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Diageo plc is a British multinational beverage alcohol company, with its headquarters in London, England. It operates in more than 180 countries and produces in more than 140 sites around the world. It is a major distributor of spirits and the world’s largest producer of Scotch whisky.
Brands include:
Scotch whisky: Johnnie Walker, Cardhu, Justerini & Brooks, Bell’s, Black & White, White Horse, Caol Ila, Vat 69, Oban, Talisker, Lagavulin, Glenkinchie, Dalwhinnie, Cragganmore, Clynelish, Singleton, Dimple, Glen Elgin, Knockando, Blair Athol, Dailuaine, Glenlossie, Mannochmore, Mortlach, Strathmill, Teaninich.
American whiskey: Bulleit, Seagram’s
Canadian whisky: Crown Royal
Vodka: Smirnoff, Cîroc, Ketel One
Rum: Captain Morgan,
Gin: Gordon’s, Tanqueray, Gilbey’s, Aviation Gin

This past week was just full of drama, and after all of this, I needed a dram to cheer me up. I grabbed a glass of the Glenkinchie Distillers Edition 1986 single malt Scotch whisky and went to sit in the sun on my own for a while to relax.

A stone’s throw from Edinburgh lies the Scottish Lowland whisky region. This region traditionally known for its softer drams with notes of grass, cream, fresh toast and ginger. There were at last count around 18 active distillers and another 8 in development.

The distillery lies in a glen of the Kinchie Burn near the village of Pencaitland. The name ‘Kinchie’ is a corruption of ‘De Quincy’, the original owners of the land. It was founded around 1825 by brothers John and George Rate. A convergence of events bankrupted the brothers in 1853, and the site converted to a sawmill. However, in 1881, the distillery was rebuilt and resumed whisky making.

Also Read: Aerstone Sea Cask 10 yo Whisky

In 1914, Glenkinchie joined forces with fellow Lowland distillers Rosebank, St Magdalene, Grange and Clydesdale to form Scottish Malt Distillers. This company has since evolved into the Diageo group.

The Glenkinchie core expression include the 12 year old single malt whisky and a Distillers Edition. This limited release Glenkinchie 1986 Distillers Edition single malt was distilled in 1986 and bottled in 1999. They finished the whisky in Amontillado sherry casks.

Glenkinchie Distillers Edition 1986 Whisky Review

REGION: Lowland

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: Sherry sweetness, bits of apricot, malty goodness with hints of oak and honey. Rich and inviting.

PALATE: Luxurious with notes of oak, dried apricot, bits of cherries and sherry sweetness. Toasted nuts and freshly baked shortbread. Creamy honey sweetness with soft pepper, candied ginger and cinnamon. Just amazing. Drinkable, complicated and full of body.

FINISH: Dry oak with sherry sweetness and bits of spice. Long and lingering.

RATING: DIVINE

Drinking this Glenkinchie whisky is an experience to be savoured. A wonderful, complex, luxurious moment in time to sip and appreciate. I finished my first glass without water; it did not need any water. For the second glass, I added a few drops of water, and it just brought more sweetness to the front.

Perfectly balanced and elegant. Perfection. The Distillers Editions from the various Diageo brands is, in general, delicious.

I loved the Oban Distillers Edition, and the Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition is one of the best drams I have ever tasted. I was 15 years old when Glenkinchie distilled this liquid. It makes for a special bit of history. Sadly, not many of these 1986 releases remain, and I have only seen them on auction.

My bottle will be appreciated and enjoyed with every glass that I pour. A stunning release.

Also Read: Top 5 Single Malt under R750

Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/15/2020

In Whisky Comparison

Jameson Irish whiskey vs Johnnie Walker Black Label blended whisky Comparison
When it comes to the world of spirits, few names resonate as widely as Jameson and Johnnie Walker Black Label. In this article, I will delve into the realms of blended whisky versus Irish whiskey as I compare these two iconic brands: Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label blended whisky.

