Johnnie Walker has no scarcity of recognizable bottles, however two of its most intriguing releases typically fly slightly below the radar. Inexperienced Label and Gold Label Reserve each sit in an analogous worth vary and provide very completely different experiences for the value. One is a 15-year-old blended malt. The opposite is a no-age-statement mix constructed for smoothness.
On this information, we evaluate the 2 aspect by aspect. Whether or not you’re shopping for for your self or as a present, this can be a sensible take a look at how they differ, what critics say, and which one is probably going to fit your style.
What Are They?
Johnnie Walker Inexperienced Label is a 15-year-old blended malt scotch whisky. Meaning it’s made fully from single malts, with no grain whisky within the combine. The mix consists of 4 key distilleries: Talisker, Caol Ila, Cragganmore, and Linkwood. Every brings a unique regional fashion, from smoky and coastal to floral and fruity.
Gold Label Reserve, however, is a blended scotch whisky. It consists of each malt and grain whiskies, with no age assertion. The lead malt is from Clynelish, identified for its waxy, honeyed profile. It’s supported by different malts like Cardhu and Blair Athol, and grain whisky from Cameronbridge.
Inexperienced Label focuses on complexity and malt character. Gold Label Reserve is crafted for smoothness and approachability.
Inexperienced Label vs. Gold Label: Style Breakdown
Inexperienced Label and Gold Label Reserve showcase two very completely different approaches to scotch whisky. One is layered and smoky. The opposite is comfortable, candy, and constructed for straightforward sipping.
Inexperienced Label opens with agency notes of bonfire smoke, citrus, and malty depth. In our personal evaluate, Jeff Whisky described aromas of “bonfire smoke,” cider vinegar, lemon drizzle cake, and even “eucalyptus hand cleaning soap.” On the palate, he discovered citrus sweet, sandalwood, and a word of “fragrant smoked fish,” with a “malty and herbaceous flat cola” character. The end lingers with earthy peat and the model’s signature peppery aftertaste.
Jonny McCormick at Whisky Advocate famous “peppery smoke, kippers, dry spice, pencil shavings,” and layered sweetness because the dram opens up. They praised the whisky for its construction and complexity, scoring it 90/100 (Whisky Advocate, Difficulty 2, 2018).
Gold Label Reserve leads with a a lot softer profile. Jeff Whisky discovered “smoked peach crumble and rose water Turkish Delights” on the nostril, with wildflowers and heat honey. The palate is “skinny but silky” with honeydew, satsuma, caramel, and “melted toffee sweets.” The end is mid to lengthy, with comfortable smoke arriving on the finish. He concluded that the whisky was “very mellow and simple sipping,” although the palate felt much less advanced than the nostril.
Jonny McCormick echoed the theme of sweetness, noting “beeswax candles, wafers in vanilla ice cream, and dried apricots,” together with a “mouth-clinging end” of honeyed fruits (Whisky Advocate, Difficulty 3, 2018).
Worth & Availability
Inexperienced Label and Gold Label Reserve are each broadly accessible and priced in an analogous vary, making them a pure comparability for consumers wanting within the $60 – $70 class.
In the USA, Inexperienced Label usually sells for $60 to $80, and Gold Label Reserve typically retails for $60 to $80, relying on the state and retailer. Within the UK, Inexperienced Label tends to take a seat round £45 to £50, with Gold Label barely increased at £50 to £55. Costs can range throughout promotions, however they often stay inside attain for mid-tier scotch drinkers.
Each expressions are a part of Johnnie Walker’s core vary and are readily stocked at main retailers. You’ll discover them on-line, in supermarkets, and in specialist whisky retailers. Gold Label is commonly featured in reward packs or larger-format bottles, significantly round holidays. Inexperienced Label, since its reintroduction in 2016, has constructed a gentle following and is not thought-about a restricted or hard-to-find launch.
Availability is constant year-round in each the U.S. and UK markets.
Which One’s Proper for You?
Whereas each whiskies are comparable in worth and broadly accessible, they provide very completely different consuming experiences. The correct alternative relies on what you’re on the lookout for.
Select Inexperienced Label if you’d like depth and complexity.
It’s constructed fully from aged single malts and presents layered smoke, fruit, and spice. The peat from Talisker and Caol Ila offers it a coastal spine, whereas Cragganmore and Linkwood add malt richness and refined floral notes. It’s a whisky with character and construction.
As Jeff Whisky put it, “the whisky fans choose from the Johnnie Walker core vary.” It’s additionally one of many few blended malts available on the market with a 15-year age assertion at this worth level.
Select Gold Label Reserve in case you worth smoothness and sweetness.
This mix is crafted for consolation. It delivers comfortable honey, vanilla, and fruit with only a wisp of smoke. It’s mellow and simple to take pleasure in neat, but additionally works effectively in highballs or celebratory cocktails.
Jeff Whisky referred to as it “very mellow and simple sipping,” whereas Whisky Advocate praised its “mouth-clinging end” of honeyed fruits.
The Verdict
Inexperienced Label and Gold Label Reserve could share a price ticket, however they provide very completely different experiences. Inexperienced is for many who need complexity, with smoke, spice, and a full malt character. Gold is for many who want easy, candy, straightforward sipping.
Should you take pleasure in layered flavors and a extra critical profile, go for Inexperienced. If you’d like one thing mellow and approachable, Gold is a superb possibility.
Each are strong selections. It simply relies on your style.
Learn our full opinions of Inexperienced Label and Gold Label Reserve to be taught extra.
