TL;DR
How Good Is Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old?
Whilst whisky is, of course, subjective, there is a reliable metric that we can use to measure how ‘good’ a whisky really is, and that is awards. Numerous spirits and whisky awards are held across the world every year, with seasoned judges from across the industry. Whilst they, too, are judging a whisky according to their personal tastes, most competitions employ a blind tasting structure ensuring that the judges are fair in their assessments.
The whisky also won Gold in the ‘Blend aged 13-18 years’ category at the Scotch Whisky Masters in 2022. Additionally, another Gold medal was picked up at the 2022 International Wine & Spirit Competition.
How Much Is Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old?
The Whiskey Wash’s Compare Tool allows you to track the retail prices of your favorite whiskies, wherever you are based.
To the surprise of many, this age-statement Johnnie Walker expression retails cheaper than the Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
UK: Currently, the Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old is retailing in the UK for £69.
U.S: If you are based in the U.S., you can pick up a bottle of Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old for $68.
Prices are subject to change based on availability, so make sure you keep an eye on the compare tool to get the best price.
Is Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old The Same As Johnnie Walker Platinum?
Yes, Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old is the same as the Platinum expression. Johnnie Walker Platinum was rebranded as the 18 Year Old in 2017.
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Context Is Key
As with any whisky, it is important to understand the target audience, as this can affect the way a person interacts with a spirit. For example, somebody who is a single malt scotch enthusiast and has sampled some of the best that scotch whisky has to offer may not be blown away by Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old.
With that being said, the 18 Year Old is one of Johnnie Walker’s more premium blends and constitutes a step up from other bottles in the brand’s portfolio such as Red Label and Black Label. As such, somebody seeking a refined experience – but not expecting the height of luxury – may enjoy Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old.
A strong analogy for Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old in the context of watches might be the Longines Master Collection. Both offer a refined and polished experience, showcasing maturity and craftsmanship. However, they don’t pretend to compete at the pinnacle of exclusivity.
The Longines Master Collection is known for its timeless elegance and attention to detail, but it remains within reach for those seeking luxury without the price tag of a Patek Philippe. Similarly, Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old is a balanced and sophisticated blend, ideal for those who value depth and smoothness but aren’t necessarily chasing the extremes of rarity or cost.
It’s a whisky that delivers grace and consistency, perfect for marking an occasion or indulging in something special without stepping too far into extravagance.
What Do The Reviews Say?
Serge Valentin is one of the most respected whisky reviewers in the world. The founder of WhiskyFun, Valentin has sampled some of the rarest and most spectacular whiskies in the world. So, what did he make of Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old?
Serge awarded the 18 Year Old 84 points out of 100, saying: “An excellent blend, I think. I would even drink it (gee-ee-ee…).”
TOModera reviewed Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old on a Reddit thread three years ago. The reviewer, who is the owner of the website tomoderawhisky, seems to have sampled their fair share of scotch.
They awarded the whisky 77 points out of 100, saying: “Quite tasty, very smooth, nothing too over-the-top but a nice dram to sip. The finish is the most impressive part, taking a step up on floral or smoke notes while keeping that cereal element.” They also note that Green Label might be a better alternative for “nerdier whisky people”.
Chip Dykstra – The Rum Howler Blog
Chip Dykstra of The Rum Howler Blog reviewed Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old in 2021 and awarded it 92 points out of 100. According to the reviewer’s scale, this makes the 18 Year Old “definitely a primary sipping spirit, in fact you may want to hoard this for yourself.”
How To Drink Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old
Like most of Johnnie Walker’s portfolio, the 18 Year Old is designed to be versatile. However, from the various reviews discussed, as well as our own, it looks like Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old is perfectly sippable neat, with water, or on ice.
Drinking it this way will allow you to appreciate the nuances in the flavor profile, as well as the smooth texture.
It may also help to leave the whisky in the glass for a while, allowing it to open up. The Rum Howler Blog asserts that “This is one of those whiskies which should be allowed to breathe to reach its full potential.”
Is Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old Better Than Blue Label?
Ultimately, it comes down to budget, as with most things. If you have the means, indulging in Johnnie Walker Blue Label—even just a glass at a bar—is a worthwhile experience. It’s a whisky that demands personal exploration and opinion. That said, budget often takes precedence, especially for you as the buyer, and this is where Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old truly shines.
This bottle offers exceptional value. The artistry behind blending whiskies aged for a minimum of 18 years is an incredible achievement in itself. The harmonious marriage of Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Islay, Islands, malts, and grains results in a whisky that is consistently rich and satisfying. In terms of value for money, the 18 Year Old surpasses Gold Label, delivering a superior experience without stretching your wallet. For those seeking quality and taste without compromise, it’s a steal.
