Each Johnnie Walker Label, Defined, Tasted, and Ranked

Within the mainstream notion of blended Scotch, there’s Johnnie Walker, after which there’s all the things else. The Diageo-owned big can really feel omnipresent in each liquor shops and bars, with visibility boosted by latest particular editions and leisure crossovers. (The “White Walker” “Sport of Thrones” collab appeared too becoming to not exist.)

And whereas the whisky world has grown each wider and deeper in latest many years, Johnnie Walker stays the best-selling Scotch, with roughly 22.1 million circumstances shipped in 2023. For reference, that’s greater than 2.5 occasions the amount of Ballantine’s, its nearest competitor. It’s powerful to think about Johnnie’s market dominance altering anytime quickly. Diageo operates round 30 distilleries all through Scotland, giving the model entry to an unbelievable number of each single malt and single grain liquid streams. Like many blenders, it’s additionally believed the model sources from and trades whiskies with producers outdoors its firm portfolio.

The model’s Pink Label has lengthy held the title because the world’s best-selling blended Scotch, and over the previous ~115 years, Johnnie Walker’s core lineup has shifted, with a wide range of expressions launched and retired. At this time, we’re inspecting, tasting, and rating the model’s present six core bottlings, in growing order of taste and high quality.

6. Johnnie Walker Pink Label

ABV: 40%
MSRP: ~$22.99
Sort: Blended Scotch Whisky

The world’s best-selling blended Scotch, Johnnie Walker Pink Label traces its origins again to 1909. Like most Johnnie blends, the precise proportions shift over time because the mixing staff makes an attempt to take care of consistency with ever-changing inventory. However the greater and broader the mix, the extra levers there are to drag, and Pink Label pulls from as much as 35 completely different whiskies per batch. (Diageo highlights Cardhu, Coal Ila, Cameronbridge, and Teaninich as some particular sources.)

Tasting Notes: The early scents are barely grainy however construct in complexity given sufficient time. It’s fruit-forward with each orchard and tropical fruits, and the primary aromas hit like a balanced mix of apple, pineapple, and papaya, and orange juices. Small touches of oak and clove oil add some depth, together with restrained salinity and a contact of creosote. The fruit aromas evolve towards fire-grilled with extra time within the glass. At first sip, it’s straightforward to see how Pink Label maintains its standing as a finest vendor and ever-popular mixer. The palate leans candy with cream soda, vanilla frosting, butterscotch, smoked maple syrup, and diluted honey syrup. Mild smoke (and once more, smoked or charred fruit, notably peach and pineapple) builds on the second sip and gives some good depth on what may in any other case be a one-trick medley of sweetness. These aforementioned flavors mix to baked ham with pineapple and clove. The end is on the quick aspect, however a number of the clove spice and smoke linger for a not-insignificant period of time.

Abstract: There’s nothing offensive about Johnnie Walker Pink Label, however within the scope of the model’s core choices, this one is extra adaptable workhorse than spotlight dram. Sipped neat, it appears like a spirit designed to be restrained and begging for a complement of one thing else. Because the model itself states, this can be a whisky “excellent served with mixers or remodeled into cocktails.” Get pleasure from accordingly.

5. Johnnie Walker Black Label

ABV: 40%
MSRP: ~$39.99 to $49.99
Sort: Blended Scotch Whisky

Johnnie Walker Black Label is Pink Label’s age-stated, barely upstream sibling, one other stalwart of the road relationship again to the early 1900s. And it’s possible the world’s second-most- well-known blended Scotch behind Pink Label. Sourced from the “4 corners of Scotland,” the youngest whisky within the bottle is 12 years outdated, and based on the model, it’s meant to occupy a flexible center floor within the lineup, fulfilling neat, on the rocks, or in a barely extra premium cocktail.

Tasting Notes: On the nostril — which is directly oaky, spiced, and flippantly astringent — Black Label instantly evokes what one may (accurately) come to count on in a blended Scotch. That’s, practically full-spectrum depth. Floral sweetness (rose water, lilac, and even lavender) pairs with seasoned oak earlier than cinnamon, allspice, and white pepper waft upward. Canned pears in syrup add a contact of fruit, whereas damp embers and linseed oil bookend the nostril. Peat, saltwater taffy, and sweetened grain porridge dominate the early palate, together with a touch of coconut flakes. Almond cookies and smoked malt lead a comparatively quick midpalate, with a mouthfeel some drinkers will want had a contact extra viscosity. The medium-length end lends a tiny pops of campfire-roasted fruit (the fruitiest section of all the dram), smoke, and wooden sugars.

