Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 Year Old
Better than Blue
0 386
Review by @markjedi1
- Nose~
- Taste~
- Finish~
- Balance~
- Overall86
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- Brand: Johnnie Walker
- Type: Scotch
- ABV: 40%
Johnnie Walker is still the best selling brand in the world. It sells more bottles than all the single malts put together. Hence it is Diageo’s golden goose. But the Red Label is hardly a good blend. Maybe this Gold Label hits the right spot? After all, it is a blend of 15 single malts (with Clynelish in the lead), which have all matured for at least 18 years. It is no longer being produced since 2013.
The nose is rich and expressive, pretty floral and sweet. Loads of honey, dried fruit and a wonderful, albeit somewhat discreet, touch of smoke. Toasted oak. Maple syrup. Heather. A lot more complex than the Blue Label, which surprised me somewhat.
It is a bit oily (just shy of watery) on honey, pastry, dried orange peel with ginger and a pinch of salt. Nice oak. The peat is a bit more pronounced than on the nose and makes this one rather picture perfect.
The finish is medium long and smoky, with the emphasis on orange peel and honey.
This is the best modern Johnnie Walker I have tried so far. Move over, Blue Label! Pity that it is not being made anymore. Hopefully the Platinum is just as good? Thanks, Andreas.
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Yes, but is it better than Swing, which is much cheaper. I haven't had the Gold for a while, so I can't make a HTH comparison, but Swing works so well I haven't had the desire to spring for the Gold. If I remember correctly, they have a similar taste profile.