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Whisky Review: Johnnie Walker Green Label

We review Johnnie Walker Green Label, a recently re-introduced Johnnie Walker blend of Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and Island malts.

OVERALL RATING

9
$65.00
  • Joshua St. John, a Portland-based runner and global whisky explorer.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Johnnie Walker describes Green Label as representative of the Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and Island regions of Scotland. They have even gone so far as to name Cragganmore and Linkwood of Speyside, Islay’s Caol Ila, and Talisker from Skye as being chief components of the blend.

Being a blended malt, all individual spirits comprising Johnnie Walker Green Label begin their existence as single malts before blending, at which time no additional grain spirits are combined in the vat. Only malts go in, and only a singular malt blend comes out. Johnnie Walker Green Label is bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) and carries a 15 year age statement.
Appearance:
, Diageo had remained largely silent on the status of Green Label until spring of 2016 when it was confirmed that the blend is indeed back, and on a permanent basis. Johnnie Walker describes Green Label as representative of the Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and Island regions of Scotland. They have even gone so far as to name Cragganmore and Linkwood of Speyside, Islay’s Caol Ila, and Talisker from Skye as being chief components of the blend. Being a blended malt, all individual spirits comprising Johnnie Walker Green Label begin their existence as single malts before blending, at which time no additional grain spirits are combined in the vat. Only malts go in, and only a singular malt blend comes out. Johnnie Walker Green Label is bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) and carries a 15 year age statement. Tasting Notes: Johnnie Walker Green Label Vital Stats: 43% ABV (86 proof), aged 15 years, blended malt Scotch whisky, available around $65 per 750 ml bottle. Appearance: Honey in a glass. Medium legs.
Nose:
Vanilla bean ice cream, banana, allspice, shortbread cookies, oak more green than charred, very subtle smoke.
Palate:
Vanilla, nutmeg, honey, cinnamon, mild amount of peat smoke. Very round, full, and silky mouthfeel.
Finish:
The finish is soft, with very subtle wisps of smoke mingling with malt and lingering toffee.
Comments:
I have to admit that I found the lack of information regarding Green Label’s status over the past year or so to be frustrating. Rumors were routinely published as fact without verifiable sources, which only compounded the problem. The choice to essentially perform a soft launch for the label with little to no official fanfare is curious and adds to the overall quirkiness of the label itself. Green Label is as solid an example of what is possible when blending single malts as I could reasonably hope for.

Strictly on its own merits, I find the whisky to be enjoyable, interesting, and effortlessly drinkable. Combined with a comparatively reasonable $65 price point, I find the stuff absolutely irresistible. Dollar for dollar, ounce for ounce, this very well may be the best Johnnie Walker you will find.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Joshua St. John

When not savoring whiskey, Joshua St. John can likely be found exploring the trails of the Pacific Northwest near his Portland, Oregon, home. A lifelong world traveler, he was first captivated by single malts during visits to Scottish distilleries. He continues to explore the globe, discovering its diverse cultures through the myriad expressions of his beloved spirit.

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