Johnnie Walker, founded in 1820, is one of the most recognizable brands in Scotch whisky. The portfolio of blended scotches includes expressions ranging from budget to super premium. It gives drinkers a choice while assuring them that whatever label they select will be a high-quality product.
The range of Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky is extensive. It all starts with an affordable selection of whisky fit for any cocktail. As you progress through the line, you’ll come across pure luxury bottles meant to be sipped and savored. In this article, we will go over an overview of Johnnie Walker blended scotch whisky.
How Does Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky Taste Like?
Each bottle of Johnnie Walker has a distinct flavor due to the whiskies used in the blend. The whisky is well-known for its smoothness and warmth. It’s a strong whisky with fruits, spices, malt, and oak flavors. While it has the subtle smokiness characteristic of Scotch whisky, it is not a dry whisky, making it very approachable.
Types
The color of the label has distinguished one Johnnie Walker expression from another since 1909. Each is a unique blend of whiskies that have aged for a specific amount of time, with the oldest being the most expensive. To comprehend the portfolio, try to recall the label sequence.
1. Black Label
Johnnie Walker Black Label differs significantly from Red Label despite being one level higher on the brand’s color wheel. Complex blended scotch called Black Label is surprisingly affordable for its caliber.
This blend, originally known as “Walker’s Old Highland Whisky,” was created in 1820 and relaunched under its current name in 1909. It’s made up of about 40 single malt and grain whiskies that have all been aged at least 12 years.
Black Label is an excellent introduction to scotch because it has a nice balance of sweet and peat flavors. It’s an elegant scotch at an affordable price and a dependable whisky that can easily become a bar staple. It works equally well in a scotch and soda as in a Rob Roy, but it’s also tasty.
2. Green Label
It’s been difficult to replicate the availability of the Johnnie Walker Green Label. Green Label was phased out of the United States and all other markets when the Johnnie Walker portfolio was redesigned in 2013; it was exclusively available in Taiwan. To the delight of Green Label devotees, that situation changed in 2016 and is now accessible everywhere.
Green Label is a four-malt whisky blend. The malts are at least 15 years old and hail from Scotland’s Island, Highland, Lowland, and Speyside regions. It’s extremely smooth and often described as honeyed, with dried fruit notes.
If you want to mix this scotch, do so sparingly so that the whisky can shine. Aside from that, it’s best served in a chilled glass with an ice ball for a hint of water.
3. Double Black
Full-bodied and complex, Johnnie Walker Double Black is still within most whisky drinkers’ price range. It began as a limited-edition expression in 2011 and has since become a permanent part of Johnnie Walker’s portfolio.
This is a masterpiece of blended scotch, similar to Black Label but with a richer, and intense flavor. Double Black would be the next step in your scotch journey if you liked the addition of smoke in the Black Label. Double Black’s full-bodied flavor is extremely complex, with a fascinating blend of smoke, vanilla, and dried fruits. The whiskies in the blend are drawn from the House of Walker’s smoky whisky reserves and some have been aged in “deep charred oak casks.”
It’s an excellent whisky for mixing into simple cocktails. If you’re drinking it straight, add a splash of distilled water to bring out the flavor.
4. Gold Label Reserve
The most significant Johnnie Walker portfolio revamp was completed in 2014 with the release of the highly anticipated Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve. It was previously only available in duty-free markets, but it is now widely available and a permanent fixture in the brand’s line.
This lavish expression is a meticulously crafted blend of 15 whiskies, including Highland and Speyside malts. It is a smooth, sweet beverage that is very simple to drink. With a hint of light smoke and sweet, woody fruits, this scotch has a long, robust finish.
Everyone can enjoy Gold Label Reserve as a scotch. Pour it and savor its elegance, or use it sparingly in intriguing cocktails like the scotch sour.
5. Red Label
The portfolio’s foundation, Johnnie Walker Red Label, is an entry-level scotch. It’s enjoyable, dependable, and can be found in almost every bar on the planet. It was initially known as Extra Special Old Highland Whisky before being renamed “Red Label” in 1909.
Red Label is a blend of 30 single malt and grain whiskies under ten. Bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof), this whisky has a sweet, spicy flavor and robust smoke with a warm finish. It’s their most affordable scotch and goes well with any scotch cocktail.
6. Blue Label
You will pay for accidentally ordering Johnnie Walker Blue Label at the bar. The Johnnie Walker portfolio’s apex, many of us can only experience on very infrequent, frequently very special occasions. It is a luxury; few other drinks can match a glass of Blue Label after a four- or five-star meal.
Blue Label is filled with rare whiskies, many from now-defunct distilleries. According to Johnnie Walker, “only one in ten thousand casks are of the quality to make this blend.” Soft sherry, honey, and vanilla notes contrast with an intense, dark chocolate peatiness.
Take the following advice: According to Johnnie Walker, the best way to enjoy Blue Label is to “cool the palate with a glass of ice-cold spring water” before sipping the whisky from a snifter. It’s beautiful, an experience, and one of the best spirits you’ll ever find.
How to Drink Johnnie Walker
Even though some of Johnnie Walker’s products taste best served straight up or on the rocks, they also taste good this way. Additionally, don’t hesitate to incorporate some of these whiskies into cocktails.
For mixed drinks, stick to the Red, Black, and Double Black labels for cost-effectiveness. The midrange labels, which will produce some of the best scotch cocktails you’ve ever had, should be considered when you want to splurge. Keep Blue Label for a straight pour and savor each sip.
Bottomline
As a blended whisky, its smooth flavor pairs well with subtle fruit, herb, and spice flavors. These pairings are frequently found in modern scotch cocktails that maintain the simplicity of the classics. Significantly, always remember to drink responsibly and at a legal age.