Before we embark on our tasting journey, let’s get to know our contenders a bit better.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black Label Whisky

Jameson Irish Whiskey

Review and tasting notes Jameson's Irish whiskey with glass Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Comparison
Jameson Irish whiskey traces back to 1780 when John Jameson, a lawyer from Scotland, founded the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin. This marked the inception of a legacy that would conquer the world. However, turbulent world events such as the Irish War of Independence and Prohibition in the US posed significant challenges to the Irish whiskey industry.

Fast forward to the 1960s, when Irish Distillers, a conglomerate comprising Powers, Jameson, and the Cork Distillery Company, emerged to breathe new life into Irish whiskey. In the 1970s, these distilleries centralized production at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork, a pivotal moment in the history of Jameson.

Today, Jameson is a blend of pot still and grain whiskey, triple-distilled to achieve that famed Irish smoothness. It matures for four years in oak barrels and has consistently been one of the top-selling whiskies since 1909.

As part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio, Jameson shares the stage with other esteemed Irish whiskey brands like Redbreast, Green Spot, and Yellow Spot whiskey.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 yo with glass Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Comparison

Now, let’s turn our attention to Johnnie Walker. You’ve undoubtedly seen the iconic walking man symbol adorning bottles in liquor stores worldwide. While Johnnie Walker boasts a range of expressions, the Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch is a true gem in their collection.

Johnnie Walker, a brand synonymous with Scotch whiskey, is known for its global presence. Johnnie Walker Black Label, in particular, represents a blend of approximately 40 whiskies from across Scotland.

Part of the Diageo stable, Johnnie Walker has various releases, including the intriguing Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky.

It’s time to pit these two giants, Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label, against each other.

Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black label whisky comparison

	Jameson Whiskey	Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky
Type	Irish Whiskey	Blended Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Gold	Deep polished amber
Nose	Freshly baked banana bread, tropical fruit with bits of spicy wood and caramel. Grain mixed with plums, pineapple. Complex and delicious.	Faint smoke, red berries and tropical fruit, Christmas pudding with heaps of vanilla toffee and winter spice.
Palate	Very smooth. Medium body but the tropical fruit deliciousness promised by the nose is not there. Bits of malt, aniseed mixed with vanilla and pepper notes. Adding water softens the pepper notes.	Smooth and rich with smoke and peat perfectly balanced with fruit, citrus flowers, oak and malt. A creamy toffee sweetness with hints of spice and cereal. You don't even need to add water, but water releases a bit more sweetness.
Finish	Short with pepper and orange rind.	Awesome. Long and rewarding balanced between fruity sweetness, smoke, citrus peel, vanilla and warming pepper spice.
My Rating	Good	Divine
Comments	The nose promised the world. It was delicious and complex, however, it all fell flat on the palate. Not as complex as I was expecting after the delicious nose.	Rich and rewarding. Full bodied.
Price	$32	$40
Pairs well with	Hawaiian pizza, Smoked salmon, dried fruit.	A cheese platter or roasted pork.

Interestingly, the Jameson and Johnnie Walker Black Label receive similar ratings on Whizzky, yet they offer distinctly different tasting experiences.

The Jamesons bring freshly baked banana bread and tropical notes with malt, vanilla and pepper. The nose is warming and inviting, but the richness doesn’t quite translate to the palate. The Black Label has Christmas cake and red berries mixed with peat, smoke and buttery toffee. Complex, bold and delicious.

While the Jameson teases with promises on the nose, it falls short on the palate. The Black Label, however, delivers a bold and unforgettable flavour profile that captivates the senses.

In this tasting journey, a clear favourite emerges. The Johnnie Walker Black Label commands the stage as the whisky to savour first. In my humble opinion, there is no contest. Its boldness, rich flavour, and memorable character set it apart from the Jameson Irish whiskey.

In conclusion, each iconic spirit carries its unique legacy and flavour profile. Whether you lean towards the smooth embrace of Jameson or the bold allure of Johnnie Walker Black Label, both whiskies offer a taste of tradition and craftsmanship that has conquered the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.

Stay tuned for more spirited comparisons as we continue our exploration of the world of whiskey. Additionally, if you’re curious about how Jameson stacks up against other Irish whiskey contenders, check out our side-by-side comparison of Jameson with Tullamore DEW in another tasting adventure.