Abstract: It’s straightforward to need extra out of Johnnie Walker Black. (Easy to say about numerous whiskies.) That mentioned, it’s finally an accessible, dependable sipper with sufficient taste to depart an affect throughout every section from nostril to palate to complete. I all the time discover myself wishing for extra construction on the midpalate, however a stable end finally helps make up for any shortfalls there.

4. Johnnie Walker Double Black

ABV: 40% ABV
MSRP: $44.99
Sort: Blended Scotch Whisky

Launched in 2011 and marketed because the “rebellious youthful sibling of Johnnie Walker Black Label,” Johnnie Walker Double Black is a non-age-stated blended Scotch. (It’s straightforward to imagine the general mix is youthful than Black Label, however that’s not essentially truth throughout each bottling.) This explicit expression is mixed from unspecified whiskies from the west coast of Scotland, chosen for “their naturally smoky flavour.” Labeled a Blended Scotch Whisky, Johnnie Walker Double Black can also be marketed as a “double malt mix,” which signifies a mix of malt whiskies from a minimum of two completely different distilleries.

Tasting Notes: As marketed, on the nostril, Double Black comes out swinging as a punchier, richer model of Black Label. Although each are bottled at 80 proof, Double Black noses a contact increased, with lots of its sibling’s notes dialed up. The nostril is much less floral and undeniably smokier, with burning leaves becoming a member of up with extra subdued campfire embers. Spice can also be amplified; whereas Black Label solely finally divulges scents of cinnamon and pepper, Double Black places these entrance and middle, together with a lovely thread of preserved ginger. Double Black nonetheless carries that very same linseed oil word, however it’s much less noticeable amid bolder scents, leading to a nostril that’s much less overtly chemical. The early palate brings extra grilled orchard fruits alongside orange marmalade, dusted cocoa, and pink bubblegum. These flavors are all ensconced inside a surprisingly complicated array of smoke, creosote, and charcoal. Porridge is current however reserved for the midpalate, which occupies considerably more room than the earlier dram. The end is mildly spiced, remarkably huge on each almond and vanilla extracts.

Abstract: Personally, I waffle backwards and forwards between Black Label and Double Black. And whereas they’re noticeably completely different, in rating the 5 core expressions, these two land closest collectively for me. However whereas Black Label might have the sting on balanced composition for mixing, Double Black’s extra pronounced flavors make it the head-to-head winner for sipping neat. However I received’t hesitate to achieve for it when mixing drinks for a smokier profile.

3. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve

ABV: 40%
MSRP: $69.99
Sort: Blended Scotch Whisky

Upon hitting the market in 2012, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve turned the successor to the earlier Gold Label expression, which carried an 18-year age assertion. This modern model is non-age-stated, produced from malt and grain whiskies “chosen for his or her candy, honeyed qualities.”

Tasting Notes: One of many extra complicated early noses in Johnnie Walker’s core vary, Gold Label Reserve definitely delivers on its “candy, honeyed” promoting with aromas of lavender-infused easy syrup, vanilla donut frosting, and — sure, as promised — heat honey. Natural notes embrace rosemary, cardamom pods, and even fennel. However the actual standout word for me on this tasting (not essentially in depth however in shock) is a daring thread of mint, each spearmint and wintergreen. Vivid purple maraschino cherry provides much more fruit depth to the medley. The primary sip falls proper in line, a stability between these candy notes in roughly equal proportion, adopted by a can’t-shake-it combo of mint tea and candy mint gum. The midpalate is carried by a thicker-than-usual mouthfeel for Johnnie Walker base expressions, which builds to mild tropical fruit and barely-there smoke. The end tastes like honeycomb grilled with rosemary, not terribly punchy in taste however an appropriate decrescendo from the various palate.

