Very good review. I make no bones to people about being a journeyman whisky drinker. I like quality 'safe' brands of which JWB is probably my favourite. As you say this was designed for the type of drinker I am. No harm in that and more power to them for delivering the product to the intended market.
I have to say you're the best whisky reviewer I ever heard. I been following you for several years and thanks to you I know a little bit more about whiskies. Have no words to express the gratitude!!!! It's incredible how much one can learn from you. I'm a neophyte in the world of whiskies but a very enthusiastic one. Hope some day I could meet you in person!!! greetings from spain!!
A few years ago, I found the Gold Label Reserve for 45 a bottle. I bought every bottle in the store! This is a great drinking scotch. 81 is a little rough.
I almost never disagree with these reviews and I understand the perspective but I paid $80 US for this bottle (that includes tax) and I am 100% satisfied.
Sir, Just bought my Gold Label today and enjoyed it with your review...I paid 80 USD for Green Label at Christmas and was told that they (state liquor agency) could no longer get it...any news?
Was it Oban, Clynelish, or Cragganmore? The other three malts you mentioned represent all the other regions in the Classic Malts range so I'm guessing the fourth single malt was a Diageo distillery in the Highlands or Speyside.
I have been given a 1951 Glen Grant as a birthday gift, and I'm anxious to open it. Are there special precautions in opening and storing it? (I'm thinking that once it hits the air it will decay, like certain bodies in Poe and Lovecraft.) Thanks--
I keep hearing that JW green is no longer being made. But my local store has plenty, and they haven't heard its going away. Should I be stashing some away?
is this the gold label reserve ralfy or 18 cant read the bottle good score for your standards i myself have only tryed jw red and black not impressed is this worth the risk for me im more of a speyside fan sherry casks any info wud be helpfull cheers from Ireland
Hi Ralfy, any chance you review the gold label reserve? i read it's blended around Clynelish single malt, wich the Gold 18 has, along with cardhu, but the reserve has more oakiness more marzipan, maybe because of younger casks? i also read that the gold reserve it's like a simpler version of the Blue label because of the layers of flavours, haven't tried it yet, thanks for the reviews !
I have now the gold label reserve, I'm drinking it right now, I liked Gold but this new tastes a bit different, I think is very sweet, I loved the green label, Im sad they discontinued it. what do you think about the new gold label reserve, the original gold label is no longer available either
To be fair, however, you were asking about a blend to be mixed with ginger ale - bat's piss might be perfectly fine for this purpose (as might cheap vodka). How high does the intrinsic "neat" quality of a blend have to be to smother it with a strong-tasting soft drink?
Ralfy, I had heard that the Green Label was going to be discontinued. Is that no longer the case. Do you have information that it will continue to be produced for now? Thanks!
You didn't mention the Platinum label, have you tried it? I'm no expert, but to me it seems quite similar in sentiment to your opinions on the Gold (which I haven't tried). Simple, inoffensive, a strong warmth, but I did like the nice dark chocolate finish.
Hi Ralfy!, I have a question that may seem kind of silly however I'll go ahead and ask. What exactly is an independent bottler? I notice they put names of distilleries I know on the bottles. Are they a company or a single entity that utilizes casks from a particular bottler that may be well known? I would love to see a vlog on who these folks are and their challenges and experiences of getting a bottle to market...just an idea. Perhaps an interview, Haven't seen anyone do this yet.
Great review, Ralfy. I was wondering if you would be able to review Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select bourbon? It is one of my personal favorites and a very good whiskey.
Hi Irish, Green is still available here in the US for now, and may be for a few more months, but it is definitely going away. The last I heard was that it would be available in the US through the end of the summer.
Ralfy... I looked back at review 107 for Canadian Club which received an 82. Do you feel that the JW Gold can be at times a "lesser" whisky when compared to the Canadian Club. I have no preference for either but just thought that the scores were interesting. Cheers on another great review! I have some suggestions for a show theme, don't know how you would prefer that I share that with you.
