JHONNIE WALKER GOLD LABEL RESERVE MINI

A soft sipper. Classic Johnnie Walker flavours delivered with a notably silky body, and on a noticeable step towards the Blue Label’s cream-like softness. The texture on this one is actually one that I’d normally associate with your classic triple distilled Irish whiskey.

The peat smoke seemed less noticeable in the Gold Label than other Johnnie Walkers that I’ve tried. Maybe that’s because it is blended from fewer peated components than its other coloured label siblings. Given the price of the whisky, then it suggests that it is made from older whiskies and as such the base spirits’ peaty origins will have faded with time in the cask. Given that Cardhu, Blair Athol, and Cameronbridge are name checked, then it’s no surprise that the peat element is light.

As part of the 200 year celebration of Johnnie Walker & Sons, the Red Label, Black Label, and Gold Label were all packaged together, and having tasted them side by side then you can taste and feel that the Gold Label is the more luxurious of the 3, and as such invariably had the higher price tag.

I don’t want it be that guy BUT this blend is all a bit too soft and indistinct for my liking. That’s not to bemoan it: I just think I found it almost too easy drinking. It certainly has its place in the market for those after a “smooth” whisky and with the Gold Label also adorned with many gold medals, that’s why the units keep on shifting!