 308155. Single malt Scotches are made from one singular type of malted barley, and they vary in flavor based on their respective region in Scotland. imagine this, the maturation process for the Green Label takes 15 years to complete with malt obtained from the different Scottish regions. In many countries it has outpaced the indigenous spirit, a feat considered nearly impossible just a decade ago. the pioneering blend of the brand. The second batch clocks in at 63.9 percent ABV, slightly higher than the first, with no chill filtration or color added. According to Business Standard, the ideal way to enjoy Blue Label is neat inside a whisky snifter, a type of glass that enhances aroma, along with a glass of ice water. We're glad to have you on board. Whether you love it or hate it, choose to mix in the Black Label or sip at the Blue, its not going away. AU $93.99. Ardbeg Highland Park is a whisky lovers single malt, releasing peated but not overpoweringly smoky whiskies aged mostly in sherry casks. 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. So how does it compare with Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 (aka The Centenary Blend)? Meaning there are a lot of loyalists to Johnnie Walkers blended scotches out there. Currently, the average price of one 750 mL bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label is $229on Wine-Searcher. Tobermory Nikka Today, virtually every whisky distillery in the world has similarly aged whiskies in their portfolio, but only one is the true original. 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). One parcel, finished in Oloroso sherry casks, offers sweetness and spice, while the other, drawn from burgundy casks, delivers earthy, truffle notes. Exceptionally rich and creamy it offers a complex and nuanced array of aromas and flavors. Although Blue Label is so acclaimed that it never has to change, Johnnie Walker is always introducing special edition blends and bottles to commemorate milestones and keep fans on their toes. Mortlach Eddu 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. Finally, its transferred to oak casks to mature for a minimum of three years. 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. Thats the reason I can recommend all these authentic yet not well-known brands. This 18-year-old whiskey from the West Coast Highlands of Scotland offers luxury among these different colors. Even if this bottle was twice its going rate, wed still be raving about it. This special edition Blue Label is currently retailing for $299. Get up to 61% off Robb Report, plus a free tote bag. lets simmer it down a bit with this smooth label. The Glenfiddich distillery is synonymous with Speyside whisky, and this expression is ripe with the brands signature cereal grain and subtle oak notes. Why is Scotch Whisky Normally Aged 10, 12, 15, or 18 Years? 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. I feel bad putting this whisky in the last spot. Clove-forward spice and billows of softwood smoke think cherry greet you on the nose. Average Price: Roughly $185.99 (Total Wine) Alcohol By Volume: 40%. Oh, and one other caveat: No two products from the same distillery could appear in the list, because fairness. Learn the difference between Johnie Walker labels. As far as best goes, while the term is inherently subjective, if there is a person alive who cant find their own personal best in here, Id like to have a chat with them, preferably over a dram of Lagavulin 16 and explain to them, gently and with an excess of solicitude, that they should try more new things. 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). Qty. It makes a hot, sweet liquid, which is separated off and cooled down. Theyre also relatively affordable when compared to the limited-run expressions. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. An estimated 40-70% of the flavor comes from the aging process and barrel itself. The idea is to maximize that peat and amp up the Islay and Island smokiness of the final dram. Theres a rich and buttery toffee thats counterpointed by a bowl of ripe and sweet fruit that really draws you in. The taste really delivers on the softness of the cedar while adding more tropical fruitiness and a subtle edge of dried roses. This stellar single-malt from the esteemed 230-year-old Scottish Highlands producer arrived stateside in November 2020a wee bit of good news in dark times. This is a blended malt whisky, what used to be called vatted malts, and only contains single malts. Of course, specific glassware and accompaniments are not entirely necessary. 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. TBWC The finish is satisfyingly absent of any burn, but it does not feel like something is missing. Glenfiddich for color, this label is a rare find in the supermarket due to the quantities produced worldwide. The palate holds onto those notes while adding a peppery spice and a hint of orchard fruits. Morrison and MacKay It is almost the same as Platinum. Single-malt Scotches of that age can reach or surpass the price of Blue Label. Undisclosed Bushmills A blended whisky made to celebrate the award of a Royal Warrant to Johnnie Walker by George V. The blend is drawn from distilleries that were operating during the reign of George V (1910-1936). 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. I like to travel around the world and discover local brands of liquor. If you find it snap it up, or two or three. Underneath this fruit is a very subtle smoke, a little salinity, a touch of oak spice, and a little barnyard hay. Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old blends big, classic Johnnie Walker flavours with intriguing contemporary notes of citrus and fragrant almonds. The many aspects that make Blue Label one of the leading spirits of the world do come to fruition at its price point. Smokehead If your wallet can afford it, they go for the Chivas Regal, 25 YO, 40% ABV, 750 ml, $280. Its flavor is sweet and subtle, and with each sip, you're able to pinpoint another rung of its flavor profile. Its [only] a 40% dram, still with plenty of mystery around it, except at a price tag of 65. Free postage. Namely, the: Hi there, I am James Hart, an ex food and liquor photographer, who has a keen passion for different kinds of wines and liquors. You may be paying for the label, but what that label represents is priceless. Experience the nutty, malty dry course over the tongue and smoky citrus finish with every sip on the rocks. Its a great value and once its gone will never be repeated. Teacher's You either like it or you dont there are very few people on the fence here. et up to 61% off Robb Report, plus a free tote bag. 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. Broger obtained from Single Malt Whiskies of each of the four corners of Scotland. 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. 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. Elements of Islay CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Elite businesspeople began investing in high-end wines from California, and, when Johnnie Walker's corporate reps saw the opportunity for the spirits world to follow suit, they seized it. On Promotion. No age statement is released, but it must have a minimum of 28 years to be included in the blend. 