Ralfy, in Review 17 you gave Teacher's Highland Cream a very respectable 88/100, with a later annotation that the quality had slipped a bit. Can you comment on THC's current status, or if you have any plans for a re-review? Thanks for your insightful commentary, much appreciated.
Ralfy, if you continue on the JW blends line-up I would love to hear your thoughts on thier newest products; The Platinum Label; The Gold Label Reserve, or The Spice Road.
I bought a bottle of JW Gold a couple years ago... a terrible waste of $70USD. I still have half a bottle. It's now totally flat and mellow. But I give it to less experienced guests who drink it on ice and they love it and think I'm generous. But in reality, I'm unloading my crap whisky. Does that make me a bad person?
Not at all. If they're drinking whisky on ice then they certainly don't deserve your best stuff anway. So long as they're happy, I'd call it a win-win!
The second I heard this guys voice I knew he was gonna be awesome. Old chill-ass Scottish dude drinking his Scotch whiskey! Now overall, what do you guys think is the best Johnny label? I always liked the Walker but I've only had a couple types. I always loved how they combine so many different bottles and malts just to make one bottle of whiskey. That's putting time and energy into your product.
I don't doubt it; Diageo seems to be in retreat on all fronts. When the Double Black came out, I thought it might be a trial balloon for taking away the regular Black's age statement. Cheers!
This is a delicious Scotch, but if you prefer a more "earthy" profile, it's not for you. JWG is a silky blend of butterscotch and honey with just enough whisper of citrus to gloriously bathe your tongue in sweet yet deep delight. As noted, it's best with a splash, but holds its own neat. An "81?" Pluh-eeez. Solid 90 plus and all to whom I have introduced this proud member of the JW family agree it's become their go-to blend for celebrating a great day, or a great night... If you want a single, then get one. But if you've purchased a Scotch that says "blend" on the label, few successfully compete with Johnnie Walker Gold.
+Matthew Abela here in the the states rarely when i find it i usually by all i can .. theres another version that came out . honestly it doesnt taste the same at all
Ralfy, have you ever tasted the Blairmhor 8 yo pure malt? I stumbled upon it a few weeks ago on a whisky night with friends and was very pleasantly surprised, for such a young spirit. Even more so when I looked it up and saw it costs about the same as a bottle of Red Label. I found it far better than that though ;-)
No more Green being shipped to Canada. Very hard to get any but most private stores that have it in stock have not caught on and have not jacked up prices yet.
Used to keep a bottle of Gold around, easy drinking and looks fancy. Since I've started to actually care about the taste of my scotch, I stopped buying it, it's not bad, but not at all exiting. You hit it right on the nose
Great review Ralfy! I really think Johnny Gold outdoes itself ironically. It lacks definition. Surprisingly, Johnny Walker Black is my favorite. As a Canadian middle class citizen, Johnny Walker Black has plenty of kick to it, and makes me feel classy without feeling too classy. May I had (Johnny Walker Red is banned from my whiskey preferences!)
Part of my introduction to scotch was a "Night of Johnnie Walker". They started with a cocktail hour of mixed drinks using red (and maybe black), followed by a presentation about scotch a a tasting of 4 single malts (Glenkinchie, Talisker and Lagavulin, I forget #4), along with red and black. Then dinner and the pièce de résistance...a taste of Johnnie Walker Gold. It was a fun event and I walked away with a real appreciation for Talisker and Lagavulin.
