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 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 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
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.