Welcome to the next instalment of my whisky comparison series. I look closer at two exceptional releases from Johnnie Walker: the renowned Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR blended Scotch whisky. These premium blends are part of the illustrious Diageo stable, but what sets them apart?
In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of these exceptional whiskies to help you make an informed choice.
The journey of Johnnie Walker, from its humble beginnings in a grocery store to its status as a global brand, is a tale well-documented. While Red and Black Label are widely available in bars around the world, the pinnacle of the Johnnie Walker range is the Blue Label.
Surprisingly, it’s not the most expensive in their lineup. For instance, the Johnnie Walker King George V is nearly three times the price of the Blue Label, and the John Walker Private Edition collection can retail for over R7,000.
However, in South Africa and many other places, the Blue Label is the whisky that epitomizes success and accomplishment.
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label is often considered the whisky of choice when one has “made it” in life. The 21 yo XR release is only R600 more expensive. The Johnnie Walker XR Scotch whisky features a more exquisite bottle and boasts an age statement. Now, the question arises: Which bottle is the better investment?
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky
The premium Johnnie Walker Blue Label is crafted from a blend of old grain and malt whiskies, meticulously curated by Master Distiller Jim Beveridge to echo the style of 19th-century whiskies.
While the Blue Label lacks an age statement, each bottle boasts a unique serial number.
Johnnie Walker XR 21 yo Whisky
Honoring Sir Alexander Walker’s Knighthood, the Johnnie Walker XR whisky is a special edition release. This 21 yo blended whisky draws inspiration from the handwritten blending notes of Sir Alexander Walker himself.
Featuring whisky from the extensive Johnnie Walker stocks, the XR 21 yo is rumoured to include whisky from the now-silent Brora distillery. One remarkable feature of this whisky is its impressive bottle design, complete with a substantial stopper, making it a keepsake even when the last drop is poured.
Also Read: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve
Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR 21 yo Whisky
| Johnnie Walker Blue Label | Johnnie Walker XR | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Blended whisky | Blended Whisky |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Colour | Light golden amber | Dark gold with red tinges |
| Nose | Complex with many layers. Peat, smoke with oak and malt. Christmas cake, spice and dried fruit. Adding some water unlocked fresh flowers and florals. | Rich and smooth with sweetness, sherry, ripening summer fruit and flowers Adding water softens the nose and releases more smoky wood and spice. |
| Palate | Bold with peat and old wood. Water smooths it toward a more floral, sweeter bouquet with notes of oak and toffee. | Notes of ripe cherries, sherry, cinnamon, maple syrup, fruits and oak. Subtle and elegant Water tones down the boldness and takes away the complexity and richness. |
| Finish | Medium length with notes of pepper and nutmeg, caramels and oak. | Medium length. Notes of raisins and cinnamon spice. |
| My Rating | Excellent | Excellent |
| Comments | Non age statement. Easy drinking without loosing complexity. | Age statement: 21 yo. More elegant and subtle with red fruits balanced with cinnamon. |
| You will like it if you are looking for… | Something smooth with Islay / Island notes. A bold winter whisky. | Summer whisky with a more Speyside / Highland caracter. Something sweeter and elegant with a richer finish. |
| Price | $250 | Discontinued |
| Pairs well with | Roast Beef or tiramisu or a light blue cheese. | Oysters, scallops or duck |
Comparing these two exceptional whiskies side by side highlights their differences. The smoky and peaty notes are subtle when sipping the Blue Label on its own. However, the peat and smoke emerge more boldly when enjoyed alongside a sweeter whisky.
The Blue Label is bold with oak, toffee and floral notes, bits of dried fruit and Christmas spices. The XR brings red fruits, sherry and maple syrup with light oak and cinnamon. It is less bold than the Blue Label but more elegant and complex.
Both are excellent whiskies in their own right, but whether they justify their price tags or stand out in a blind taste test against other premium blends is a separate discussion, perhaps one for our whisky club friends to explore in the future.
For me and John, the Johnnie Walker XR whisky stands out as more elegant and refined when compared to the Blue Label. Its unique bottle design and substantial stopper add to its allure, making it a bottle worth preserving long after its contents have been enjoyed.
In the battle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR whisky, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you opt for the iconic Blue Label or the elegant XR 21 yo, you will surely experience the craftsmanship and legacy of one of the world’s most renowned whisky brands.
Also Read: Johnnie Walker Green vs Blue Label Whisky
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Raul Nishihata
Thx u guys killed my doubt.
BLUE x XR
R
I find XR too subtle, or soft. Finish is short. Overall a very ‘weak’ experience on the palate. Lacks complexity IMO. Something just missing from this one.
Hardy Maritz
To me your closing comments sum up well Jeanette – I really do not think Blue Label is worth what it costs – way more better whiskies at a fraction of the price.
The closest I have gotten to say Blue Label is good was trying the Cask Strength Edition – but even then, its close to R5k for a litre – at that price, there is lots of other stuff to buy/try.