Folks take Ralfy with a big grain of salt on the JW line. Let me say I'm a huge fan of all these "More Challenging and More Rewarding" scotches that Ralfy recommends. However, JW Gold is a very nice scotch! Sure...it's different than most single malts where more intensity will be found. However, at times I'm in the mood for something rich in honey yet more subtle and refined than some bigger complex single malts. The single malts are not better, they're just different...so to say they're more "rewarding" is not a statement of fact from Ralfy but rather subjective opinion...and again I have a pallet that loves intense single malts. The fun part about scotch for me is noticing the nuances between all kinds and styles of quality scotches, and JW Gold is one of them. For someone else it might be simply enjoying subtle or refined, or someone else it might only be more intense single malts. Unless your the latter JW Gold will probably please you about as much as several other scotches Ralfy has rated in the 90's.
Love your videos. I am watching all of them religiously. I watched your J&B Reserve video and gathered that you generally do not care for the Rare line. I'm trying to train myself to enjoy Scotch in the way you or others would. My question is, am I wasting my time on the J&B Rare? Is the Rare looked at with disdain by most? I have not scouted my area too much but I know that I have Chivas Regal 12 readily available as well as well as some standard Dewar's. Thanks!
Fair enough, and I think your comment gets at the central issue: if a whisky is INTENDED to be consumed with mix, and even if it's VERY serviceable that way, how good can it really be on its own? Cheers!
Ralfy, the one time i had johnny walker gold it was like drinking liquid smoke but in a good way. i can not figure out were you are getting these others notes of flavor? i love your reviews but this one confuses me. Jay
Ralfy - you state that grain whisky comes from a column still and malt whisky is from a pot still. I understand the economics ot the column still and the marketing cachet of the pot still, but are either of these true legal requirements of the SWA?
Tons of Green, indeed - when I heard it was discontinued, I went out and bought a case... it is half a year later, and the shelves are still full. Such a shame, because this latest batch of Green is actually the best I've had!
Jay Sunshine I do actually think that the new "gold label reserve" is quite nice for the price. Or well, maybe, it is just that the taste suits me. Whisky is a very personal thing anyway.
just bought it,but its the 15yo one,i was going to buy the black lable but this was only 8 euros more expensive,i love whiskey but im very new with zero experience to the tastes,i have only drank red lable,do you think i made a right choice?
JW Red is only good for mixing. JW Black 12 is an excellent out-on-the-town neat dram. As a neat dram, JW Green 15 is probably the best of the JW line when balancing quality, price, & accessibility. JW Swing is also excellent as a neat dram. Slainte,
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your point of view) I have only tried Teacher's since late 2012, so have no point of reference for what may have been better offerings. THC is one of the most affordable blends here in the U.S., which can be the deciding factor when on a budget.
Except that JW says that Green Label has, in fact, been discontinued for all markets. What's out there now, in whatever quantity at whatever location, is all there is.
Apparently, according to Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 - "Single malt Scotch whisky means a Scotch whisky produced from only water and malted barley at a single distillery by batch distillation in pot stills." (Wiki quoted). There may be no stipulation on still type for the production of grain spirit - at least I haven't found one.
I'm just getting into whiskey, but it's the aftertaste that really gets me on this one...I'm still trying to dissect the taste of the actual drink itself, but the taste after you swallow is fantastic.
I've never understood the point in having a blend at gold label pricing (or even green label pricing for that matter) when I can get an excellent single malt for much less.
is it just me or have I notice that in the Johnnie Walker's reviews you have given lower ratings to the "better" walker's whisky's. I believe you started with like an 86 for black and since than lower and lower for the gold, platinum and maybe even blue. I love walker;s whisky's and i have not try the platinum or blue cause of the price. now I don't know if I should even try to get them. what's your saying on that Mr. ralfystuff
Last year at a whisky festival, the brand rep said that Green would continue to be offered in Japan and Travel Retail. I hope he was right, as I agree with you that the Green was the best of the range. But, since the website doesn't list it anymore, I'm afraid he misspoke.
