This whisky forms part of the world famous Johnnie Walker blended range of Scotch whiskies. The expression formerly had an 18 Years Old age statement but this was replaced by this non-age stated version in 2012. The Gold Label Reserve pays homage to the old version by maintaining many of the same whiskies within the blend, including the ‘signature malt’ of Clynelish. It was created by Jim Beveridge, the former Johnnie Walker Master Blender, who designed the two new whiskies to create a more natural progression through the range – this currently begins with Red Label and finishes with Blue Label.
The whisky brand is named after John Walker, a man who owned a small grocery shop in the Ayrshire town of Kilmarnock in Scotland in the 1820s. Back then, nearly all whisky sold commercially was a blend. John Walker, or Johnnie to his friends, learnt the skills required to create a commercially successful whisky and the rest is history. Other famous blended whiskies such as Bell’s, Ballantine’s and Teacher’s have similar background stories. In the early days his whisky was made for his local clients and was sold in small quantities. He used whiskies from nearby distilleries around the Lowlands and Glasgow.
The success of the brand really took off during Victorian times when it was heavily exported around the British Empire. As the Empire expanded, more people enjoyed the range and brand has never looked back. The brand and famous walking man logo are embedded in world culture and pioneered sports sponsorship in the 1960s by sponsoring a motor racing Grand Prix team and other major events, such as golf. The Johnnie Walker brand is currently owned by multi national drinks company Diageo.
The Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is bottled at 40% ABV and is widely available in supermarkets and specialist whisky retailers globally. A bottle should cost around £45.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is coppery amber and the nose is instantly captivating. There are plenty of sweet aromas – think of butterscotch, peach and vanilla. These are complimented and balanced by some bittersweet cereals, sweet green capsicum and a healthy whiff of soft, earthy peat smoke.
On the palate this feels light, soft and delicate with an initial burst of delicious sweetness. Vanilla and honey notes are particularly prominent, with further butterscotch and plump yellow sultana and dried apple. The sweetness is balanced by a distinct bittersweet barley note. A background earthy smoke wisps around everything and brings the palate together. A hint of woody spice, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, finish things off, alongside a further hint of warm gingerbread.
The finish is very moreish and laden with honey, before turning a little drier and spicier. The sweet and fruity characteristics fade slowly to leave the soft, gentle peat smoke to linger.
What’s The Verdict?
This is a lovely whisky that delivers consistently on all levels. The balance of sweet, fruit, spice and gentle smoke is superb. It is easy to see why this blended whisky is so popular and why it regularly wins major awards in global spirits competitions. The Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve should be a ‘must have’ for any decent whisky cabinet.
