Origin: Scotland
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky
Strength: 40%ABV
Ageing casks: N/A
Chillfiltered: Yes
Additional coloring: Yes
Owner: Diageo
Average price: € 50.00
Official website: www.johnniewalker.com
Vote: 83/100
I continue my brief excursus into the products of the striding gentleman with a more premium (but still affordable) version of its blend, the Gold Label Reserve, re-launched in 2012.
As always, the result of blending whiskies from the many distilleries in the hands of the giant Diageo, with the base of the blend being Clynelish, together with other products from the Highlands, Speyside and, to a small extent, the west coast of Scotland, chosen by Master Blender Jim Beveridge and named in honour of the gold deposits that were discovered in the area where the Clynelish distillery is located.
Tasting notes
The aroma on the nose is very fresh and inviting, of freshly cut grass, flowers (rose and magnolia), almonds, fruit (peach and apricot), orange, a drop of honey, nutmeg. Lemon cream. Slightly balsamic.
Warmer and more assertive on the palate, with a slight spiciness (nutmeg and white pepper), it flows oily while maintaining a sweet and herbaceous core, with more fruit, honey, orange, lemon and cereal. Faint peat in the background, little more than a curl of smoke with a metallic note. Constant and forthright in its aromas, very drinkable.
Quite long finish, with a touch of salt, spice, orange, honey.
Complexity and evolution are certainly not among its characteristics, but it’s a blended that is very pleasant to drink, well balanced in its aromas and rich enough to leave you satisfied.