Also hearing about the JW green not being discontinued is wonderful. I do not drink it all the time but I have a couple glasses in memory of my dad a few times a year and was really worried about having to pay outrageous prices from collectors cause it was off market, Also I just had a couple whiskeys that I dont seem to find in my area. 1 was the 30yo Canadian club and it was A+ in my book. The other is one I have scene you review but I cant remember the name. I think it was Blue hanger maybe
I totally agree with this review. I sipped this one a week ago, and had the same impressions. Too expensive in comparison with the fun that it can deliver.
Thank you Ralfy for your review .. always a pleasure .. and I always look forward to your reviews. The Green Label is a favorite of mine from Johnnie Walker. Its hard to get .. but I always manage to get my ex-wife (wich works with the europian union and travels alot) to get a bottle of the wonderful Green Elixir :)
By the way, u should definitely consider a comparison between the new Green Label, and your older bottle. Kind of like u did with the Red Label. In my humble opinion, they are vastly different. Still quite good, but different.
I was about to say I recalled you having given a 97 to Glenmorangie, but I re-watched the video first. I must have been listening to review without looking at the screen the first time!
Look at the bottle you find on the shelf carefully from now on - JW Gold Label, as reviewed here by Ralfy is an 18; the new JW Gold Label RESERVE, which has replaced it, has no age statement - the 18 age statement has been moved to the Platinum Label, at a higher price.
My father owns a Jonnie Walker Blue Label King George edition V. A present from a family member when he turned 50. Do you Ralfy, know how it tastes? He do not dare to open it... But all I want to is to taste it =D. Guessing it's smart to save that one for a better time. Anyway, much much love from Sweden, and keep up the good work, I appreciate the films very much!
The Gold and the Green labels sell for approximately the same price here. $69.99 CAD for the Gold label, and $70.99 CAD for the Green (in Alberta Canada). While both are great blends, the Green label in my opinion is a superior product. If you are at your local bar or retailer and faced with a choice between the two, go for the Green. :)
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Very good review. I make no bones to people about being a journeyman whisky drinker. I like quality 'safe' brands of which JWB is probably my favourite. As you say this was designed for the type of drinker I am. No harm in that and more power to them for delivering the product to the intended market.
I have to say you're the best whisky reviewer I ever heard. I been following you for several years and thanks to you I know a little bit more about whiskies. Have no words to express the gratitude!!!! It's incredible how much one can learn from you. I'm a neophyte in the world of whiskies but a very enthusiastic one. Hope some day I could meet you in person!!! greetings from spain!!
I love that pained sense of diplomacy that plays across your face out of necessity, Ralfy. We know what you mean really!
I've been on a spree of these reviews lately and I must say they are some of the best in depth reviews out there. Well earned sub.
Ralfy you've always guided me well and through the years, especially with more independent or less marketed drams. Thanks again
Perfect sizes review and an honest one at that. I always enjoy hearing what's on your mind, looking forward to the next one!
A few years ago, I found the Gold Label Reserve for 45 a bottle. I bought every bottle in the store! This is a great drinking scotch. 81 is a little rough.
I do concur what's your plan mark Johnnie Walker gold. Thank you so much for your review.
I almost never disagree with these reviews and I understand the perspective but I paid $80 US for this bottle (that includes tax) and I am 100% satisfied.
You will love the green label
Sir, Just bought my Gold Label today and enjoyed it with your review...I paid 80 USD for Green Label at Christmas and was told that they (state liquor agency) could no longer get it...any news?
Was it Oban, Clynelish, or Cragganmore? The other three malts you mentioned represent all the other regions in the Classic Malts range so I'm guessing the fourth single malt was a Diageo distillery in the Highlands or Speyside.
What are your feelings on Glendronach 12 and Isle of Arran 12 cask strength? I love your stuff!
Can you review the new JW Platinum Label?
I have been given a 1951 Glen Grant as a birthday gift, and I'm anxious to open it. Are there special precautions in opening and storing it? (I'm thinking that once it hits the air it will decay, like certain bodies in Poe and Lovecraft.) Thanks--
I keep hearing that JW green is no longer being made. But my local store has plenty, and they haven't heard its going away. Should I be stashing some away?
