This full-bodied, creamy expression is produced one batch at a time and matured exclusively in first-fill oloroso sherry casks. Port Wood is a whisky you will want to revisit time and time again. Your palate is sent into an organized frenzy with each element coming together to create an orchestral bliss. Cragganmore 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. One of the great sipping whiskies that have ever been, its best enjoyed neat right after a sip of ice-cold spring water. Mannochmore While Black Label is a fine Scotch whisky, it's only that just fine. Notwithstanding the tremendous growth in demand for single malt Scotch whisky, two-thirds of Scotch whisky sales are still in the form of blends. This expression is all about barrel selection and the mastery of a great noser and blender working together to create something special. Heres Our Review Of Cocaine Bear: Oh Hell Yes! What began as a shelf stock in a general store over 200 years ago has since blossomed into a global empire. 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. The dried cereal is then ground in a mill, all set for the next stage. 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. Its then ready to add the yeast and start fermentation. MY LISTS. The peat is pronounced but softer than some of its Islay counterparts, especially after 25 years aging in American and European oak casks. A whisky with a blend this rare and of this high quality should not be diluted with any citrus juice, sugars, or even ice. The Cristal of the blended whisky wo. Meaning there are a lot of loyalists to Johnnie Walkers blended scotches out there. JOHNNIE WALKER. 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. These fruit notes are monstrous and leap out of the glass. Opens soft on the palate and then busts a move toward brisk and peppery, with smoke and ginger on a very long and warming finish. Johnnie Walker is one of the best-selling whiskies in the world. It all starts with the cereal: barley or grain. 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. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I like to travel around the world and discover local brands of liquor. 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. A 20cl bottle of Johnnie Walker's most prestigious whisky. ABV: 40% Average Price: . This is tasty, refined, and fairly affordable. 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. We only provide the approximate prices. This Tennessee Craft Distillery Is Making Some of the Best Whiskey in the State. Ardmore You have control over the decision on whether to drink alcohol or not. The end is subtle and long with the fruit and honey standing tall against a very distant echo of earthy peat. Its a smoke show, simple as that. Berry Bros. & Rudd Hunter Laing Sponsored. When it is made right, blended whiskies provide more depth of flavor without sacrificing consistency. These are high in starches, but to make alcohol, they need to be converted into soluble sugars. Currently, the average price of one 750 mL bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label is $229on Wine-Searcher. 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). It is based primarily on Cragganmore and Glendullan malts. It is a bottle that is more affordable to have and replenish in your home bar many times over. Described as sensuous, layered and intense, this is an exceptional blended whisky. Now playing: Marconi Union Signals. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Deanston Clove-forward spice and billows of softwood smoke think cherry greet you on the nose. Every sip you take grants you new discoveries from the previous one. Theres something here to suit every taste and every wallet! It's a wonderful way to try the lineup of Johnnie Walker whiskies without breaking the bank. Towards the end of the midpalate the fruit notes begin to dry out and are replaced by light citrus. Towards the end of the midpalate the whisky takes on a little spice with oak, black pepper, and ginger. Between 1906 & 1909 John Walker's grandsons It does exactly what it says and that means something. JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL . Glendronach Gordon & MacPhail it was first introduced as Johnnie Walker Pure Malt 15yr in 1997 before taking on its current name in 2004. 750 ml bottle . 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. The Blue Label has a rich smoky taste unrivalled because of the careful process in creating such a masterpiece. Instead, a spirit that evoked rarity, exclusivity, and luxury was in demand Blue Label was exactly what they were looking for. This is basically Johnnie Black, a slightly peaty blend, thats been casked again in deeply charred oak. Plus, there is a factor of status and brand that contributes to the price point. This whisky was actually taken off the market in 2012 and people lost their shit. 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. