Johnnie Walker Red Label is the base whisky of its five offerings: Red, Black, Green, Gold, and Blue.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blend has Scotch aged a minimum of
25 years and will run you around $150 a bottle.
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Blend blends Scotch aged a minimum of
18 years and will run you around $70 a bottle.
Johnnie Walker Green Label Pure Malt is a Scotch that
only uses 15 single malt whiskeys and will run you about $60 a bottle.
Johnnie Walker Black Label Blend has Scotch aged a minimum of
12 years and will run you around $30 a bottle.
The Johnny Walker website states that Johnnie Walker Red was first created in 1909 as the Extra Special Old Highland Whisky and its main purpose was for use as a long drink – or as a mixer for those of us who only started drinking in the 90s.
THE POUR - Johnnie Walker Red pulls a solid gold color – not too light and not too dark. You can pour this next to dozens of others whiskeys and not tell the difference.
THE NOSE - I could immediately tell that this whisky had a significantly greater amount of grain alcohol in lieu of single malt whisky. The nose was sweet, sugary, and, fortunately, a touch of water releases the beautiful notes of smoke and salt water.
THE TASTE - There it is! The grain alcohol sweetens your mouth like a Splenda packet. OK, maybe the sweetness is not that intense, but there is little balance to be found at the first sip. With a little water, the sweetness dies quickly and is replaced with the traditional tastes of smoke and brine. Water makes Johnnie Walker Red the drink it is supposed to be: sweet, smoky, and warming.
THE AFTERTASTE - This whisky’s sweetness turns into a strong burn that lasts longer than most whiskeys. The burn is very nice, especially after the very sweet start. With a little water, the warmth is very balanced and very nice. The warmth in your chest is much better than a burn in your throat.
CONCLUSION - This is the booze to keep for even the
friends you don’t even like. At the standard 80 proof and selling at under $20 a 750ml bottle, you should have one of these around if you know you need something for a party.
This is a weekday whisky where you want to just pour a couple fingers and kick back. I prefer to drink Blue, Green, and Gold when I don’t have work the next day or my best friend comes back from Iraq and there is something to celebrate.
I rate this between 3.75 and 4 stars because the price is awesome for a blended whisky. Water makes this drink great, and water comes pretty cheap.
~Still drinking, not just writing as much~
Benash Liquors
ShopRite Liquors Lincoln Park