The best JW in my humble opinion is the Green Label (15y), as it has no grain whisky in it and a profile which is pretty comparable to a single malt.
Ralfy what is your score for Johnnie Walker Platinum. Thanks
I didn't find it on the website either, but other people claim to have done so (on other websites for other markets?).
is this the gold label reserve ralfy or 18 cant read the bottle good score for your standards i myself have only tryed jw red and black not impressed is this worth the risk for me im more of a speyside fan sherry casks any info wud be helpfull cheers from Ireland
Hi Ralfy, any chance you review the gold label reserve? i read it's blended around Clynelish single malt, wich the Gold 18 has, along with cardhu, but the reserve has more oakiness more marzipan, maybe because of younger casks? i also read that the gold reserve it's like a simpler version of the Blue label because of the layers of flavours, haven't tried it yet, thanks for the reviews !
I have now the gold label reserve, I'm drinking it right now, I liked Gold but this new tastes a bit different, I think is very sweet, I loved the green label, Im sad they discontinued it. what do you think about the new gold label reserve, the original gold label is no longer available either
To be fair, however, you were asking about a blend to be mixed with ginger ale - bat's piss might be perfectly fine for this purpose (as might cheap vodka). How high does the intrinsic "neat" quality of a blend have to be to smother it with a strong-tasting soft drink?
10:34 Luxury mixer ? Not fair Ralfy. I don't think Jim Beveridge would appreciate that. Gold label is already combined spirits put in one bottle.
Ralfy, I had heard that the Green Label was going to be discontinued. Is that no longer the case. Do you have information that it will continue to be produced for now? Thanks!
Are discontinued Johnnie Walker's worth collecting as compared to the single malts?
You didn't mention the Platinum label, have you tried it? I'm no expert, but to me it seems quite similar in sentiment to your opinions on the Gold (which I haven't tried). Simple, inoffensive, a strong warmth, but I did like the nice dark chocolate finish.
Hi Ralfy!,
I have a question that may seem kind of silly however I'll go ahead and ask. What exactly is an independent bottler? I notice they put names of distilleries I know on the bottles. Are they a company or a single entity that utilizes casks from a particular bottler that may be well known? I would love to see a vlog on who these folks are and their challenges and experiences of getting a bottle to market...just an idea. Perhaps an interview, Haven't seen anyone do this yet.
Great review, Ralfy. I was wondering if you would be able to review Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select bourbon? It is one of my personal favorites and a very good whiskey.
Same here, no more Green Label on the Dutch site. Still available in certain shops though.
Hi Irish,
Green is still available here in the US for now, and may be for a few more months, but it is definitely going away. The last I heard was that it would be available in the US through the end of the summer.
Would it be beneficial to save a bottle of green rather than drink it?
Hi Ralfy, Any plans on reviewing the JW Platinum label?
And how do you view JW vs Chivas in terms of whiskey quality?
how about whiskey stones>?. i love my gold label. next i will get is platinum label
Ralfy... I looked back at review 107 for Canadian Club which received an 82. Do you feel that the JW Gold can be at times a "lesser" whisky when compared to the Canadian Club. I have no preference for either but just thought that the scores were interesting. Cheers on another great review! I have some suggestions for a show theme, don't know how you would prefer that I share that with you.
Ralfy, in Review 17 you gave Teacher's Highland Cream a very respectable 88/100, with a later annotation that the quality had slipped a bit. Can you comment on THC's current status, or if you have any plans for a re-review? Thanks for your insightful commentary, much appreciated.
Ralfy, if you continue on the JW blends line-up I would love to hear your thoughts on thier newest products; The Platinum Label; The Gold Label Reserve, or The Spice Road.
thanxx for your review ralfy...btw whats your first choice when it comes to whisky??(just curious)
I bought a bottle of JW Gold a couple years ago... a terrible waste of $70USD. I still have half a bottle. It's now totally flat and mellow. But I give it to less experienced guests who drink it on ice and they love it and think I'm generous. But in reality, I'm unloading my crap whisky. Does that make me a bad person?
