1. Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve(Gold Label)
Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve is positioned as a superior version of the 15-year-old blended malt whisky, Green Label, and is categorized as NAS (No Age Statement). An interesting aspect is that despite being an upgraded version of Green Label, Gold Label’s price is sometimes lower due to the popularity of Green Label.
In 1995, it was initially named Gold Label as a 15-year-old aged whisky, but later shifted to an 18-year blend, and in 2011, it underwent another name change to Platinum Label. Hence, if you possess an older Gold Label, it can be considered as Johnnie Walker 18-year or Platinum Label.
In 2012, a new NAS version, Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve, was introduced, which is entirely different from the previous Gold Label. The current Gold Label Reserve is known for being a blended whisky aged for over 15 years.
Regarding opening the bottle, the double cap might make it challenging to open, so it’s recommended to gently tap the back after opening. Additionally, Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve is promoted as “Frozen Gold” on the Johnnie Walker website, suggesting that consuming it frozen is recommended.
2. Johnnie Walker
1) Johnnie Walker Story
Jonnie Walker, a prominent Scotch whisky brand, was founded in 1867 when its founder, John Walker, opened a small grocery store in Kilmarnock, Scotland.
He excelled in blending malt and grain whiskies, a skill inherited by his son, Alexander Walker. With the legalization of blending malt and grain whiskies, the brand experienced significant growth.
Jonnie Walker employed a distinct marketing strategy, even introducing the iconic square bottle in 1870, a departure from the predominantly round bottles of that era. The unique characteristics of the brand, including the slanted label, color-coded labels, and the distinctive symbol of the “Striding Man,” have contributed to shaping the identity of Jonnie Walker and its taste.
2) Tasting Notes: Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve
The color is a rich golden hue, quite beautiful. Given the presence of caramel coloring, there’s no need to compare it with other whiskies in terms of color.
The aroma carries a sweet vanilla scent with a hint of peat. Even upon immediately opening and taking a close whiff, the sharpness of alcohol is scarcely noticeable. The dominating note is sweetness, accompanied by a subtle maltiness in the background.
On the palate, a well-balanced combination of sweetness and saltiness is evident. Intertwined with these flavors is a touch of peat. While the peatiness is milder compared to Green Label, it is not unpleasant. The presence of peat alongside the salty note gives it a reminiscent feel of Talisker.
As you continue to sip, a slight spiciness becomes perceptible at the tip of the tongue. The finish, while not exceptionally long, is enjoyable. The Johnnie Walker series, overall, is notable for its well-crafted balance. Despite having an alcohol content of 40%, the smoothness of the whisky as it goes down the throat is quite remarkable.
3) Product Information
Product Name: Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve Limited Edition
Ingredients: Whisky base
Volume: 750ml
Manufacturer: Diageo Scotland Limited
Country of Origin: Scotland (United Kingdom)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Food Type: Whisky
3. Overall Review
In conclusion, it’s indeed a decent whisky that carries the characteristic Johnnie Walker touch. The balance is good, and while it may not have extremely bold characteristics, it’s easy to drink. Therefore, I found myself questioning the necessity of consuming it frozen.
While it may not receive as much attention as Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve, the whisky holds up well in terms of taste, and considering the price, there might not be a compelling reason to insist on Green Label. Ultimately, it offers great value for money.
In the next Gold Label Reserve review, I plan to compare the taste difference between storing it at room temperature and frozen (Frozen Gold). However,