Abstract: The trendy model of Gold Label Reserve is a mighty candy dram with a minty twist that provides to the expertise as an alternative of overpowering. The presence of maraschino cherry and a composed, extra viscous midpalate elevates the bottle above Johnnie Walker’s extra fundamental and customary choices.

2. Johnnie Walker Inexperienced Label

ABV: 43%
MSRP: $64.99
Sort: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

First launched in 1997, Johnnie Walker Inexperienced Label is exclusive among the many model’s core choices in that it’s blended solely from single malts, with no single grain whisky added. As such, it’s the one “Blended Malt Scotch Whisky” on this listing. (And at 43 p.c ABV, it’s the best proof of all whiskies assessed right here.) It carries a 15-year age assertion, with whisky from sources together with Talisker, Linkwood, Cragganmore, and Caol Ila.

Tasting Notes: Inexperienced Label’s nostril begins earthy, and in a enjoyable means; I’m nearly immediately transported to an earthen warehouse, aromas of dust, oak, and angel’s share surrounding my senses. The nostril will get lighter, fruitier, and extra floral with time, adjoining to potpourri with out fairly getting there. Golden pear, raisins, apricots, starfruit, and tart purple plum cross with mild peat and beeswax. Honeycomb and apricot lead the early palate. Cedar is a generally cited tasting word on Inexperienced Label, although I personally discover it a little bit nearer to spruce pitch or different naturally derived variations of chewing gum. On the midpalate, there’s a fast flip towards very candy and cereal notes, a bit like Frosted Wheaties with smoked maple syrup drizzled on high. The end turns pleasantly astringent, with sufficient wooden to remind us of the whisky’s age and pedigree — and sufficient peat so as to add character to the continued presence of sugary cereal that may in any other case flip cloying.

Abstract: Throughout tasting, there have been a number of factors after I thought Inexperienced Label may engineer a shock upset. It’s undeniably one of many tastiest expressions in Johnnie Walker’s core lineup, and by many measures it’s the perfect worth in all the run. The marginally increased ABV additionally offers it a possible leg up on its cousins and siblings right here. Inexperienced Label exists at a uncommon intersection of age, taste, and worth. And that’s an excellent factor, as a result of I’ll be searching for a restock quickly sufficient.

1. Johnnie Walker Blue Label

ABV: 40% ABV
MSPR: ~$170-$250
Sort: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Since its introduction in 1992, Johnnie Walker Blue has stood atop the world of premium blended Scotch as a extremely recognizable bottle, typically related to high-end gifting and particular events. It was first labeled as “Johnnie Walker Oldest” earlier than a mid-’90s rebrand, although to be clear, it stays a non-age-stated mix. Blue Label can also be related to quite a few special-edition releases, however at this time, we’re taking a look at the usual mix.

Tasting Notes: Whereas bottled at 40 p.c ABV, Johnnie Walker Blue Label has all the time nosed above that to me, nearer to one thing within the 42–43 p.c vary. And all through the years, with ever shifting shares, the whisky has stayed constant in reminding me of a spring day: a various bouquet of blooming flowers, the place pollen-laden blossoms meet diluted honey syrup and spicy pink peppercorns. Pink sweet apples, almond extract, toasted oak, and sawgrass spherical out the aromas on the highest finish expression amongst Johnnie’s core choices. At first style, Blue Label rapidly stands out from the remaining; it’s not instantly higher right here, however the profile is essentially the most citrus-forward of the bunch. Early flavors coalesce into lemon bars and lemon tarts, with a deft combo of sour-meets-sweet that beckons extra sips. Walnut extract gives a nutty dimension whereas citrus transitions to natural, on this case thyme and lemongrass. There’s a pleasant burst of unfiltered apple juice proper earlier than the end, which is mild — I wouldn’t have minded much more oak and astringency right here — and reasonably smoked.

Abstract: The King retains its crown. Whereas my coronary heart lies with Inexperienced Label, my palate offers the nod to Blue. A blended Scotch synonymous with luxurious — or a minimum of the “premium” tier — Blue Label earns its fame. It boasts excessive factors from throughout the Johnnie Walker taste spectrum, then both elevates or combines these with a singular array of recent elements.

*Picture retrieved from Johnnie Walker