Another man's crap is another person's treasure !
Not at all. If they're drinking whisky on ice then they certainly don't deserve your best stuff anway. So long as they're happy, I'd call it a win-win!
The second I heard this guys voice I knew he was gonna be awesome.
Old chill-ass Scottish dude drinking his Scotch whiskey! Now overall, what do you guys think is the best Johnny label? I always liked the Walker but I've only had a couple types. I always loved how they combine so many different bottles and malts just to make one bottle of whiskey. That's putting time and energy into your product.
I don't doubt it; Diageo seems to be in retreat on all fronts. When the Double Black came out, I thought it might be a trial balloon for taking away the regular Black's age statement. Cheers!
This is a delicious Scotch, but if you prefer a more "earthy" profile, it's not for you. JWG is a silky blend of butterscotch and honey with just enough whisper of citrus to gloriously bathe your tongue in sweet yet deep delight. As noted, it's best with a splash, but holds its own neat. An "81?" Pluh-eeez. Solid 90 plus and all to whom I have introduced this proud member of the JW family agree it's become their go-to blend for celebrating a great day, or a great night... If you want a single, then get one. But if you've purchased a Scotch that says "blend" on the label, few successfully compete with Johnnie Walker Gold.
what was the 95 ralfy? out of curiosity of course, i know ratings are not everything.
Still the best in whisky reviews on RUclips
What is the difference between 18yr gold label and the gold label without an age statement?
I am in the greater San Francisco area, Green & Gold are still on the shelf at a nearby private shop.
Makers Mark 46! not 43. Sorry for the typos.
hi ralfy, cam this version of gold label still be found easily off the market? thanks
+Matthew Abela here in the the states rarely when i find it i usually by all i can .. theres another version that came out . honestly it doesnt taste the same at all
Yes I know. The one you are talking about is the Johnny Walker Gold Label Reserve. What about the Johnny Walker Green Label? Can it easily be found?
For them to put 18 years old on the bottle does the grain whisky and the malt whisky have to be 18 yo or just the malt?
+conradbw . . . all spirit used must by law, be or exceed the age stated.
Just curious, Ralfy, how far ahead do you plan your vlog topics? Best Regards.
Green is now gone. I can't find it in any store in my area.
Hey I’ve a doubt Johnnie Walker gold label reserve is that aged 18 years too..?
Ralfy, have you ever tasted the Blairmhor 8 yo pure malt? I stumbled upon it a few weeks ago on a whisky night with friends and was very pleasantly surprised, for such a young spirit. Even more so when I looked it up and saw it costs about the same as a bottle of Red Label. I found it far better than that though ;-)
No more Green being shipped to Canada. Very hard to get any but most private stores that have it in stock have not caught on and have not jacked up prices yet.
Ralfy, have you ever looked at the growing of barley and malting? I'm guessing there are various qualities of both but have seen no reviews.
Used to keep a bottle of Gold around, easy drinking and looks fancy. Since I've started to actually care about the taste of my scotch, I stopped buying it, it's not bad, but not at all exiting. You hit it right on the nose
Great review Ralfy! I really think Johnny Gold outdoes itself ironically. It lacks definition. Surprisingly, Johnny Walker Black is my favorite. As a Canadian middle class citizen, Johnny Walker Black has plenty of kick to it, and makes me feel classy without feeling too classy. May I had (Johnny Walker Red is banned from my whiskey preferences!)
Hi ralfy what do you say about the platinum lable?