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. A blend that offers a refined, intense expression of the Chivas signature style. Peat, of course, is the lifeblood of Islay whisky, and theres nary a dram produced on that scotch-soaked isle that is as peat-forward as Lagavulin 16. Fable Port Askaig Blue Label takes every great aspect of Black Label and pushes them to their full potential. Best enjoyed neat with a side of toasted marshmallows dipped in Pedro Ximnez sherry. Monkey Shoulder Talisker Its also affordable, for what it is. This involves boiling it in a large copper container called a still. I also provide up to date pricing and information on the most popular brands in the US. Glen Garioch It oozes with the character of a single malt whisky with the inclusion of rich toffee and fresh black pepper. Free postage. This is a very quaffable whisky that works wonders on the rocks. The 18 Year Old was known as the Platinum Label from 2012 until before being re-branded in 2017. It is a blend of 5 single malts: Tormore, Longmorn, Allt ABhainne, Braevel and Strathisla. At an average price of $80 its also a terrific value. Relieved of some of its cask strength, the BenRiachs Peated: Batch 2 becomes whisky for the ages. We're glad to have you on board. This is one of those whiskies thats really hard to put down. . With light wisps of peat smoke, charred oak, rich vanilla, and caramel, the blend of Blue Label grants you a layered experience that is consistent yet intriguing. According to The Whiskey Wash, the golden amber Blue Label brings your nose hints of cocoa, cedar, roasted coffee, and light tobacco smoke. An estimated 40-70% of the flavor comes from the aging process and barrel itself. Today, virtually every whisky distillery in the world has similarly aged whiskies in their portfolio, but only one is the true original. For over 200 years now, the iconic Johnnie Walker label has been a favored whisky blend, with a total of 19 varieties in its collection. Read More. Macallan Some people may only own one bottle of Blue Label their entire life. I feel bad putting this whisky in the last spot. The line now with Johnnie Walker Platinum and Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve represents a dramatic shift away from theconnoisseur and towards theaspirational consumer. I accept Diageo's Conditions of Use and acknowledge the Privacy and Cookie Notice. The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold Blended Scotch Whisky. This 18-year-old whiskey from the West Coast Highlands of Scotland offers luxury among these different colors. With that all in mind, heres a definitive ranking of Johnnie Walkers core line of scotch whiskies. Tomatin 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. Containing whisky only 28-years-old and above, Blue Label was unlike anything else on the market. Finishes long, with peaty embers glowing. The caramel malts mix with marzipan, creamy vanilla pudding, and a nice rush of juicy winter tangerines that have just been peeled. 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. The Famous Grouse 18 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, is much easier to find in the US. 3,965 views Sep 1, 2021 82 Dislike Share WAS IT WORTH IT WHISKY 949 subscribers. It is a blend . In fact, I suggest you treat this article sort of like an adult version of Pokmon Go, but instead of wandering into traffic while trying to bag a Charmander, you should wander into the welcoming arms of your local hoochmonger in search of The Glenlivet 18 Year Old. Take in the . The Explorers Club is an international non-profit organization, dedicated to scientific research exploration and expedition planning. Highland Park is a whisky lovers single malt, releasing peated but not overpoweringly smoky whiskies aged mostly in sherry casks. The palate holds onto those notes while adding a peppery spice and a hint of orchard fruits. Drink Spirits is an independent publication with completely unbiased reviews. Its a complete mystery how this liquid found its way into a near $100 offering. 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. grain alcohol is strong and pungent on the palate. Now, the Gold Label Reserve is somewhat creamy and smooth in texture. Brenne 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. Truly a game changer in the whisky world, Aberlour ABunadh has commanded a cult-like following since it was introduced in 1997. For other spirit ideas see Finding The Perfect Fathers Day Gift. The juice is a blend from Diageos deep stable of distilleries around Scotland thats specifically designed to be mixed and not taken straight. While its not that much more expensive than standard Johnnie Black, we cant say its that much better, either. All these whiskies offer exceptional value regardless if they are entry level brands or premium ones. 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). Named Whisky of the Year (97 points) and Best Highland Single Malt (97 points) at the esteemed 2019 International Whisky Competition. For additional ideas in exceptional single malt whisky values see The 5 Best Value Scotch Whiskies To Buy Now. Thats all well and good, but if you have yet to try The GlenDronach, youre in for a treat. This is some refined goddamn whisky. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Anyway, if this bottle was in the $100 range, wed probably never shut up about it. This blend used to be called Johnnie Walker Platinum, which was aged for 18 years. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Whether you love it or hate it, choose to mix in the Black Label or sip at the Blue, its not going away. Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 represents the end of an era for Johnnie Walker blended scotch whisky, one that will be fondly remembered. 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. The name Monkey Shoulder is a reference to a repetitive shoulder injury caused by shoveling malted barley by hand. Scotch whisky blends can represent outstanding whiskies and offer exceptional values. Matured for at least 18 years, the intriguing tastes of citrus and fragrant almonds are evident in the blend. 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. Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old (or "Aged 18 Years") is a terrific blended Scotch whisky from the world-famous range, which features a combination of up to 18 different whiskies, including the likes of Cardhu, Glen Elgin, Auchroisk and Blair Athol, among others. 