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Also Read: Johnnie Walker Red Label vs Black Label whisky

Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 01/20/2020

In Blended whisky

If you’re a whisky enthusiast like me, you’ve probably journeyed through the Johnnie Walker colour spectrum. Savored the nuanced delights of Blue Label, Green Label, Black, or Platinum Label. But today, I am setting my sights on where it all began, the cornerstone of the Johnnie Walker legacy – the Johnnie Walker Red Label blended Scotch whisky.

In the grand tapestry of whisky history, 1893 marked a pivotal moment when the Walker family acquired the Cardhu distillery. This strategic move was driven by their desire to secure a steady supply for their key whisky brands, including their iconic Old Highland blends.

Fast forward to 1909, and Johnnie Walker embarked on a rebranding journey that would forever change the whisky landscape. During this transformation, the Special Old Highland became known as the Red Label, and the Extra Special Old Highland evolved into the Black Label whisky.

Also Read: Black & White Whisky

Since 1945, Johnnie Walker Red Label has held the title of best-selling Scotch whisky worldwide. Its reputation precedes it as a preferred choice for crafting mixed drinks. And in my exploration of this classic, I opted for a more portable companion – the Johnnie Walker pocket Scotch.

This scaled-down version, neatly packaged in a 200 ml plastic bottle, proves ideal for travellers, hikers, and picnic-goers alike. Its resilient design ensures it won’t shatter in your picnic bag, tumble or weigh down your hiking adventure. The convenience extends to the Johnnie Walker Black Label, which also comes in a pocket-sized edition.

The heart of Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch whisky lies in its blend of 30 single malt and grain whiskies. It harmonizes the light, coastal whiskies from Scotland’s eastern shores with the more robust, peaty expressions from the west. A cornerstone of the Diageo portfolio, this whisky carries no age statement.

Johnnie Walker Red Label Blended Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Honey gold

NOSE:As you bring the glass to your nose, there are gentle notes of fruit, malt, and wildflowers. There’s a hint of greenery, a touch of vanilla, and subtle wafts of smoke. While not the most intricate bouquet, it offers a warm and inviting introduction.

PALATE: The first sip reveals toasted oak and a delightful toffee sweetness, punctuated by wisps of smoke and peat. It boasts a medium body with underlying vanilla undertones and a whisper of pepper and cardamom heat.

Though not excessively intricate, it’s eminently drinkable. A few raw alcohol notes are tempered with a drop of water, which also elevates the malt’s presence.

FINISH:The Red Label has a medium-length finish featuring notes of pepper, pectin, and honey, leaving a pleasant impression on your palate.

RATING: VERY GOOD

In summary, the Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch whisky may not have the complexity and refinement of its siblings. However, as my hubby aptly described, it’s “cheap and cheerful.”

You can rely on its consistent Johnnie Walker signature taste without breaking the bank, making it a perfect companion for crafting cocktails.

Affordability and unwavering quality are the hallmarks of Johnnie Walker Red Label. In South Africa, a bottle will retail for around R240 and India is sells for around ₹ 2,830, making it affordable.

In my quest for exploration, I couldn’t resist a side-by-side comparison with the Black Label whisky to uncover the nuances that set these two releases apart.

Also Read: Royal Challenge Whisky

Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black Label Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/18/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black Label Whisky side by side comparison
I love a glass of Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky during the week. It is a bottle I replace quite frequently. Over weekends, however, you will find me with a glass of Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky. Why do I drink them so differently?

I have never tried them side-by-side. This past weekend I pitted these two bottles against each other. Is the Double Black really double the goodness?I think you sometimes get a better sense of how good whisky is if you do a side-by-side comparison. So today I look at the Johnnie Walker Black Label vs Double Black whisky.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Review and tasting notes Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 yo with glass Review and tastingnotes Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky with glass Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black
This whisky has consistently been one of the top-selling blends in the world since 1909. Johnnie Walker is considered the most widely distributed brand of Scotch whiskey globally, and this blend has an affordable price point. In South Africa, the Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch whisky retails for around R 320 ($39 ).