Part of my introduction to scotch was a "Night of Johnnie Walker". They started with a cocktail hour of mixed drinks using red (and maybe black), followed by a presentation about scotch a a tasting of 4 single malts (Glenkinchie, Talisker and Lagavulin, I forget #4), along with red and black. Then dinner and the pièce de résistance...a taste of Johnnie Walker Gold. It was a fun event and I walked away with a real appreciation for Talisker and Lagavulin.
Very interesting score, especially compared to other blends that are much less expensive - Vat 69 (86), Black & White (86), JW Black Label (86).
Totta kai. Tuntuiko hyvää?
What did you think of Gold Reserve?
Platinum label is been discontinued replaced by jw age 18 years old
Folks take Ralfy with a big grain of salt on the JW line. Let me say I'm a huge fan of all these "More Challenging and More Rewarding" scotches that Ralfy recommends. However, JW Gold is a very nice scotch! Sure...it's different than most single malts where more intensity will be found. However, at times I'm in the mood for something rich in honey yet more subtle and refined than some bigger complex single malts. The single malts are not better, they're just different...so to say they're more "rewarding" is not a statement of fact from Ralfy but rather subjective opinion...and again I have a pallet that loves intense single malts. The fun part about scotch for me is noticing the nuances between all kinds and styles of quality scotches, and JW Gold is one of them. For someone else it might be simply enjoying subtle or refined, or someone else it might only be more intense single malts. Unless your the latter JW Gold will probably please you about as much as several other scotches Ralfy has rated in the 90's.
Love your videos. I am watching all of them religiously. I watched your J&B Reserve video and gathered that you generally do not care for the Rare line. I'm trying to train myself to enjoy Scotch in the way you or others would. My question is, am I wasting my time on the J&B Rare? Is the Rare looked at with disdain by most? I have not scouted my area too much but I know that I have Chivas Regal 12 readily available as well as well as some standard Dewar's. Thanks!
Ralfy, you ever tasted the "new" Platinum Label? How it compares to the "old" Gold Label?
Fair enough, and I think your comment gets at the central issue: if a whisky is INTENDED to be consumed with mix, and even if it's VERY serviceable that way, how good can it really be on its own? Cheers!
Ralfy, the one time i had johnny walker gold it was like drinking liquid smoke but in a good way. i can not figure out were you are getting these others notes of flavor? i love your reviews but this one confuses me.
Jay
Stupid question but but does anyone make malted grain whiskey?
If you ever watched Cheers , your much cooler than Norm. Love your talk.
Ralfy, video quality is really excellent lately! Thanks mate
Ralfy what are your thoughts on Dalmore 12 and 15 year olds?
Ralfy - you state that grain whisky comes from a column still and malt whisky is from a pot still. I understand the economics ot the column still and the marketing cachet of the pot still, but are either of these true legal requirements of the SWA?
Wow, I haven't heard you use the descriptor "smooth" ever Ralfy.
One of the official serving suggestions for the 18 was, in fact, to serve it from a bottle that had been in the fridge or freezer.
Tons of Green, indeed - when I heard it was discontinued, I went out and bought a case... it is half a year later, and the shelves are still full. Such a shame, because this latest batch of Green is actually the best I've had!
No, I haven't, but I haven't seen any reviews that say it's any improvement on the 18 Gold Label.
Does this represent good value at £35 for a 70cl bottle?
Jay Sunshine I do actually think that the new "gold label reserve" is quite nice for the price. Or well, maybe, it is just that the taste suits me. Whisky is a very personal thing anyway.
just bought it,but its the 15yo one,i was going to buy the black lable but this was only 8 euros more expensive,i love whiskey but im very new with zero experience to the tastes,i have only drank red lable,do you think i made a right choice?
JW Red is only good for mixing. JW Black 12 is an excellent out-on-the-town neat dram. As a neat dram, JW Green 15 is probably the best of the JW line when balancing quality, price, & accessibility. JW Swing is also excellent as a neat dram. Slainte,
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your point of view) I have only tried Teacher's since late 2012, so have no point of reference for what may have been better offerings. THC is one of the most affordable blends here in the U.S., which can be the deciding factor when on a budget.
