1. Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old Platinum Label
The topic of this article is Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old. This whiskey is a blended Scotch whiskey produced in Scotland, blending malt and grain whiskies aged for a minimum of 18 years.
The term “Platinum Label” was previously used in duty-free shops but has now disappeared, and the product is simply referred to as 18 Year Old.
Among the Johnnie Walker series, it is unique as it is now only referred to as the 18 Year Old (previously known as Platinum Label), alongside the numeric lineup (12 Year Old being Black Label), and it’s one of the highest-rated, known alongside the Blue Label.
Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old features a twist cap, and upon opening, it includes a safety stopper. It has an alcohol content of 40%, and the bottle I purchased contains 750ml.
2. Johnnie Walker
1) Johnnie Walker Brand Stroy
The founder of Johnnie Walker was John Walker (1805-1857). He started a small grocery store in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and later ventured into selling blended malt and grain whiskies.
His son, Alexander, inherited the business and the blending expertise. They capitalized well on the legalization of blending malt and grain whiskies, gaining considerable popularity.
At that time, all whiskey bottles were round, until the introduction of Johnnie Walker’s iconic square bottle in 1870. Growth continued as railways connected and linked to ports.
In the early 1900s, the whiskey lineup was organized (White, Red, Black), followed by the addition of the premium Blue Label.
In 1997, with participation in Distillers Company (a consortium of whiskey distilleries), various liquor companies and financial institutions merged to create Diageo, a giant spirits company.
2) Tasting Notes
In terms of color, it appears as a clear golden hue with a slightly thick leg. The aroma is fruity with hints of vanilla, and a subtle smokiness.
Tasting reveals initial sweetness, rich maltiness, and nutty flavors. As the whiskey sits on the palate, a slight saltiness and smokiness emerge. It’s notably smooth, with an oily texture.
The finish is not overly long but dominated by sweetness, with spicy maltiness and smokiness providing a changing sensation, stimulating the palate.
3) Product Information
Product Name: Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whiskey
Volume: 750ml
Food Type: Whiskey
Ingredients and Composition: 100% whiskey base
Manufacturer: Diageo Scotland Limited
Alcohol Content: 40%
Country of Origin: Scotland
3. Overall Review
In summary, this is a whiskey that can be enjoyed smoothly. Thanks to the “18 Year Old” label, it also appears suitable as a gift. Drinking it quickly reveals stronger sweetness compared to sipping slowly. It goes down very smoothly.
While generally savoring whiskeys slowly, Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old is one to be drunk quickly, and the whiskey is quickly consumed.
When considering repurchase, it’s undoubtedly a fine spirit, though with some hesitation. Comparing Gold and 18 Year Old while considering almost double the price, it might be worth considering if it’s not worth the investment. However, if there’s a significant discount available like mine, it might still be worth buying.
