Today, I delve into the intriguing world of Johnnie Walker whisky, focusing on two exceptional releases: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Johnnie Walker Gold Label blended Scotch whisky.
The showdown begins as we explore the legacy of the Gold Label 18 year old whisky, which was sadly discontinued in 2013, and its successors, the Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 year old blended Scotch.
Buckle up for a journey through time and flavour as we engage in a spirited bout of Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky.
First, let’s pay homage to the legend that is the Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 year old whisky. Crafted in 1920 by Sir Alexander Walker himself, this distinguished blend was created to commemorate the Johnnie Walker Company’s century in the whisky business, tracing its roots back to 1820.
The Gold Label is a blend of 15 different whiskies, boasting selections like Talisker, Clynish, Royal Lochnagar, and Cardhu. Each of these whiskies has gracefully aged for a minimum of 18 years, resulting in a harmonious blend that Jim Murray himself deemed worthy of 96 points in his esteemed Whisky Bible.
Now, let’s fast forward to the present and introduce the successor, the Johnnie Walker Platinum Label. This gem marked the first addition to the Johnnie Walker “colour” series in a while.
Initially launched in Travel Retail, it soon became widely available and earned its place next to the coveted Johnnie Walker Blue Label. The Platinum Label doesn’t hold back either.
With a blend of malts aged for around 18 years, it stands as Diageo’s formidable competition to the world of 18-year-old single malts. This release weaves together a select few single malt and grain whiskies, each aged for a minimum of 18 years, all crafted in the elegant and sweet Speyside style, according to Diageo’s discerning standards.
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| Johnnie Walker Platinum Label | Johnnie Walker Gold Label | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Blended whisky | Blended whisky |
| 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 |
| My Rating | Very Good | Excellent |
| Comments | It is an easy drinking whisky. | A lovely balance between the rich fruity notes and hints of smoke. |
| Pairs well with | Delicate fish or soft cheese | Dark Chocolate dessert or beef stew |
When placed side by side, it becomes evident just how subtle the differences are. They share striking similarities, beginning with their nearly identical hues, which make the choice all the more challenging.
In the battle of Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky, both contenders are champions in their own right, offering distinct yet equally enchanting experiences for whisky enthusiasts.
The Johnnie Walker Gold Label whisky brings notes of barley, apricot jam and cinnamon. A fruity sweetness with creamy oak. The Johnnie Walker Platinum Label whisky brings brandy-soaked fruit, orange and light smoke. The finish on the Gold Label is longer and more satisfactory than on the Platinum Label.
If one were to nudge ahead slightly, it would be the Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 year old whisky. I found the Gold Label richer and somewhat more complex, with an outstanding balance. The Platinum Label is easier to drink and more approachable.
Whether you choose the elegance of the Gold Label or indulge in the fruity notes of the Platinum Label, Johnnie Walker continues to deliver exceptional blends that honour their long legacy.
Also Read: Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR Whisky
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