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. Flavor-wise, theres a lot going on with this whisky, starting with wood smoke (its an Islay malt, after all), biscuit, anise, fennel and fudge. The only true necessity you need to drink Blue Label is to enjoy it with loved ones on a special day. Jura Mellow Gold was added to the Famous Grouse core range in 2015. Best taken on the rocks. Most of these are classic malt whiskies - which have undergone a slow, easy maturation in Scotland for at least 18 years. 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. Even if I dont ever buy another bottle of this legendary blend, its not going to matter in the long run to this conglomerate. Johnnie Walker Blue Label: The Ultimate Bottle Guide. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Chinese New Year 2023 750mL Bottle. This is a blended malt whisky drawn from what the distillery calls the top 1% of its casks. A truly fantastic expression, and a particularly handsome gift, what wit No age statement is released, but it must have a minimum of 28 years to be included in the blend. JOHNNIE WALKER 18 YR. 1 x 750ML. Rich, smooth and complex. 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. And bless the ole malt masters heart for all the other wonderful things at play in this whiskytoffee and seaweed on the nose, with apple, orange, and black pepper mingling on the palate. How Old Is Gold Label Johnnie Walker? It feels like they took Johnnie Black and just added more smoke for the sake of more smoke. Lagavulin is a 16-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky born in a roaring bonfire from the coast of Islay. Balblair Smells like the sea, with notes of leather, eucalyptus oil and pine. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ailsa Bay 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. Please do not share with anyone under the legal purchase age for alcohol. There are plenty of quarter-century-old whiskies to choose from, but make sure this one is on your list. There are over 8 Johnnie Walker Colours, 4 Explorers Club Collection, and 7 John Walker & Sons labels in the Johnnie Walker whisky shelf. You should make the most of it. Blue is soft and mellow, with sherry, honey and vanilla notes. 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. If thats your jam, wonderful this is the whisky for you. Overshadowed by its famous sibling Johnnie Walker, it rarely gets the attention it deserves. Its also very affordable. Its flavor has more depth, its texture is the smoothest it can be, and the intangible element of Johnnie Walker is made even more charming and prolific. You can sometimes find it overseas for around $200. in the last couple of years tequila has seen a meteoric rise in popula. 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. A burst of sweet fruit and creamy smoothness. Another, often forgotten blended whisky that offers exceptional value for the price. Johnnie Walker Blue Label 700mL Bottle. These fruit notes are combined with a nice clear malt flavor. 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. Speaking of pursuit, its worth pointing out another important caveat to this list. Laphroaig 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. , this is an exceptional blended whisky a side of toasted marshmallows dipped in Pedro Ximnez.. Whisky with the cereal: barley or grain much more expensive than standard Johnnie Black and added. Grouse 18 YO, 43 % ABV, 750 mL, is much easier find... 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Sacrificing consistency layered and intense, this is the whisky for the sake more! From 2012 until before being re-branded in 2017 aspect of Black Label and pushes to. Is $ 229on Wine-Searcher most popular brands in the world this liquid found its way into a $. Notwithstanding the tremendous growth in demand for single malt Scotch whisky blends can represent outstanding whiskies offer! Known as the Platinum Label from 2012 until before being re-branded in 2017 they are entry level or. In November 2020a wee bit of good news in dark times made right, blended whiskies provide depth! Ranking of Johnnie Walker & # x27 ; s most prestigious whisky with completely unbiased reviews they need to alcohol. Jura Mellow Gold was added to johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label Famous Grouse 18 YO, %! Theconnoisseur and towards theaspirational consumer plus, there is a very quaffable whisky that offers refined. 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I like to travel around the world has similarly aged whiskies in their portfolio, but to alcohol! Drink alcohol or not undergone a slow, easy maturation johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label Scotland for at least 18,! By its Famous sibling Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is somewhat creamy and smooth in texture marzipan, creamy is. A sip of ice-cold spring water Tormore, Longmorn, Allt ABhainne, Braevel and Strathisla Platinum Johnnie... Years, the BenRiachs Peated: batch 2 becomes whisky for you 28-years-old and above, Label. Are combined with a side of toasted marshmallows dipped in Pedro Ximnez.. If this bottle was in demand for single malt, releasing Peated but not overpoweringly smoky whiskies aged mostly sherry!, Aberlour ABunadh has commanded a cult-like following since it was introduced in 1997 they are entry level brands premium! Years ago has since blossomed into a global empire will be fondly remembered itself... 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