Johnnie Walker - Gold Label 18 Year (750ml)
Price: $84.99
| Producer | Johnnie Walker |
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| Country | Scotland |
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| Style | Scotch Whisky |
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| Sku | 06912 |
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| Size | 750ml |
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Originally known as Walker's Kiolmarnock Whisky, the scotch was originally sold as a product in his grocery store, and became known as 'Johnnie Walker' following his death in 1857, and by his son's and grandson's decision to popularize the drink. Prior to 1860 it was illegal in Scotland to sell blended whiskey (the original Walker whisky was a single malt), but the law allowing blending was enacted in 1860 and in 1865, his son Alexander created the first Johnnie Walker blend. They introduced the iconic square bottle in 1870 (allowing more bottles to fit on retail shelves, and created the angled text to improve the visibility of text. Between 1906 and 1909 the Johnnie Walker colors (Red/Black/etc) were developed by, and J.W.'s grandsons hired illustrator Tom Browne to create the iconic 'striding man logo'. Eventually Johnnie Walker was acquired by Guinness (1986) and was then added to the Diageo portfolio in 1997. Johnnie Walker is the most widely sold blended scotch in the world. Last year nearly 130 million bottles were sold. Johnnie Walker was one of the first drinks to earn a 'product placement' in the popular media when it was referenced in the 1957 film, Bridge Over The River Kwai as Lt. Colonel Nicolson's (played by Alec Guinness) drink he "preferred to sake".
Johnnie Walker Description
Inspired by the Johnnie Walker brand's nearly 200 year old history of whisky blending, today's Master Blender, Jim Beveridge, has personally crafted Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve as a celebration of the rich Johnnie Walker history. He has handpicked his favorite whiskies, including casks of Clynelish® single malt Scotch whisky - whose water source flows from the Kildonan Hills where gold was found in 1868 - and skillfully blended them into a rich Scotch whisky that's perfect for sharing life's celebratory moments. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is as great in a tall glass with crushed ice and an orange slice as it is neat. It's the blend with a 'golden touch': Whiskies are handpicked and perfectly balanced to create a blend that, like gold, has the power to transform great occasions, making Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve the "New Gold Standard of Celebration." The Clynelish® whisky used in this blend gives an immediately succulent flavor. Soft, floral, and silky vanilla tones, along with a creamy peach flavor, leave a light sweetness in the mouth. Fresh blackcurrant and exotic, juicy mango notes give way to a gentle smokiness that slowly begins to emerge and create a full and indulgent experience. Nutmeg and gingerbread give a warm, animated character before relaxing and making way for the smokiness. All these rich, exotic flavors combine to create the hallmark of Johnnie Walker blends in one sensationally long, lingering gold finish.
Whiskey Advocate
An example that older, more expensive isn’t always better, this 18 year old gem is as good as many blends twice its price. The foundation of Johnnie Walker Gold is delicate, clean, and honeyed, along with a fresh sea character (from Clynelish?) that provides a youthful zing. Notes of vanilla, shortbread, tropical fruit, freshly cut hay, marshmallow, and even a hit of peat, round out the palate. Its finish is subtly complex and nicely balanced. The blend has improved nicely over the past several years.