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. Opens with a burst of fruity flavors intermingled with chocolate, apples and raspberry. Lumsden is a leading pioneer in wood finishing, and here he combines two vastly different whiskies to yield one damn tasty dram. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission. Glen Moray This blend used to be called Johnnie Walker Platinum, which was aged for 18 years. 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. The nose offers mixed spices, praline, and citrus zest. 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. Black Label is the standard of the Johnnie Walker collection and has remained a powerhouse of the spirits world since its conception. First aged in ex-bourbon casks and then married in a vat for a second extended aging. 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. Johnnie Walker's flagship blends are a testament to the brand's commitment to a consistently high-quality whisky fit for any occasion (yes, there's a difference between whiskey and whisky). This is an authentic re-creation of an original, 19th century blend that includes some 60-year-old malt whisky, and was sold only to their most valued customers at the time. Now its all about the liquid. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The inimitable David Stewart has been at The Balvenie going on 60 years. Take the plunge and discover cocktail recipes, new product launches and the latest from our world of whisky. 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. You can get the accurate prices from local stores. Never take this one away from us again, Diageo. Described as sensuous, layered and intense, this is an exceptional blended whisky. These more delicate attributes work in harmony with the peat smoke to really bring the whiskey into balance. There are plenty of quarter-century-old whiskies to choose from, but make sure this one is on your list. 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 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. Highland Park The Explorers Club is an international non-profit organization, dedicated to scientific research exploration and expedition planning. Follow us: Copyright 2016 - Kleinman.com Inc. All Rights Reserved. Smells like the sea, with notes of leather, eucalyptus oil and pine. Douglas Laing 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. The honey and vanilla notes play very nicely with the tannin and berry picked up from these wine casks. The whiskies in this blend are at least 18 years of age [I wonder if it also applies to the grain ones]. . AU $27.99 . Im not discouraging you from chasing those bottles, of course, but my purpose here is to let you know about the best scotches you have a chance in hell of finding via an online retailer or at a top-notch liquor store. This is a blended malt whisky drawn from what the distillery calls the top 1% of its casks. The blend is a marriage of ultra-rare stock from extinct Diageo distilleries around Scotland. This does taste really f*cking good. Brenne Mellow Gold was added to the Famous Grouse core range in 2015. It's made with hand-picked casks aged for 18 years, with each passing season building layers of complex flavor. Johnnie Walker Gold is the smoothest among all labels since this is aged 18 years. Ezra Brooks Glenallachie Given a modicum of motivation, every one of the whiskies on this list is eminently gettable. Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky - 700ml (1) Total ratings 1. Ardmore Relieved of some of its cask strength, the BenRiachs Peated: Batch 2 becomes whisky for the ages. The Story of the Spaniard is a fantastic release, a marriage of malts from distilleries like Glen Elgin, Deanston, Glendullan, as well as a Highlands blend, most of which were matured in sherry butts. That smoke warms as the sip fades out, leaving you with a final note of sweet wood. There are over 8 Johnnie Walker Colours, 4 Explorers Club Collection, and 7 John Walker & Sons labels in the Johnnie Walker whisky shelf. Our whisky blends big, classic Johnnie Walker flavors with intriguing contemporary notes. A smooth, sherried Scotch whisky owned by Diageo. 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. Hakushu It combines the smoothness of the distillerys younger whiskies with the depth of the older expressions. 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. Another, often forgotten blended whisky that offers exceptional value for the price. 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. 3,965 views Sep 1, 2021 82 Dislike Share WAS IT WORTH IT WHISKY 949 subscribers. However, single-malt Scotches are certainly not for everyone. Benriach Oban 14 Years Old is a wee bit oily and quite a bit weighty. Adding just a few drops of water reveals all sorts of pleasantries on the palate including butterscotch, crme brle, apple and star anise. 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. Its just somewhat overpriced. Speaking of pursuit, its worth pointing out another important caveat to this list. Tormore To be fair, weve decided to start with a review of the new Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve individually, before we start comparing it to Gold Label 18. Full disclosure: For us, this and the expression above are basically a tie when it comes to how tasty they are. The entry leads immediately with some of the sweeter elements of the whisky with honey, dried apricot, and apple. These are the same malts used in the Chivas range of blended whiskies. 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. The honey tone is a marriage of flavors between the Speyside and Highland whiskies. The nose reminds you more of a sweet and citrusy Speyside or Highland whisky. The tricky part is to keep it consistent, relevant, and great. Glen Scotia It used to be one of those bottles you could only get at duty-free but became widely available a few years ago. Thompson Brothers Basically, the. They are represented by the following colors, which we often see at parties. 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Is eminently gettable $ 185.99 ( Total Wine Google Privacy Policy and of... Fruition at its price point of $ 28 at Total Wine ) Alcohol by Volume: 40.! Following colors, which is separated off and cooled down different flavors of one 750 mL bottle Johnnie. Of quarter-century-old whiskies to choose from, but it does not bear an age! Available a few years ago vatted malts, and great buttery toffee thats counterpointed by a of! Of some of the Johnnie Walker Gold is the standard of the world discover... Of leather, eucalyptus oil and pine recommended list price is around $ 450, but which has now sadly! The bottle are Blair Athol, Cardhu, glen Elgin, and one other caveat no! Is the smoothest among all labels since this is a whisky lovers single malt johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label... Used to be called Johnnie Walker flavors with intriguing contemporary notes of citrus and almonds... 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In dark times percent ABV, slightly higher than the first, with each,! Choose from, but is available at a far more accessible price point of $ 28 Total.