Have you tried the Platinum Label?
Except that JW says that Green Label has, in fact, been discontinued for all markets. What's out there now, in whatever quantity at whatever location, is all there is.
Apparently, according to Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 - "Single malt Scotch whisky means a Scotch whisky produced from only water and malted barley at a single distillery by batch distillation in pot stills." (Wiki quoted). There may be no stipulation on still type for the production of grain spirit - at least I haven't found one.
I'm pretty sure he's got a video on that?
I'm just getting into whiskey, but it's the aftertaste that really gets me on this one...I'm still trying to dissect the taste of the actual drink itself, but the taste after you swallow is fantastic.
I've never understood the point in having a blend at gold label pricing (or even green label pricing for that matter) when I can get an excellent single malt for much less.
Is it a Doctor Who T-shirt you are wearing ? :p
is it just me or have I notice that in the Johnnie Walker's reviews you have given lower ratings to the "better" walker's whisky's. I believe you started with like an 86 for black and since than lower and lower for the gold, platinum and maybe even blue. I love walker;s whisky's and i have not try the platinum or blue cause of the price. now I don't know if I should even try to get them. what's your saying on that Mr. ralfystuff
How does this compare to the Platinum?
+Jamal Peoples I'm wondering the same thing I've tried platinum but not gold
Ralfy, have you ever had a Pimm's Cup? What's it taste like?
Last year at a whisky festival, the brand rep said that Green would continue to be offered in Japan and Travel Retail. I hope he was right, as I agree with you that the Green was the best of the range.
But, since the website doesn't list it anymore, I'm afraid he misspoke.
Also hearing about the JW green not being discontinued is wonderful. I do not drink it all the time but I have a couple glasses in memory of my dad a few times a year and was really worried about having to pay outrageous prices from collectors cause it was off market, Also I just had a couple whiskeys that I dont seem to find in my area. 1 was the 30yo Canadian club and it was A+ in my book. The other is one I have scene you review but I cant remember the name. I think it was Blue hanger maybe
I totally agree with this review. I sipped this one a week ago, and had the same impressions. Too expensive in comparison with the fun that it can deliver.
Thank you Ralfy for your review .. always a pleasure .. and I always look forward to your reviews. The Green Label is a favorite of mine from Johnnie Walker.
Its hard to get .. but I always manage to get my ex-wife (wich works with the europian union and travels alot) to get a bottle of the wonderful Green Elixir :)
Ralfy, any plans to review Glenmorangie LaSanta?
By the way, u should definitely consider a comparison between the new Green Label, and your older bottle. Kind of like u did with the Red Label. In my humble opinion, they are vastly different. Still quite good, but different.
I was about to say I recalled you having given a 97 to Glenmorangie, but I re-watched the video first. I must have been listening to review without looking at the screen the first time!
Look at the bottle you find on the shelf carefully from now on - JW Gold Label, as reviewed here by Ralfy is an 18; the new JW Gold Label RESERVE, which has replaced it, has no age statement - the 18 age statement has been moved to the Platinum Label, at a higher price.
My father owns a Jonnie Walker Blue Label King George edition V. A present from a family member when he turned 50. Do you Ralfy, know how it tastes? He do not dare to open it... But all I want to is to taste it =D. Guessing it's smart to save that one for a better time. Anyway, much much love from Sweden, and keep up the good work, I appreciate the films very much!
The Gold and the Green labels sell for approximately the same price here. $69.99 CAD for the Gold label, and $70.99 CAD for the Green (in Alberta Canada). While both are great blends, the Green label in my opinion is a superior product. If you are at your local bar or retailer and faced with a choice between the two, go for the Green. :)
What About Green??? That one got good marks; though no surprise it is a vatted malt! (Or was, I believe they stopped making it.)