Johnnie Walker Black Label is a blend of about 40 whiskies from all around Scotland. It is part of the Diageo stable of brands. From the smoky Islands to the sweeter Speyside with some Highland malts in between. All the whisky is at least 12 years old.

Johnnie Walker Double Black Whisky

Review and tastingnotes Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky with glass ohnnie Walker Black vs Double Black

Johnnie Walker Double Black blended Scotch whisky, released in 2011, takes the iconic flavours of Johnnie Walker Black to the next level. Diageo, Jim Beveridge, Master Blender for Diageo wanted to create a darker, smokier interpretation of the famous Johnnie Walker Black.

Double Black is matured in heavily charred oak casks and uses a higher proportion of Scottish West coast and Island whiskies to elevate the Johnnie Walker Black flavours to a new level of intensity. It retails for around R 500 ($ 56 ).

Also Read: Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Comparison

Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black Whisky

	Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky	Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky
Region	Blended Whisky	Blended Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Amber with a little bit of red and copper	Polished amber
Nose	Richness, complexity and luxury. There are notes of smoke, sherry rich Christmas pudding, red berry fruits and nuts. Hints of vanilla with touches of malt.	Faint smoke, red berries and tropical fruit, Christmas pudding with heaps of vanilla toffee and winter spice.
Palate	A burst of peppery spices, followed by waves of smoke and oak. A robust, mouth-filling experience marked by a buttery richness in flavour. Subtle peat notes harmonize beautifully with the embrace of malt and honey sweetness.	Smooth and easy drinking with smoke and peat perfectly balanced with fruit, citrus flowers, oak and malt. A creamy toffee sweetness with hints of spice and cereal. You don't even need to add water, but water releases a bit more sweetness.
Finish	It has a brilliant finish that builds slowly. The finish ends in notes of pepper, malt and citrus. Without water, the finish is better. Some citrus bitterness is released in the finish when you add water.	Awesome. Long and rewarding balanced between fruity sweetness, smoke, citrus peel, vanilla and warming pepper spice.
My Rating	Excellent	Divine
Comments	Big, bold and robust. Rich and delicious with a luxurious feel.	Easy drinking, affordable and rewarding. Full bodied.
Price	$50	$40
Pairs well with	Blue Cheese, smoked leg of lamb or a rump steak.	A cheese platter or roasted pork.

From the colour to the palate intensity, the difference is quite noticeable. The Black Label is slightly lighter in colour compared to the Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky.

The Black Label brings notes of smoke, peat with a toffee sweetness and hints of citrus blossoms. A fruity sweetness balanced with cereals and spice.

Double Black is spicier at the start but settles with notes of peat, malt and a honey sweetness. The Double Black finish is shorter and with more citrus pepper notes. The Double Black also has a softer peat profile when compared to the Black Label.

The strong point of the Black Label is the fact that it is more approachable, easy drinking and smooth with rich peat. It has more fruity notes and is slightly less spicy than the Double Black. The finish on the Black Label is long and rewarding and end in warming spices.

The Double Black is bold, vibrant and luxurious. Double Black is a more grown-up version of the Black Label whisky. It is the whisky to show you have arrived. The whisky to drink when you celebrate your achievements. The Johnnie Walker Black Label is like an old friend that pops around anytime and is always welcome.

These whiskies are both available via Amazon as well. You can see the Johnnie Walker Black Label and the Johnnie Walker Double Black Label by following the respective links.

Both of these Johnnie Walkers are excellent blended whiskies. I don’t mind either of these two in my glass! However, looking at how quickly the level in my two bottles go down, it is clear that I prefer the Black Label slightly more.

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Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/16/2019

In Whisky Comparison

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.

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Whisky

REview and Tasting notes Johnnie Walker Gold Label Centenary Blend with glass
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.

Johnnie Walker Platinum Label Whisky

Tasting notes for the Johnnie Walker Platinum blended whisky with glass
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.

Also Read: Singleton 12 yo vs Glenfiddich 12 yo whisky

Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label Whisky

Comparing the Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky

	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.

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Also Read: Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR Whisky