Johnnie Walker 18 year old vs Gold Label

Comparison time again and today it is an interesting one. I look at a Johnnie Walker release that was discontinued as well as the release that replaced it. Today it is time for Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky.

Índice Show

Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 yo Blended Whisky
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 yo Blended Whisky
Comparison: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label Blended Whisky
Is Johnnie Walker Black or gold better?
How many years old is Johnnie Walker Gold Label?
Which Johnny Walker label is best?
What is the difference between the Johnnie Walker labels?

The Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 yo whisky was discontinued during 2013 and replaced by two releases: The Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 yo whisky and the Gold Label Reserve whisky. I have not tried the Gold Label Reserveyet. But while I still had a bit of the Gold Label whisky left, I managed to do a side by side comparison with the Platinum Label.

Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 yo Blended Whisky

The Johnnie Walker Gold Label Blended whisky was created in 1920 by Sir Alexander Walker. It was to commemorate the Johnnie Walker Company’s 100 years in business dating back to 1820.

The Gold Label is a blend of 15 different whiskies including some Talisker, Clynish, Royal Lochnagar and Cardhu. All the whiskies used in the blend is at least 18 years old. Jim Murray awarded this Gold Label 96 points in his Whisky Bible, which is not too bad… 🙂

Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 yo Blended Whisky

The Johnnie Walker Platinum Labelwas the first new ‘colour’ to be released in many years. Diageo introduced it into Travel Retail first before it became available more widely. This Platinum Label release slot in next to the Johnnie Walker Blue Label. With a mix of malts around 18 years old, it is Diageo’s competition to the 18 yo single malts.

The Johnnie Walker Platinum Label is a blended combining a limited number of single malt and grain whiskies, each matured for a minimum of 18 years. According to Diageo, this release is blended in the elegant sweet Speyside style.

Also Read: Singleton 12 yo vs Glenfiddich 12 yo Single Malt whisky

Comparison: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label Blended Whisky

	Johnnie Walker Platinum Label	Johnnie Walker Gold Label
Price point	R 1 150	Discontinued
ABV	40%	43%
Colour	Bright gold	Bright gold
Nose	Toffee sweetness, brandy soaked fruits with hints of orange and smoke. Fresh-cut flowers and butterscotch. Traces of vanilla and caramel intermingle in the background.	Malt and barley with hints of smoke, oaky spices and sun dried grass. Rich and complex with a fruity sweetness. Apples and cinnamon hints balanced with fresh flowers.
Palate	Mild spice and hints of oak. Floral notes, malt, cinnamon and oranges intermingling with smoke. Something peaty in the background.	Honey and apricot jam, hints of malt and cream, toasted oak spices with smoky hints. Bits of cinnamon and dried fruit, wonderful balance between sweet and spice.
Finish	Medium length and ends in notes of orange and spice.	Long and lingering with notes of honey and green grass
Region	Blended whisky	Blended whisky
My Rating	Very Good	Excellent
Rating on Whizzky	3.9 from 291 ratings	4 from 60 ratings
Comments	It is an easy drinking whisky.	A lovely balance between the rich fruity notes and hints of smoke.
You will like it if you …	are looking for something easy drinking with a fancy brand name.	are looking for something premium that is delicious and fruity.
Pairs well with	Delicate fish or soft cheese	Dark Chocolate dessert or beef stew

Putting these two side by side showed me just how small the differences are. There were many similarities in these drams, starting with the colour that is almost identical. However, Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 yo whisky stands a bit above the Platinum Label. It is just that little bit bolder and fresher compared to the Platinum Label. If you see it somewhere, it is worth getting.

Loading ...

Is Johnnie Walker Black or gold better?

On the nose, the Black is stronger and presents its familiar range of citrus, honey, and fruit. The Gold by comparison is quite soft. I notice the smoke and oak in the Gold more when compared directly to the more fruity and spicy Black. The Gold's fruity side is more subtle when compared directly with the Black.

How many years old is Johnnie Walker Gold Label?

Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 yo Blended Whisky The Gold Label is a blend of 15 different whiskies including some Talisker, Clynish, Royal Lochnagar and Cardhu. All the whiskies used in the blend is at least 18 years old.

Which Johnny Walker label is best?

The Blue Label is the most prestigious of the Johnnie Walker blends and as such comes with a much higher price tag than the other bottles in the range. The Blue Label was first introduced in 1994 and is now one of the most famous blended whiskies.

What is the difference between the Johnnie Walker labels?

The main differences between the Johnnie Walker Red Label and Black Label are its blend. The Johnnie Walker Red Label is an 80 proof blend of 35 grain and malt whiskeys, while the Johnnie Walker Black Label is an 80 proof blend of 12-year-old 40 whiskeys.